2024 WNBA Discussion Thread

[brittannica]

I hope you get to go for your birthday! I’ve only been to Liberty games, but have had a blast each time.

Thank you! I’ve never been to a WNBA game, but they look like a blast on tv! I’d love to catch a Liberty game as well. We were literally just talking yesterday about what a star Ellie the Elephant is

 

[glv98]

It had to be an last-straw-type of call, because that one mouthing-off, and then behind-the-back-style waving off, of the ref alone wasn't much at all to my eye. Seems likely to have been a belated reaction to having finally gotten fed up with stuff that had happened before then.

it's so odd what's happening to me, and makes me wonder if it's happening to others. This season started out with me being so excited about it. I even campaigned for folks to give the WNBA a fair shot to see if they could develop an appreciation for it.

But I swear, I'm quickly getting sick of the whole thing. All the pettiness. The jealousy. The overinflated egos. The constant whining to the officials. The uptick in "lesson fouls." The disingenuous concerns being expressed by some male TV sports personalities regarding women in sports. The confusing TV scheduling. The silly obsession with pre-game "fits" ... everything.

I'm losing my WNBA religion over here, and it's making me sad.

Boy howdy, every bit of this. I'm back to watching just for a few players I'm interested in. Amb predicted it a long time ago, the league that can't get out of it's own way. It's really sad to me when women think it validates them to be a bad as the worst men. Whining and mugging is exactly why some of us don't watch the NBA and are looking for something different, like real basketball.

However, I think we're outnumbered and all the drama is likely to bring even more interest in our total reality show world.

Refs need to remember that no one comes to the game to see them.....

I'm glad they pulled back that tech,in context of everything that goes on it looked weak. But IMO the incessant whining to the refs is the very first thing they have to fix. STFU one and all, and they need to start calling techs everytime someone opens their mouths except a coach via a challenge. It's way out of hand in both the NBA and the W. Not going back on defense in order to whine is common now in both leagues. Should not be tolerated. Would make the refs job much easier if none of it was tolerated so they wouldn't have to make judgement calls.

The other thing that would help the refs is dial back the "physicality". I'm SO sick of that word. It's just an excuse for riding the opponent like a pony in the paint and other assorted bumping and pushing. Let's go back to when almost all contact is a foul. The women seem to think they need a wrestling aspect to the game to make it appealing. They don't and it makes it almost impossible to ref.

There are still a couple of enjoyable teams who are fairly drama free, best example is the Lynx. Also Dream are ok, and Seatlle outside of Skylar Diggins endless need for drama. The Sparks and Mystics are pretty drama free probably bc they're terrible and no one would care lol.

 

[glv98]

Cameron Brink acknowledges (apologizes for?) her privelge as a feminine white girl:

This is interesting, certainly heartfelt on her part. I believe Paige B did something similar. Not saying this is one of the things many anti Caitlin folks hold against her. But is just saying it in public enough? Do they need to do something else? Turn down some of the opportunities that come their way? Is Brink now immune from criticism?

Interesting she talked about being girly as well. There's been some grumbling about the Sparks pushing their rookie supermodels, both obviously fem, straight, and gorgeous. Thankfully it hasn't been a big deal since not many in LA know or care about any of this.

I've watched all the Sparks games and I don't recall either Cam or Rickea getting anything I'd call a "welcome to the league" hit. Both have taken some hard blows, but all seemed within the course of the game. Again, maybe it's bc the Sparks are so awful no one bothers.

 

[NashVol11]

Thank you! I’ve never been to a WNBA game, but they look like a blast on tv! I’d love to catch a Liberty game as well. We were literally just talking yesterday about what a star Ellie the Elephant is

Ellie is the GOAT, easily the best mascot I've ever seen. Worth the price of admission for that alone. I also have always felt a lot of positive energy from fans there, which I assume is similar for most WNBA games

 

[th2421]

Ellie is the GOAT, easily the best mascot I've ever seen. Worth the price of admission for that alone. I also have always felt a lot of positive energy from fans there, which I assume is similar for most WNBA games

I LOVE Ellie...but the Timeless Torches will always be the #1 draw for me.

 

[glv98]

Speaking of Brink, she just made the Olympic 3x3 team as expected. Good for her, but bad for her W development. They desperately need that break in the season during the Olympics to rest, recover, and practice.

Hamby was asked the other day how they keep the rookies' chins up and she basically said they kind of tell them to treat this crazy, compressed first half as training camp. Just try to make it to the break where they can finally get decent practice sessions and decent rest. Said they remind them not much is decided about players or teams till the second half. I think Rickea will really benefit from those weeks off and it's too bad Cam will miss them.

 

[VolBall09]

Caitlin Clark lives rent free in literally EVERYONE in women’s basketballs head. Meanwhile she’s just vibin and hoopin, giving great interviews and treating fans with respect.

It’s so funny watching Angel run her mouth about Clark. The jealousy is so palpable. She is so transparent, completely see through.

 

[glv98]

Caitlin Clark lives rent free in literally EVERYONE in women’s basketballs head. Meanwhile she’s just vibin and hoopin, giving great interviews and treating fans with respect.

It’s so funny watching Angel run her mouth about Clark. The jealousy is so palpable. She is so transparent, completely see through.

I'd say CC and AR are flatmates in everyone's heads. Only Angel loves the view (except for the few times like last spring said she didn't), and CC is just caught up in it. I wonder if down deep, both wish they could go back to just being basketball players and kids. I wonder if all the money and adulation is really worth it..

 

[madtownvol]

Cameron Brink acknowledges (apologizes for?) her privelge as a feminine white girl:

This is interesting, certainly heartfelt on her part. I believe Paige B did something similar. Not saying this is one of the things many anti Caitlin folks hold against her. But is just saying it in public enough? Do they need to do something else? Turn down some of the opportunities that come their way? Is Brink now immune from criticism?

Interesting she talked about being girly as well. There's been some grumbling about the Sparks pushing their rookie supermodels, both obviously fem, straight, and gorgeous. Thankfully it hasn't been a big deal since not many in LA know or care about any of this.

I've watched all the Sparks games and I don't recall either Cam or Rickea getting anything I'd call a "welcome to the league" hit. Both have taken some hard blows, but all seemed within the course of the game. Again, maybe it's bc the Sparks are so awful no one bothers.

So, another sign of a league not being ready for prime time. This new level of exposure has cast a much bigger and brighter spotlight on the league--and there is simply is no denying that its Clark being the attention grabber but other new players are benefiting and extending the attention (RIckea, Cameron, Angel and Kamilla). This cultural spotlight also amplifies and intensifies the intersection of women's sports, gender/race politics, and media and celebrity culture.

Clark is truly the first women's college player whose popularity has translated to the W. If Paige has a big season, maybe she might do the same (but she is another attractive, blue-eyed blonde).

It is not fair that the vets and pioneers did not get their due; it is not fair that women players who conform to particular standards of beauty and/or are white/straight have more appeal to advertisers and so on.

I think what Brink said is a pretty positive response by acknowledging these biases and the league could be a site for trying to alter them but also recognize that it's not Clark's or Brink's fault that they currently fall in this cultural sweet spot.

The flipside is that the attention is finally here (if for the wrong reasons) so capitalize on it and quit being stupid by acting as though Clark has done something to you.

My advice would be for all the players to put aside their jealousies and sense of being wronged when they are on the court and just play ball. Off the court, speak out against the systemic biases, rather than subtly targeting their frustrations toward Clark via hard fouls and dirty plays.

 

[glv98]

So, another sign of a league not being ready for prime time. This new level of exposure has only cast a much bigger and brighter spotlight on the league--and there is simply is no denying that its Clark being the attention grabber but other new players are benefiting and extended the attention (RIckea, Camerson, Angel and Kamilla). This cultural spotlight also amplifies and intensifies the intersection of women's sports, gender/race politics, and media and celebrity culture.

Clark is truly the first women's player whose popularity has translated to the W. If Paige has a big season, maybe she might do the same (but she is another attractive, blue-eyed blonde)/

It is not fair that the vets and pioneers did not get their due; it is not fair that women players who conform to particular standards of beauty and/or are white/straight have more appeal to advertisers and so on.

I think what Brink is a pretty positive response by acknowledging these biases and the league could be a site for trying to alter these biases but also recognize that its not Clark's or Brink's fault that they fall in this cultural sweet spot.

The flipside is that the attention is finally here (if for the wrong reasons) so capitalize on it and quit being stupid by acting as though Clark has done something to you.

My advice would be for all the players to put aside their jealousies and sense of being wronged when they are on the court and just play ball. Off the court, speak out against the systemic biases, rather than subtly targeting their frustrations toward Clark via hard fouls and dirty plays.

Great post, and as you said the other day, it all just reinforces the catty, petty woman stereotype that unfortunately already exists. In fact, many will now tune in exactly for a cat fight.

 

[brittannica]

I LOVE Ellie...but the Timeless Torches will always be the #1 draw for me.

I didn’t know about them, but omg i need to catch a game now!

 

[VolBall09]

I'd say CC and AR are flatmates in everyone's heads. Only Angel loves the view (except for the few times like last spring said she didn't), and CC is just caught up in it. I wonder if down deep, both wish they could go back to just being basketball players and kids. I wonder if all the money and adulation is really worth it..

Angel is just nuts. She’s living in her own head.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

 

[lvocd]

Boy howdy, every bit of this. I'm back to watching just for a few players I'm interested in. Amb predicted it a long time ago, the league that can't get out of it's own way. It's really sad to me when women think it validates them to be a bad as the worst men. Whining and mugging is exactly why some of us don't watch the NBA and are looking for something different, like real basketball.

However, I think we're outnumbered and all the drama is likely to bring even more interest in our total reality show world.

I'm glad they pulled back that tech,in context of everything that goes on it looked weak. But IMO the incessant whining to the refs is the very first thing they have to fix. STFU one and all, and they need to start calling techs everytime someone opens their mouths except a coach via a challenge. It's way out of hand in both the NBA and the W. Not going back on defense in order to whine is common now in both leagues. Should not be tolerated. Would make the refs job much easier if none of it was tolerated so they wouldn't have to make judgement calls.

The other thing that would help the refs is dial back the "physicality". I'm SO sick of that word. It's just an excuse for riding the opponent like a pony in the paint and other assorted bumping and pushing. Let's go back to when almost all contact is a foul. The women seem to think they need a wrestling aspect to the game to make it appealing. They don't and it makes it almost impossible to ref.

There are still a couple of enjoyable teams who are fairly drama free, best example is the Lynx. Also Dream are ok, and Seatlle outside of Skylar Diggins endless need for drama. The Sparks and Mystics are pretty drama free probably bc they're terrible and no one would care lol.

AMEN!!!!

I'm actually pretty upset that my love for the league has taken a pretty big hit because I desperately want it to continue growing and be wildly successful. There are so many young women who have big dreams of playing professionally in the WNBA, and I want that to never become a heartache instead of a dream.

So if all these things that are killing it for me personally are what it takes for the league to grow, I'll be happy to support it as best I can. Just probably won't be as big of an active fan. I was actually one of the founding fans who worked the Atlanta scene in trying to get a franchise to city. Everyone's dreams came true, and it was such a wonderful, special time every time we filled our "founding season ticket holder" seats. I was filled with pride and hope for the future of the league.

But all the drama happening now? Not on my list of things to feel proud of. Ugh.

 

[NashVol11]

I LOVE Ellie...but the Timeless Torches will always be the #1 draw for me.

Great call, 100% agree. So much love for them

 

[madtownvol]

AMEN!!!!

I'm actually pretty upset that my love for the league has taken a pretty big hit because I desperately want it to continue growing and be wildly successful. There are so many young women who have big dreams of playing professionally in the WNBA, and I want that to never become a heartache instead of a dream.

So if all these things that are killing it for me personally are what it takes for the league to grow, I'll be happy to support it as best I can. Just probably won't be as big of an active fan. I was actually one of the founding fans who worked the Atlanta scene in trying to get a franchise to city. Everyone's dreams came true, and it was such a wonderful, special time every time we filled our "founding season ticket holder" seats. I was filled with pride and hope for the future of the league.

But all the drama happening now? Not on my list of things to feel proud of. Ugh.

Remember, all this drama is going to be short lived. By the time the playoffs roll around, without the Fever for sure and maybe without the Sky, this current controversy will be a distant memory. Clark only gets this "rookie hazing" once and the media will tire of this story line.

 

[Franklin Pierce]

Caitlin Clark should have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** OFF', says Nancy Lieberman as WNBA Icon weighs in on bodycheck controversy​

Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman claims she would have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** off' if she were Caitlin Clark at the weekend.

Lieberman: Clark should have punched Carter and told her to 'f**k off'

Carter has drawn criticism after bodychecking Clark during Chicago's defeat to Indiana, with the Sky guard appearing to yell 'you b***h' before shoving the Fever rookie to the ground.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[madtownvol]

Caitlin Clark should have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** OFF', says Nancy Lieberman as WNBA Icon weighs in on bodycheck controversy​

Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman claims she would have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** off' if she were Caitlin Clark at the weekend.

Lieberman: Clark should have punched Carter and told her to 'f**k off'

Carter has drawn criticism after bodychecking Clark during Chicago's defeat to Indiana, with the Sky guard appearing to yell 'you b***h' before shoving the Fever rookie to the ground.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Just what we need, another horrific, dumbass "hot take" on the flagrant foul heard round the world.....

 

[VolBall09]

Caitlin Clark should have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** OFF', says Nancy Lieberman as WNBA Icon weighs in on bodycheck controversy​

Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman claims she would have punched Chennedy Carter in the face and told her to 'f*** off' if she were Caitlin Clark at the weekend.

Lieberman: Clark should have punched Carter and told her to 'f**k off'

Carter has drawn criticism after bodychecking Clark during Chicago's defeat to Indiana, with the Sky guard appearing to yell 'you b***h' before shoving the Fever rookie to the ground.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Nancy is one tough chick lmao. Not probably the best advice but I can see it.

 

[lvocd]

Remember, all this drama is going to be short lived. By the time the playoffs roll around, without the Fever for sure and maybe without the Sky, this current controversy will be a distant memory. Clark only gets this "rookie hazing" once and the media will tire of this story line.

Oh, I definitely agree that part of the whole mess will likely begin to fade pretty soon. But the rest of it? I’m not sure it will until the players themselves have completely dug their own graves. But the bitterness of vets toward the kids who, just by sheer luck of the timing of the drastic shift in NCAA rules, were fortunate enough to be the first college kids to be able to earn more money while still in college than most of the longtime pros earned in their entire careers? That mess isn’t going away anytime soon.

Spending so much energy seeing who can put together the hottest outfits to wear to the arena? Here to stay, I’m guessing, silly and elitist as all that has become.

The whole “we’re just passionate” as the go-to excuse for being obnoxious and sometimes even reckless with other players’ careers by being way too aggressive? Seems to me a LOT of people are supporting, not condemning, all that nonsense.

 

[Franklin Pierce]

Angel Reese sounds like 'jealousy and delusion mixed together' over Caitlin Clark rivalry and she 'isn't that skilled', says Jason Whitlock​

Jason Whitlock: Angel Reese sounds like 'jealousy and delusion'

Controversial conservative pundit Jason Whitlock had some harsh words for Chicago Sky phenom Angel Reese in the aftermath of her comments about her place in women's basketball.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Franklin Pierce]

UConn's Geno Auriemma says Fever's Caitlin Clark being 'targeted'​

"Is she facing the rookie challenge, the rookie hardships that are inherent with being a rookie? Yes," Auriemma told reporters in Connecticut before the UConn Coaches Road Show on Tuesday. "She's also being targeted."

Geno: Hardships expected, but Clark 'targeted'

UConn's Geno Auriemma said that while "rookie hardships" are expected in the WNBA, he thinks No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark has been "targeted" with physical play.

www.espn.com

 

[glv98]

Apparently there's more crazy to play out:


And everyone just gets more hardened in their positions. Sheesh.

Tin foil hat me thinks someone in the WNBA publicity department is scripting all this. Much as it turns some of us off, I'll bet ratings for the next Sky/Fever game will be thru the roof.

Can't help but feel sorry for Clark. So much cultural stuff attached to her. What if all the F she wants to do is play basketball?

 

[glv98]

On a more fun note:

 

[Volfaninfl2]

On a more fun note:

Brink just seems to make things more fun, glad she’s Rickea’s teammate.