Listen.

Listen.

I could go on and on about what I believe is the golden era of the WNBA. And by the way, there's no one better than this woman to talk to about it, because she's done it all in the sport of women's basketball. She's a Basketball Hall of Famer and Olympian, a three tome All American, former coach for the Detroit Shock, and currently serves as an NBA analyst for the OKC Thunder. She's also the twenty eighteen champion head coach with the power in the Big Three. You know that league ice Q runs. Please welcome my guests known as Lady Magic, herself, the one, the only Nancy Lieberman. Welcome, Nancy. Let's get right to it. You did an outstanding job covering Sunday's Indiania the Fevers went over the Dallas Wings. I call this the golden era of the WNBA. First things first, would you agree with that?

I could go on and on about what I believe is the golden era of the WNBA. And by the way, there's no one better than this woman to talk to about it, because she's done it all in the sport of women's basketball. She's a Basketball Hall of Famer and Olympian, a three tome All American, former coach for the Detroit Shock, and currently serves as an NBA analyst for the OKC Thunder. She's also the twenty eighteen champion head coach with the power in the Big Three. You know that league ice Q runs. Please welcome my guests known as Lady Magic, herself, the one, the only Nancy Lieberman. Welcome, Nancy. Let's get right to it. You did an outstanding job covering Sunday's Indiania the Fevers went over the Dallas Wings. I call this the golden era of the WNBA. First things first, would you agree with that?

I agree?

I agree?

This is what we all dreamed about and it's actually happening in real time and today's players are absolutely phenomenal. The w is the most valued women's league, in my opinion, in the world right now.

This is what we all dreamed about and it's actually happening in real time and today's players are absolutely phenomenal. The w is the most valued women's league, in my opinion, in the world right now.

In college, Kaitlyn Clark was named the winner of the Nancy Lieberman point Guard of the Year two years in a row, if I remember correctly. I want to play something you said during the broadcast.

In college, Kaitlyn Clark was named the winner of the Nancy Lieberman point Guard of the Year two years in a row, if I remember correctly. I want to play something you said during the broadcast.

Listen to this.

Listen to this.

You know, when I walked in here before the game, there were just hundreds of fans lined up. Yeah, what Caitlyn Clark has done for the game is generational, and I just as a as a baller to a baller, I just want to say thank you to you, Caitlyn Clark, absolutely for just.

You know, when I walked in here before the game, there were just hundreds of fans lined up. Yeah, what Caitlyn Clark has done for the game is generational, and I just as a as a baller to a baller, I just want to say thank you to you, Caitlyn Clark, absolutely for just.

Lifting our game up. You and so many great players.

Lifting our game up. You and so many great players.

But what you're doing, You're gonna make all these women multi millionaires one day, like Tiger did, like Michael Jordan did, And we shouldn't hate on her. We should celebrate her, not tolerate her.

But what you're doing, You're gonna make all these women multi millionaires one day, like Tiger did, like Michael Jordan did, And we shouldn't hate on her. We should celebrate her, not tolerate her.

You know, Nancy, I listened to that sound, and that was one of the biggest reasons I wanted you on today because you clearly feel such a level of appreciation for the greatness, for the potential and the greatness that we're witnessing from Caitlyn Clark. I want you to speak to why that is and whether or not you feel she's being appreciated enough by some members in the female basketball community.

You know, Nancy, I listened to that sound, and that was one of the biggest reasons I wanted you on today because you clearly feel such a level of appreciation for the greatness, for the potential and the greatness that we're witnessing from Caitlyn Clark. I want you to speak to why that is and whether or not you feel she's being appreciated enough by some members in the female basketball community.

Well, I think you bring up a great point.

Well, I think you bring up a great point.

It's so important for us to understand that there's going to be generational players.

It's so important for us to understand that there's going to be generational players.

I'm not saying everybody's.

I'm not saying everybody's.

Not going to be at the same talent level, but I'm saying that Caitlyn Clark has just caught the attention.

Not going to be at the same talent level, but I'm saying that Caitlyn Clark has just caught the attention.

Of the world. She might be right now.

Of the world. She might be right now.

Maybe her and Simonbile's, you know, the most visible women athletes in the world right now. And this is a good thing for sports and internally, we can be women, we could be our worst enemies, embrace people who take us to another level. And she's done that and it's proven from her collegiate days with TV, with Jersey sales, with arenas being filled. Why wouldn't you want to ride that train to success because it will change your tax bracket, you know, incrementally because of what she's doing. And there's so many great players like Asia Wilson. She's my unanimous MVP in this league. I don't think there's a player in the world right now better than Asia Wilson.

Maybe her and Simonbile's, you know, the most visible women athletes in the world right now. And this is a good thing for sports and internally, we can be women, we could be our worst enemies, embrace people who take us to another level. And she's done that and it's proven from her collegiate days with TV, with Jersey sales, with arenas being filled. Why wouldn't you want to ride that train to success because it will change your tax bracket, you know, incrementally because of what she's doing. And there's so many great players like Asia Wilson. She's my unanimous MVP in this league. I don't think there's a player in the world right now better than Asia Wilson.

And we got great rookies.

And we got great rookies.

Andel Reestis, you know, broke this incredible rebounding record single season in WNBA history. These young players, or Keia Jackson, Camella Cardoza. I mean, this is a great time, but it's the veterans and the youth. We have to come together because everybody has a hand in our growth. And you know, as good as some of the we didn't move the needle like Caitlin is moving the needle and everybody is benefiting from it, you.

Andel Reestis, you know, broke this incredible rebounding record single season in WNBA history. These young players, or Keia Jackson, Camella Cardoza. I mean, this is a great time, but it's the veterans and the youth. We have to come together because everybody has a hand in our growth. And you know, as good as some of the we didn't move the needle like Caitlin is moving the needle and everybody is benefiting from it, you.

Know, Nsy, I've been bringing this up for months that I've been taking hits for months because I wanted on Team USA, and I was not trying to say that she was better than one than any of the twelve players that was on the squad. What I was saying is that female basketball, women's basketball has been starving for recognition for so long, all the hard work, all the tremendous effort to blessweat and tears that so many of these wonderful ladies have put into the game, including yourself, by the way, and the lack of recognition that has.

Know, Nsy, I've been bringing this up for months that I've been taking hits for months because I wanted on Team USA, and I was not trying to say that she was better than one than any of the twelve players that was on the squad. What I was saying is that female basketball, women's basketball has been starving for recognition for so long, all the hard work, all the tremendous effort to blessweat and tears that so many of these wonderful ladies have put into the game, including yourself, by the way, and the lack of recognition that has.

Come along with it.

Come along with it.

Here was a person that America had gravitated to in such a way that you could utilize it to your advantage to benefit everybody. Yet folks were appalled that I would did have the temerity to bring up marketing and promotion as something that should play a role, and ultimately you decided who's on Team USA to promote the game of basketball?

Here was a person that America had gravitated to in such a way that you could utilize it to your advantage to benefit everybody. Yet folks were appalled that I would did have the temerity to bring up marketing and promotion as something that should play a role, and ultimately you decided who's on Team USA to promote the game of basketball?

Was that wrong and feeling that way, Well.

Was that wrong and feeling that way, Well.

They came at you really hard, and that was short sighted because first of all, she very well could have played and should have played. In my opinion, I aligned with you on Team USA. I am saying this, as you know, I'm still the youngest Olympic basketball player ever.

They came at you really hard, and that was short sighted because first of all, she very well could have played and should have played. In my opinion, I aligned with you on Team USA. I am saying this, as you know, I'm still the youngest Olympic basketball player ever.

In nineteen seventy six, I was a high school senior.

In nineteen seventy six, I was a high school senior.

I was seventeen years old, and the late Billy Moore, the Hall of Famer, my coach. She had one pick, and she picked me for the future of the game because she knew the last player who was a great and All American, just a star of stars, wouldn't get a lot of minutes.

I was seventeen years old, and the late Billy Moore, the Hall of Famer, my coach. She had one pick, and she picked me for the future of the game because she knew the last player who was a great and All American, just a star of stars, wouldn't get a lot of minutes.

So she used that position.

So she used that position.

And I thought that this team could have used Caitlin Clark for that same express reason, because she was going to bring more eyeballs. She was going to make USA basketball, you know, more prominent.

And I thought that this team could have used Caitlin Clark for that same express reason, because she was going to bring more eyeballs. She was going to make USA basketball, you know, more prominent.

And we're talking about economics here.

And we're talking about economics here.

We're not just talking about you know, because because we're talking about we want long term you know, sustainability and success. We can't sit there and say we want what the NBA guys have, you know, seventy something years later, they've built it to you know, that eight billion dollar a year business, and we're trying to build it now.

We're not just talking about you know, because because we're talking about we want long term you know, sustainability and success. We can't sit there and say we want what the NBA guys have, you know, seventy something years later, they've built it to you know, that eight billion dollar a year business, and we're trying to build it now.

And we have somebody who's moving the.

And we have somebody who's moving the.

Needle because the w right now is outdrawing Major League Baseball, some you know, soccer, some of the golf, some of the other sports.

Needle because the w right now is outdrawing Major League Baseball, some you know, soccer, some of the golf, some of the other sports.

We've never had this before.

We've never had this before.

And for Caitlin and the Fever, I think five of the highest rated games this year have all been Indiana Fever. They lead in Jersey sales, they lead in attendance, any significant category that's tied to dollars and cents, and that's how we should be viewed, dollars and cents, because that's how you build a business. Then everybody goes up and everybody is successful.

And for Caitlin and the Fever, I think five of the highest rated games this year have all been Indiana Fever. They lead in Jersey sales, they lead in attendance, any significant category that's tied to dollars and cents, and that's how we should be viewed, dollars and cents, because that's how you build a business. Then everybody goes up and everybody is successful.

Together.

Together.

Explain what specifically you believe the issue is with Kitlyn Clark in terms of the lack of support that she's received from some, certainly not most, not all. Most people support her. They see her potential, they see her greatness, they see what she's done for the game. There's an level of appreciation, even the great Dawn Staley, you know, in winning.

Explain what specifically you believe the issue is with Kitlyn Clark in terms of the lack of support that she's received from some, certainly not most, not all. Most people support her. They see her potential, they see her greatness, they see what she's done for the game. There's an level of appreciation, even the great Dawn Staley, you know, in winning.

The National championship.

The National championship.

She thanked Caitlyn Clark for what Caitlyn Clark did for the game, for women's basketball or whatever. But there's been a small cadre of individuals that obviously have come across in a different fashion. What is what is the thing that you're hearing, Nancy as to what their justification for feeling feeling a bit reticent about throwing that lack of that that support in Caitlyn Clark's direction, Well, it.

She thanked Caitlyn Clark for what Caitlyn Clark did for the game, for women's basketball or whatever. But there's been a small cadre of individuals that obviously have come across in a different fashion. What is what is the thing that you're hearing, Nancy as to what their justification for feeling feeling a bit reticent about throwing that lack of that that support in Caitlyn Clark's direction, Well, it.

Depends who you're talking to.

Depends who you're talking to.

If you're talking about the keyboard warriors who hide behind you know, two hundred and eighty, you know, uh, you know, taps of their their their or whatever they're using, you know they're going to say something that first of all, they don't even realize that the players in this league are fends with one another. Okay, so you might sit there and try to create this animosity or you might try to bring in well racism and this, and you know, there's no racism. I've been through this for a long time. I never came down the court and looked at somebody white or black and threw the ball to the white kid. I'm throwing into the player who's the better player they're trying to pick Angel and Caitlyn against each other. They're friends, by the way, they're helping grow the sport. And for those who it's not a Caitlyn thing, it's a people thing. I mean, people were so jealous of Michael Jordan back in nineteen eighty four when he came out of you know, UNC Chicago Stadium was half empty prior to him arriving. Then the stadiums were filling up. Then TV wanted him and the Bulls on every game.

If you're talking about the keyboard warriors who hide behind you know, two hundred and eighty, you know, uh, you know, taps of their their their or whatever they're using, you know they're going to say something that first of all, they don't even realize that the players in this league are fends with one another. Okay, so you might sit there and try to create this animosity or you might try to bring in well racism and this, and you know, there's no racism. I've been through this for a long time. I never came down the court and looked at somebody white or black and threw the ball to the white kid. I'm throwing into the player who's the better player they're trying to pick Angel and Caitlyn against each other. They're friends, by the way, they're helping grow the sport. And for those who it's not a Caitlyn thing, it's a people thing. I mean, people were so jealous of Michael Jordan back in nineteen eighty four when he came out of you know, UNC Chicago Stadium was half empty prior to him arriving. Then the stadiums were filling up. Then TV wanted him and the Bulls on every game.

By the way, you know this as.

By the way, you know this as.

A fact, David Falk, his agent, pulled his jersey out of the GLA because Michael Jordan's jersey and I don't know the exact number, but let's say it was ninety percent of all jersey sales were Michael Jordan's jersey and he was getting like one thirteen hundredth of that and all the money was being you know, dispersed throughout all the players that were playing. He yanked his out because he saw the value of what was happening. Tiger Woods goes to the PGA, changes how the sport is viewed. It's not just a bunch of you know, white guys hitting balls in an elitist sport.

A fact, David Falk, his agent, pulled his jersey out of the GLA because Michael Jordan's jersey and I don't know the exact number, but let's say it was ninety percent of all jersey sales were Michael Jordan's jersey and he was getting like one thirteen hundredth of that and all the money was being you know, dispersed throughout all the players that were playing. He yanked his out because he saw the value of what was happening. Tiger Woods goes to the PGA, changes how the sport is viewed. It's not just a bunch of you know, white guys hitting balls in an elitist sport.

It's changed.

It's changed.

I mean, look at all the guys of color, women of color that play golf now because it's acceptable.

I mean, look at all the guys of color, women of color that play golf now because it's acceptable.

You should be able to do what you love.

You should be able to do what you love.

But it was him who was the catalysts to change, and all of a sudden he gets to a certain point in his career and people are jealous and envious.

But it was him who was the catalysts to change, and all of a sudden he gets to a certain point in his career and people are jealous and envious.

You know, he.

You know, he.

Changed the TV ratings, he changed the purses. Did you know Scotty just win twenty five million dollars the other day. That's not because the scott That's because the Tiger Woods. And I just don't understand people. Now you have signature shoes for both men and women because what MJ did and how he and his team constructed business. Caitlyn is doing that right now and she should be supported and not maligned for that.

Changed the TV ratings, he changed the purses. Did you know Scotty just win twenty five million dollars the other day. That's not because the scott That's because the Tiger Woods. And I just don't understand people. Now you have signature shoes for both men and women because what MJ did and how he and his team constructed business. Caitlyn is doing that right now and she should be supported and not maligned for that.

Kelsey Mitchell has been a star on the Indiana Fever. There is no doubt about that. She has been nothing short of sensational. She's averaging about nineteen points per game. She had a big time game yesday.

Kelsey Mitchell has been a star on the Indiana Fever. There is no doubt about that. She has been nothing short of sensational. She's averaging about nineteen points per game. She had a big time game yesday.

Witch.

Witch.

You called, and I just wanted to throw this out there just as a reference point, just to put things in perspective about what Caitlyn Clark brings to the table. The average attendance in the thirty three games Caitlyn Clark and the Indiana Fever have played in this season is fifteen thousand, seven hundred and forty six, which leads the WNBA. The average attendance of WNBA games not involving Caitlyn Clark is on average eight thousand, four hundred and ninety and eighty five percent drop from games that Caitlyn Clark is not participating in. Obviously, the New York Liberty average over eleven thousand, the Los Angeles Walks average over ten thousand, but the Indiana Fever at fifteen, seven hundred and forty six. Yet, I'm on the air the other day and I'm talking about the Indiana Fever and I had to get on you know somebody we both have.

You called, and I just wanted to throw this out there just as a reference point, just to put things in perspective about what Caitlyn Clark brings to the table. The average attendance in the thirty three games Caitlyn Clark and the Indiana Fever have played in this season is fifteen thousand, seven hundred and forty six, which leads the WNBA. The average attendance of WNBA games not involving Caitlyn Clark is on average eight thousand, four hundred and ninety and eighty five percent drop from games that Caitlyn Clark is not participating in. Obviously, the New York Liberty average over eleven thousand, the Los Angeles Walks average over ten thousand, but the Indiana Fever at fifteen, seven hundred and forty six. Yet, I'm on the air the other day and I'm talking about the Indiana Fever and I had to get on you know somebody we both have.

Incredible respect for in Cheryl Swoops.

Incredible respect for in Cheryl Swoops.

You're champion on every level, one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Because I said, how do you mention the Indiana Fever and all of these other players and you don't mention Caitlyn Clark, And then all of a sudden she gets on me and calls me a coward and all of this other stuff I don't know what you can say about Cheryl Swoops, but if there's anything that you could say, what would you want to say in terms of the narrative that has been put out there as it pertains to her coverage and her feelings about Caitlyn Clark.

You're champion on every level, one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Because I said, how do you mention the Indiana Fever and all of these other players and you don't mention Caitlyn Clark, And then all of a sudden she gets on me and calls me a coward and all of this other stuff I don't know what you can say about Cheryl Swoops, but if there's anything that you could say, what would you want to say in terms of the narrative that has been put out there as it pertains to her coverage and her feelings about Caitlyn Clark.

You know, I'm Sean known Cheryl since she was in college.

You know, I'm Sean known Cheryl since she was in college.

I helped do her shoe deal with Nike in nineteen ninety three, took her to her first sb's. I've known Cheryl, I've coached her, have a lot of respect for her. The I called her when Caitlyn was still playing at Iowa and she had just broken Marevich's record, and it was all over the place. As you and I have discussed that, you know, there was this quote by Cheryl that said, you know, Caitlyn was, you know, twenty five years old. She was, however, twenty four years old. She was a fifty year senior. She was taking forty shots a game. Her records were illegitimate. And I got off the treadmill and I called her as a friend and I said, you know, you can say whatever you want, you can have your own opinion about anybody, but you do have to get the statistics right. I mean, facts matter, and if you just get ahead of this and just say, hey, I made a mistake on my numbers, then this thing is over and everybody respects you for your opinion. And you know, you might like Boston, I might like the Yankees. You know it's okay to have difference of opinions. Well, she got to set with me on the phone and I was like, Cheryl, you know, I'm not doing anything to hurt you.

I helped do her shoe deal with Nike in nineteen ninety three, took her to her first sb's. I've known Cheryl, I've coached her, have a lot of respect for her. The I called her when Caitlyn was still playing at Iowa and she had just broken Marevich's record, and it was all over the place. As you and I have discussed that, you know, there was this quote by Cheryl that said, you know, Caitlyn was, you know, twenty five years old. She was, however, twenty four years old. She was a fifty year senior. She was taking forty shots a game. Her records were illegitimate. And I got off the treadmill and I called her as a friend and I said, you know, you can say whatever you want, you can have your own opinion about anybody, but you do have to get the statistics right. I mean, facts matter, and if you just get ahead of this and just say, hey, I made a mistake on my numbers, then this thing is over and everybody respects you for your opinion. And you know, you might like Boston, I might like the Yankees. You know it's okay to have difference of opinions. Well, she got to set with me on the phone and I was like, Cheryl, you know, I'm not doing anything to hurt you.

I'm just sharing.

I'm just sharing.

We're talking, and so our relationship pretty much is not happening at this point.

We're talking, and so our relationship pretty much is not happening at this point.

I tried to talk to her at the Final four. She didn't want to talk to me.

I tried to talk to her at the Final four. She didn't want to talk to me.

My life's going to be good or great with her Without Cheryl Sweeps in my life, I'd rather have her in it.

My life's going to be good or great with her Without Cheryl Sweeps in my life, I'd rather have her in it.

But let me tell you the difference.

But let me tell you the difference.

The difference is when the Kennedy Carter thing happened and I'm doing Michelle Beatle's podcast with Lou Williams and Channel and Parsons, and Michelle says to me, Nancy, what would you tell Caitlyn Clark in that situation? And I said to Michelle, look, I'm not here to speak for Kate and Clark.

The difference is when the Kennedy Carter thing happened and I'm doing Michelle Beatle's podcast with Lou Williams and Channel and Parsons, and Michelle says to me, Nancy, what would you tell Caitlyn Clark in that situation? And I said to Michelle, look, I'm not here to speak for Kate and Clark.

You know, Kitlyn Clark, I'm not going to tell you that.

You know, Kitlyn Clark, I'm not going to tell you that.

Then she said, what would you do if somebody kind of blindsided you like that?

Then she said, what would you do if somebody kind of blindsided you like that?

And you know me, I'm.

And you know me, I'm.

Straight from New York, straight from Brucker Park. I said, I would have gotten up. I would have walked up to whoever did.

Straight from New York, straight from Brucker Park. I said, I would have gotten up. I would have walked up to whoever did.

That to me. I would have punched him in the face.

That to me. I would have punched him in the face.

And you know the explicative that I used, And I would have said, you know, f Off, that is who I am, that is the concentric circle of who I am, and that's my era. And so to her point, Teresa Weatherspoon called me my dear friend who I love, respect and admire. She said, Nancy, I was disappointed what you said. And we had a conversation and I said, Spoon, I didn't say she should punch Kennedy Carter in her face. I said, this is what I would do if I were blindsided. And I've known Kennedy since she was in high school here in Dallas. I think she's a hell of a player and should have been on the All Star team. Yes, but my comment about hitting her wasn't about her. But we had this conversation which we apparently cannot have with me and Cheryl Swoops and I still think she was incorrect about what she did.

And you know the explicative that I used, And I would have said, you know, f Off, that is who I am, that is the concentric circle of who I am, and that's my era. And so to her point, Teresa Weatherspoon called me my dear friend who I love, respect and admire. She said, Nancy, I was disappointed what you said. And we had a conversation and I said, Spoon, I didn't say she should punch Kennedy Carter in her face. I said, this is what I would do if I were blindsided. And I've known Kennedy since she was in high school here in Dallas. I think she's a hell of a player and should have been on the All Star team. Yes, but my comment about hitting her wasn't about her. But we had this conversation which we apparently cannot have with me and Cheryl Swoops and I still think she was incorrect about what she did.

And you know, we all have.

And you know, we all have.

To be professional, right, You covered people, right, You and Durant have kind of gone at it in and out for a little bit, but you still do highlights to talk about him and share the greatness of him. You don't have to agree with everything with him, but just do your job.

To be professional, right, You covered people, right, You and Durant have kind of gone at it in and out for a little bit, but you still do highlights to talk about him and share the greatness of him. You don't have to agree with everything with him, but just do your job.

Do your job. You get paid to do a job as a broadcaster. Do your job.

Do your job. You get paid to do a job as a broadcaster. Do your job.

Nobody says you have to be in love with anybody else. But if you're going to do an Indiana Wings game, you're gonna have to talk about Caitlyn Clark and her great teammates and what they're doing. And they have you know, Leah Boston, they have you know, Kelsey Mitchell, who's just bananas, I mean unstoppable by the way, Yes, and Caitlyn Clark. So why wouldn't you not build around it? You know, when I was playing, it would have looked like an idiot if you didn't. When you talked about old dominion, you know, two time national champions and two time Player of the Year, and they didn't talk about me.

Nobody says you have to be in love with anybody else. But if you're going to do an Indiana Wings game, you're gonna have to talk about Caitlyn Clark and her great teammates and what they're doing. And they have you know, Leah Boston, they have you know, Kelsey Mitchell, who's just bananas, I mean unstoppable by the way, Yes, and Caitlyn Clark. So why wouldn't you not build around it? You know, when I was playing, it would have looked like an idiot if you didn't. When you talked about old dominion, you know, two time national champions and two time Player of the Year, and they didn't talk about me.

You look like you're And that's the issue, and that's the issue Nancy, because listen, here's the thing. What incriminates in my opinion, it's just my opinion, but what incriminates somebody like Cheryl'swoops even more, who, by the way, was supposed to be calling the game with y'all yesterday and she did not call the game, And no doubts it had something to do with the fact that when you know how Caitlyn Clark had performed earlier in the week, she didn't want to talk about it at all. So we recognized that. And we know in television the way that I do. I know what producers do, I know what bosses do when you see you know your personal feelings, whatever they may be infiltrating the proceedings and compromising your position as a professional. But I think in the case of Cheryl Swoops, and I'm not gonna be labor this point, but it's important to be made. Cheryl Swoops is a winner, she was great, and she's a phenomenal basketball mind. So what she's not realizing is that when she doesn't state the obvious, it's automatically going to be assumed that it's something personal because we know, you know the basketball game, the game of basketball too well to ignore the kind of things that she's ignoring. When it comes to Caately Clark, am I wrong in saying that?

You look like you're And that's the issue, and that's the issue Nancy, because listen, here's the thing. What incriminates in my opinion, it's just my opinion, but what incriminates somebody like Cheryl'swoops even more, who, by the way, was supposed to be calling the game with y'all yesterday and she did not call the game, And no doubts it had something to do with the fact that when you know how Caitlyn Clark had performed earlier in the week, she didn't want to talk about it at all. So we recognized that. And we know in television the way that I do. I know what producers do, I know what bosses do when you see you know your personal feelings, whatever they may be infiltrating the proceedings and compromising your position as a professional. But I think in the case of Cheryl Swoops, and I'm not gonna be labor this point, but it's important to be made. Cheryl Swoops is a winner, she was great, and she's a phenomenal basketball mind. So what she's not realizing is that when she doesn't state the obvious, it's automatically going to be assumed that it's something personal because we know, you know the basketball game, the game of basketball too well to ignore the kind of things that she's ignoring. When it comes to Caately Clark, am I wrong in saying that?

Now you're You're You're not wrong in saying that.

Now you're You're You're not wrong in saying that.

And I would like to thank the Wings and Ballets for putting me on the game and asking me if I would do it.

And I would like to thank the Wings and Ballets for putting me on the game and asking me if I would do it.

I would do anything for women's basketball. I'm just a servant leader here.

I would do anything for women's basketball. I'm just a servant leader here.

At one point in my career, I wanted to be the greatest of all time, and now I just want to be a great, you know, person that supports this generation of greatness. So to to your point, you know, I think she created this firestorm. She could put it out, and you know, it's like I always tell people at this stage, you your ego's not your im ego.

At one point in my career, I wanted to be the greatest of all time, and now I just want to be a great, you know, person that supports this generation of greatness. So to to your point, you know, I think she created this firestorm. She could put it out, and you know, it's like I always tell people at this stage, you your ego's not your im ego.

Okay, your ego's not your friend.

Okay, your ego's not your friend.

We have to humble ourselves and do her job and just recognize that. You know, Caitlyn might not be her cup of tea, but she's not doing anything to.

We have to humble ourselves and do her job and just recognize that. You know, Caitlyn might not be her cup of tea, but she's not doing anything to.

Hurt Cheryl Swoops.

Hurt Cheryl Swoops.

She admires Cheryl Swoops and the mile Mores and the Sue Birds and the legends that came before her. And I would dare say, you can't find a sound bite a sound bite this season of Caitlyn Clark saying anything derogatory about anybody.

She admires Cheryl Swoops and the mile Mores and the Sue Birds and the legends that came before her. And I would dare say, you can't find a sound bite a sound bite this season of Caitlyn Clark saying anything derogatory about anybody.

She says, I don't care that she chatters on the court. She doesn't. Yeah, I mean the.

She says, I don't care that she chatters on the court. She doesn't. Yeah, I mean the.

Great ones, Chattered Bird, Magic, all them. It's okay, that's a competitor. But you know, I mean for this woman, you know, to be maligned, you shouldn't. You don't have to buy the number twenty two jersey if you don't want it, but what you should do is applaud her for helping grow this sport that we have busted our ass for for the last fifty years. I mean, my Olympic team in seventy six just got inducted last August.

Great ones, Chattered Bird, Magic, all them. It's okay, that's a competitor. But you know, I mean for this woman, you know, to be maligned, you shouldn't. You don't have to buy the number twenty two jersey if you don't want it, but what you should do is applaud her for helping grow this sport that we have busted our ass for for the last fifty years. I mean, my Olympic team in seventy six just got inducted last August.

Some of my teammates thought.

Some of my teammates thought.

They were going to die and never get recognized for being the first Olympic women's team. Juliene Simpson who was a co captain with Pat Summit on that team. The people are starting to know who Julien. You know, people knew who Pat some it was, or Nancy Liebman or Anne Myers, but they didn't know who Lucy was until Lucy died. And Tris Roberts and you know, Sue roy Switch and we had so many great players.

They were going to die and never get recognized for being the first Olympic women's team. Juliene Simpson who was a co captain with Pat Summit on that team. The people are starting to know who Julien. You know, people knew who Pat some it was, or Nancy Liebman or Anne Myers, but they didn't know who Lucy was until Lucy died. And Tris Roberts and you know, Sue roy Switch and we had so many great players.

On that team. We just want to be recognized.

On that team. We just want to be recognized.

And when the young players of today recognize, you know, the pioneers of the game, it's a thank you, and the pioneers and today's athlete should be saying to Angel Reese and to you know, Asia and to you know, you know, Jackie Young and all these great players, thank you, thank you so much.

And when the young players of today recognize, you know, the pioneers of the game, it's a thank you, and the pioneers and today's athlete should be saying to Angel Reese and to you know, Asia and to you know, you know, Jackie Young and all these great players, thank you, thank you so much.

Hey, thank you for winning that gold medal.

Hey, thank you for winning that gold medal.

Thank you for bus and you're behind on behalf of America and we stand and support you. But if you have a legend who's coming at a young player on the rise, it just it's it's not a good look. And Caitlyn didn't start this, and I know Caitlyn, she won't finish it.

Thank you for bus and you're behind on behalf of America and we stand and support you. But if you have a legend who's coming at a young player on the rise, it just it's it's not a good look. And Caitlyn didn't start this, and I know Caitlyn, she won't finish it.

She'll just play ball, That's who she is.

She'll just play ball, That's who she is.

Oh, I got a lot more.

Oh, I got a lot more.

I love what you just said, Nancy, and I appreciate that I got a lot more to get into. But obviously I got sponsors and advertised, I got bills to pay. We'll be back with more of Nancy Lieberman in a minute. Welcome back to Steven Nick Schmischer right here with the digital airwaves of YouTube, and of course iHeartRadio. Gotta get into more with the one and only Nancy Lieberman right here. I got some more questions, Nancy, I got some more questions. You know, Dallas wigs forward saw to so I believe she spoke in the postgame press conference about the struggle of seeing their whole arena packed with Clark jerseys. Here's what Saboli had to say. Listen to this quote. Obviously it's annoying because there were way too many Caitlyn fans and but kudos. I feel like our Dallas fans could have done better. I had mixed feelings seeing all the Caitland jerseys in our home. But it's an amazing sign for women's basketball.

I love what you just said, Nancy, and I appreciate that I got a lot more to get into. But obviously I got sponsors and advertised, I got bills to pay. We'll be back with more of Nancy Lieberman in a minute. Welcome back to Steven Nick Schmischer right here with the digital airwaves of YouTube, and of course iHeartRadio. Gotta get into more with the one and only Nancy Lieberman right here. I got some more questions, Nancy, I got some more questions. You know, Dallas wigs forward saw to so I believe she spoke in the postgame press conference about the struggle of seeing their whole arena packed with Clark jerseys. Here's what Saboli had to say. Listen to this quote. Obviously it's annoying because there were way too many Caitlyn fans and but kudos. I feel like our Dallas fans could have done better. I had mixed feelings seeing all the Caitland jerseys in our home. But it's an amazing sign for women's basketball.

See. I have no problem with that, Nancy. That's perfectly fine.

See. I have no problem with that, Nancy. That's perfectly fine.

And then Chicago' Skuy's Andrew Reese is also doing her thing, talk about her record set, her record setting season of record setting rookie year as well. I mean, I want you to comment about so I believe first and you heard what she has to say. I had no problem with her quote because she's acknowledging and appreciating Caitlin Clark, but in the same breath saying she wished their fans.

And then Chicago' Skuy's Andrew Reese is also doing her thing, talk about her record set, her record setting season of record setting rookie year as well. I mean, I want you to comment about so I believe first and you heard what she has to say. I had no problem with her quote because she's acknowledging and appreciating Caitlin Clark, but in the same breath saying she wished their fans.

Had better supported them.

Had better supported them.

Well, maybe you gotta win more and maybe they will, but I still don't have a problem with her quote.

Well, maybe you gotta win more and maybe they will, but I still don't have a problem with her quote.

What about you.

What about you.

Well, first, let me just say this, thank you for bringing that up and reading the quote.

Well, first, let me just say this, thank you for bringing that up and reading the quote.

Satu is a very very close friend of mine.

Satu is a very very close friend of mine.

I have been on the court practicing with her Enrique in the offseason. These are two of the most unbelievable, intelligent, hardworking players. She was first team All WNBA last year, played for Germany and the Olympics in Paris.

I have been on the court practicing with her Enrique in the offseason. These are two of the most unbelievable, intelligent, hardworking players. She was first team All WNBA last year, played for Germany and the Olympics in Paris.

And she's just telling the truth. She's saying, man, this is amazing, what's happening.

And she's just telling the truth. She's saying, man, this is amazing, what's happening.

This is what I get from her having known her and saying, we want this.

This is what I get from her having known her and saying, we want this.

You know, I'm a great player.

You know, I'm a great player.

A Rique is unstoppable, as you saw Natasha. You know Howard is one of those great veteran players. Okay, now you saw this. Now, Dallas Wings fans, we want you in the seats with our jerseys. And it's a communication. You know, communication is three sixty. You say something to your fans and hopefully your fans respond. Dallas Wings fans are amazing and they will respond and they will show up and show out. And I applaud saw To for saying, look, I get it, but now I want it. And why shouldn't we want it in our own home arena. And that's just great communication. And that's why I love and admire her.

A Rique is unstoppable, as you saw Natasha. You know Howard is one of those great veteran players. Okay, now you saw this. Now, Dallas Wings fans, we want you in the seats with our jerseys. And it's a communication. You know, communication is three sixty. You say something to your fans and hopefully your fans respond. Dallas Wings fans are amazing and they will respond and they will show up and show out. And I applaud saw To for saying, look, I get it, but now I want it. And why shouldn't we want it in our own home arena. And that's just great communication. And that's why I love and admire her.

Indiana is outdrawing every other team by thirty five percent at home and thirty six percent on the road. Chicago's Andrew Reese is second in the WNBA obviously Injuryies's Chicago Scott team is second in the WNBA with an average road attendance of ten thousand, nine hundred and twenty nine.

Indiana is outdrawing every other team by thirty five percent at home and thirty six percent on the road. Chicago's Andrew Reese is second in the WNBA obviously Injuryies's Chicago Scott team is second in the WNBA with an average road attendance of ten thousand, nine hundred and twenty nine.

That's once that the other is.

That's once that the other is.

As of one week ago, twenty WNBA telecast is average one million viewers, shattering the previous record of fifteen for a season. Caitlyn Clark was featured in seventeen of those twenty televised games. That's her impact. I know for a fact the Rookie Year of the Year race is over. Caitlin Clark is gonna win that. But what do you have to say about Andrew Reese and what she's meant to the WNBA game thus far this year as a rookie.

As of one week ago, twenty WNBA telecast is average one million viewers, shattering the previous record of fifteen for a season. Caitlyn Clark was featured in seventeen of those twenty televised games. That's her impact. I know for a fact the Rookie Year of the Year race is over. Caitlin Clark is gonna win that. But what do you have to say about Andrew Reese and what she's meant to the WNBA game thus far this year as a rookie.

Well, I've watched Arey Reese at LSU. I mean, she she's a problem. This woman has just she just broke the record. She has a mode like I have not seen before, and I know a lot of people, well, you know, she's getting you know, her own rebounds.

Well, I've watched Arey Reese at LSU. I mean, she she's a problem. This woman has just she just broke the record. She has a mode like I have not seen before, and I know a lot of people, well, you know, she's getting you know, her own rebounds.

I mean, cut it out. Okay.

I mean, cut it out. Okay.

She's not the biggest player on the court. She's not the fastest player on the court. She's tenacious. She is doing her job. And as she gains more experience in the league, and she was working on her three point shot, you know in her off season, she's going to just continue to explode, get bigger, better, even more greater than she is right now. And I think people need to leave her alone and just appreciate her for who she is and how she has played this game. And just because somebody has a quiet disposition and somebody has a little bit more flair in their disposition doesn't make anybody wrong. I enjoy watching her. I love that she's being coached right now by Teresa Weatherspoon. I mean Spoon was pounding her chest right in the garden with the liberty. You saw that for many many years. When she hit the half court shot, you know against Houston, you know, to push it to a game five. I believe it's okay to have personality, and she has personality. Plus she's gorgeous. She looks like a model. She just defies everything you want to say about her. So I think people again should stop put you know, pigeonholing.

She's not the biggest player on the court. She's not the fastest player on the court. She's tenacious. She is doing her job. And as she gains more experience in the league, and she was working on her three point shot, you know in her off season, she's going to just continue to explode, get bigger, better, even more greater than she is right now. And I think people need to leave her alone and just appreciate her for who she is and how she has played this game. And just because somebody has a quiet disposition and somebody has a little bit more flair in their disposition doesn't make anybody wrong. I enjoy watching her. I love that she's being coached right now by Teresa Weatherspoon. I mean Spoon was pounding her chest right in the garden with the liberty. You saw that for many many years. When she hit the half court shot, you know against Houston, you know, to push it to a game five. I believe it's okay to have personality, and she has personality. Plus she's gorgeous. She looks like a model. She just defies everything you want to say about her. So I think people again should stop put you know, pigeonholing.

People just wake up happy. Just for all the new fans, just love this game.

People just wake up happy. Just for all the new fans, just love this game.

For the older fans that have been waiting for this, just say thank you.

For the older fans that have been waiting for this, just say thank you.

This is what we've been waiting for. Packed houses.

This is what we've been waiting for. Packed houses.

We've been waiting for Steven A to have us on our show and talk about us on the regular. We've been waiting for the media to recognize that we are skilled and people do want to see us and how you push for us. And thank you to all the men out there that every job I've ever had, I've been hired by a man. So thank you to Steven A for you know, carrying so much in controversial and quite frankly in non controversial moments.

We've been waiting for Steven A to have us on our show and talk about us on the regular. We've been waiting for the media to recognize that we are skilled and people do want to see us and how you push for us. And thank you to all the men out there that every job I've ever had, I've been hired by a man. So thank you to Steven A for you know, carrying so much in controversial and quite frankly in non controversial moments.

I've known you forever. You've always been there.

I've known you forever. You've always been there.

You've never held anybody back. All you do is lift people up. Do we need that, by the way, We're not there yet, but we need that.

You've never held anybody back. All you do is lift people up. Do we need that, by the way, We're not there yet, but we need that.

So thank you.

So thank you.

Thank you so much. Nancy.

Thank you so much. Nancy.

I really appreciate you, know, I love you to death. Let me ask you this question. I don't think there's a debate about Asia Wilson being the best player in the world. I don't think there's a debate about her winning the MVP this year, although I would say Caitlin Clark is in the conversation for League MVP at the very least. But who's the second best player in the world behind Asia Wilson in your estimation?

I really appreciate you, know, I love you to death. Let me ask you this question. I don't think there's a debate about Asia Wilson being the best player in the world. I don't think there's a debate about her winning the MVP this year, although I would say Caitlin Clark is in the conversation for League MVP at the very least. But who's the second best player in the world behind Asia Wilson in your estimation?

That's a great question, you know we had on the telecast yesterday. I believe that Asia Wilson, who I agree with you, she's the best player clearly in the world. She's done things that I don't think I've very seen. I don't even want to call her a She's just a great baller. You know, she can shoot, she can pass, she's a two way player. She could win a Warrior year. She is a warrior and to a point, and I'm going to get to the end of your question. When you talk to Becky Hammond, Begcky Hammon will say, if it's somebody's birthday on the team, the first person who's running out to get boons and hats and cards and all the ribbons and all that stuff is Asia Wilson.

That's a great question, you know we had on the telecast yesterday. I believe that Asia Wilson, who I agree with you, she's the best player clearly in the world. She's done things that I don't think I've very seen. I don't even want to call her a She's just a great baller. You know, she can shoot, she can pass, she's a two way player. She could win a Warrior year. She is a warrior and to a point, and I'm going to get to the end of your question. When you talk to Becky Hammond, Begcky Hammon will say, if it's somebody's birthday on the team, the first person who's running out to get boons and hats and cards and all the ribbons and all that stuff is Asia Wilson.

She just has this ability.

She just has this ability.

And Dawn has told me this also, And I love Don stay talking about a legend on the court and on the sidelines. She goes, this is the most incredibly kind human being, but a warrior on the court. Her teammates love her because of how she is.

And Dawn has told me this also, And I love Don stay talking about a legend on the court and on the sidelines. She goes, this is the most incredibly kind human being, but a warrior on the court. Her teammates love her because of how she is.

She is you can count on her.

She is you can count on her.

If somebody says that they count on you in life, that's the highest compliment you can have.

If somebody says that they count on you in life, that's the highest compliment you can have.

So we have her.

So we have her.

We already now that I believe she's going to be unanimous for the first time in the history of the w uh Nefisa Collier.

We already now that I believe she's going to be unanimous for the first time in the history of the w uh Nefisa Collier.

She's amazing.

She's amazing.

She she just you know, kicked butt at the Olympics. I knew and I've watched her, and she's just taken her game to another level. Uh the same thing you know with uh Sabrina uh An Sq. I mean now she's attacking the rim more than she ever had. You knew she could shoot the basketball hot, you know, high IQ in better condition talked about you know.

She she just you know, kicked butt at the Olympics. I knew and I've watched her, and she's just taken her game to another level. Uh the same thing you know with uh Sabrina uh An Sq. I mean now she's attacking the rim more than she ever had. You knew she could shoot the basketball hot, you know, high IQ in better condition talked about you know.

What about Brianna stew It? What about Brihanna stew It.

What about Brianna stew It? What about Brihanna stew It.

Yeah, no, I'm getting to it. I'm getting to it. Friend.

Yeah, no, I'm getting to it. I'm getting to it. Friend.

I'm sorry, you gotta let older women's tea Now, I'm only kidding. Let me let me go to Katelyn. You know, we already talked about her. She is in that grouping. Uh, I got to be honest. Ereka is in that grouping right now. She's unstoppable if this team want to be able to get the playoffs. Rique is certainly in that conversation.

I'm sorry, you gotta let older women's tea Now, I'm only kidding. Let me let me go to Katelyn. You know, we already talked about her. She is in that grouping. Uh, I got to be honest. Ereka is in that grouping right now. She's unstoppable if this team want to be able to get the playoffs. Rique is certainly in that conversation.

And Stewie. I don't know who's been able to stop.

And Stewie. I don't know who's been able to stop.

Stewie since Yukon right four championships, which is unbelievable in college.

Stewie since Yukon right four championships, which is unbelievable in college.

You go to the w you win.

You go to the w you win.

I think she's got three or four championships. Somebody helped me here.

I think she's got three or four championships. Somebody helped me here.

With Seattle and you know, the Liberty are right on the you know, the cuff of being able to win a championship which they've never won, and they're one of the original teams in this league.

With Seattle and you know, the Liberty are right on the you know, the cuff of being able to win a championship which they've never won, and they're one of the original teams in this league.

Alysa Thomas okay, who's with Connecticut. People don't she's like so underrated and I don't know how an Olympian could be underrated. She was in the mix last year for Player of the Year MVP. Just she don't do anything fancy. She's big, she's strong, she can do everything. She's like a Swiss knife. She just makes people around her better. She's a great passer, defender, knocking down shots to when you got to have somebody like her on the team.

Alysa Thomas okay, who's with Connecticut. People don't she's like so underrated and I don't know how an Olympian could be underrated. She was in the mix last year for Player of the Year MVP. Just she don't do anything fancy. She's big, she's strong, she can do everything. She's like a Swiss knife. She just makes people around her better. She's a great passer, defender, knocking down shots to when you got to have somebody like her on the team.

So there's there's a lot of people in this mix.

So there's there's a lot of people in this mix.

Breonna Stuart's got She's got two NBAWNBA titles with the Seattle Storm twenty eighteen and twenty twenty. I just looked that up just to make sure I confirm this, So she's got two. But let me ask you this. I've been saying, of the mindset because of the greatness of an Asia Wilson, because of Kelsey Plumb and others I've just and because of the greatness of their coach. I've been of the mindset. I don't care what I'm seeing from the New York Liberty.

Breonna Stuart's got She's got two NBAWNBA titles with the Seattle Storm twenty eighteen and twenty twenty. I just looked that up just to make sure I confirm this, So she's got two. But let me ask you this. I've been saying, of the mindset because of the greatness of an Asia Wilson, because of Kelsey Plumb and others I've just and because of the greatness of their coach. I've been of the mindset. I don't care what I'm seeing from the New York Liberty.

I love them.

I love them.

I'm a New Yorker, you know I'm always root for them, the New York Liberty, the Minnesota Lynx. So I don't care you bring me Seattle, Minnesota, New York. I don't care.

I'm a New Yorker, you know I'm always root for them, the New York Liberty, the Minnesota Lynx. So I don't care you bring me Seattle, Minnesota, New York. I don't care.

You can't convince me that somebody's gonna beat Las Vegas until I see it. Because of Asia Wilson. That's how I feel. Where are you about that?

You can't convince me that somebody's gonna beat Las Vegas until I see it. Because of Asia Wilson. That's how I feel. Where are you about that?

Are they three peeting or do you have somebody in mind that you believe is going to knock them off?

Are they three peeting or do you have somebody in mind that you believe is going to knock them off?

I certainly think they did.

I certainly think they did.

Three Pete I came in and spent a couple of days in training camp with Becky and one watched how they prepared and how they played. Look Sandy Brondelo's unbelievable coach in what she's done for the Olympic team in Australia when she was playing.

Three Pete I came in and spent a couple of days in training camp with Becky and one watched how they prepared and how they played. Look Sandy Brondelo's unbelievable coach in what she's done for the Olympic team in Australia when she was playing.

As as a matter of fact, you playly didn't know this, stephen A.

As as a matter of fact, you playly didn't know this, stephen A.

I drafted Sandy Brondelo to play for me in nineteen ninety eight in the WNBA. So I've known Sandy a long, long time, great, great mind. Cheryl Reeves won championships, She's amazing.

I drafted Sandy Brondelo to play for me in nineteen ninety eight in the WNBA. So I've known Sandy a long, long time, great, great mind. Cheryl Reeves won championships, She's amazing.

She just won the gold medal.

She just won the gold medal.

She won championships with the Detroit Shock and Rick Mahorn and Bill Lambiert. Yeah they're good. And don't forget Connecticut. I mean Stephanie White, she's tough, she's got to want to Bonner moving up the charts as an all time leader in so many categories. And we talked about Alicia Thomas. They're really good teams. So nothing is given. So let me say this about the Aces. I believe that they took this league by storm, and Becky is just done a marvelous job. I think when you're that good, if I were coaching in this league, I would take every one of her offenses and every one of her defenses, and I would dissect it, and I'd put what I liked into my program.

She won championships with the Detroit Shock and Rick Mahorn and Bill Lambiert. Yeah they're good. And don't forget Connecticut. I mean Stephanie White, she's tough, she's got to want to Bonner moving up the charts as an all time leader in so many categories. And we talked about Alicia Thomas. They're really good teams. So nothing is given. So let me say this about the Aces. I believe that they took this league by storm, and Becky is just done a marvelous job. I think when you're that good, if I were coaching in this league, I would take every one of her offenses and every one of her defenses, and I would dissect it, and I'd put what I liked into my program.

And I think a lot of teams have.

And I think a lot of teams have.

I think that's the highest compliment when somebody, you know, somebody you know maybe takes your stuff.

I think that's the highest compliment when somebody, you know, somebody you know maybe takes your stuff.

And tweaks it a little bit. And the league's getting better because of these young players.

And tweaks it a little bit. And the league's getting better because of these young players.

But you know, Asia was on the Olympic team, Kelsey was on the Olympic team, Jackie Young was on the Olympic team. Chelsea Gray, who to me is one of the best passers in this league. She's unbelievable and talking about passing the ball ahead.

But you know, Asia was on the Olympic team, Kelsey was on the Olympic team, Jackie Young was on the Olympic team. Chelsea Gray, who to me is one of the best passers in this league. She's unbelievable and talking about passing the ball ahead.

And you know the other side of it is.

And you know the other side of it is.

You know they they're coming off.

You know they they're coming off.

I'm sure they're tired.

I'm sure they're tired.

There's four of them that played on the Olympic team, and they had one more of their teammates.

There's four of them that played on the Olympic team, and they had one more of their teammates.

Play for Spain in Olympics.

Play for Spain in Olympics.

So they're a great team and I fully expect them to be in the mix at the end. If everybody stays healthy, those four teams, right, this is gonna be a super season for the w And it already is.

So they're a great team and I fully expect them to be in the mix at the end. If everybody stays healthy, those four teams, right, this is gonna be a super season for the w And it already is.

If you had a choice because I don't know. I don't know a woman alive that knows more basketball than you.

If you had a choice because I don't know. I don't know a woman alive that knows more basketball than you.

I just don't.

I just don't.

I mean, I've met a lot of people to know I don't know a woman alive and knows more basketball than you, Nancy. So I'm gonna ask you this. You had to select. You're in a position. You got the first pick of the draft, all right, and you have to select between Asia Wilson, Caitlyn Clark, Brehanna Stewart, or whomever.

I mean, I've met a lot of people to know I don't know a woman alive and knows more basketball than you, Nancy. So I'm gonna ask you this. You had to select. You're in a position. You got the first pick of the draft, all right, and you have to select between Asia Wilson, Caitlyn Clark, Brehanna Stewart, or whomever.

Who's the first player you're taking. Putting you on the spot, Nancy, I am taking.

Who's the first player you're taking. Putting you on the spot, Nancy, I am taking.

I am taking Asia Wilson. I'm gonna build around her because she's gonna make me a better defensive coach. She's not gonna do anything crazy, Fancy. You know what, She's like the big fundamental. She's like Tim Duncan.

I am taking Asia Wilson. I'm gonna build around her because she's gonna make me a better defensive coach. She's not gonna do anything crazy, Fancy. You know what, She's like the big fundamental. She's like Tim Duncan.

Tim Duncan, Yeah, I mean is that good an Allen intensity.

Tim Duncan, Yeah, I mean is that good an Allen intensity.

With more intensity?

With more intensity?

Yes?

Yes?

And I'm going to build around her and we'll go from there. I like people who have won championship. She won that certainly, you know, with Dawn at South Carolina, and we'll go from there. That's not to say that the others you just mentioned aren't spectacular, right, that's like saying MJ or Lebron.

And I'm going to build around her and we'll go from there. I like people who have won championship. She won that certainly, you know, with Dawn at South Carolina, and we'll go from there. That's not to say that the others you just mentioned aren't spectacular, right, that's like saying MJ or Lebron.

I mean they're both great. It's just you know, what's your flavor?

I mean they're both great. It's just you know, what's your flavor?

Got it? Mitchell and Katelyn Clark I ain the best backcourt tandem in the league.

Got it? Mitchell and Katelyn Clark I ain the best backcourt tandem in the league.

Who right now they are? I mean it's pretty unstoppable. I mean these guys are getting almost fifty five points a game between them, and yeah, I mean, I don't know anybody in the league who's faster than Kelsey Mitchell without the ball. When she catches the ball, she's a blur and she's unbelievable. And the way she's shooting right now, I mean, don't go on through a screen. My thing is Kyp. Do you know what KYP is?

Who right now they are? I mean it's pretty unstoppable. I mean these guys are getting almost fifty five points a game between them, and yeah, I mean, I don't know anybody in the league who's faster than Kelsey Mitchell without the ball. When she catches the ball, she's a blur and she's unbelievable. And the way she's shooting right now, I mean, don't go on through a screen. My thing is Kyp. Do you know what KYP is?

I think so, but I'm not going to say it.

I think so, but I'm not going to say it.

I want you to say no, it's okay.

I want you to say no, it's okay.

Know your personale, Know your personal I'm saying this my first coaching gig. Know your personal If you can't catch it bounce fast, don't throw them bounce fast.

Know your personale, Know your personal I'm saying this my first coaching gig. Know your personal If you can't catch it bounce fast, don't throw them bounce fast.

If they can't catch it up high, don't throw it up high.

If they can't catch it up high, don't throw it up high.

Know who you know, who's good and what they do well.

Know who you know, who's good and what they do well.

Yeah, you know.

Yeah, you know.

These guys between Boston Clark and you know Mitchell they're learning each other right now times their greatest ally, and I think that the Fever are going to win championships somewhere down the road with this.

These guys between Boston Clark and you know Mitchell they're learning each other right now times their greatest ally, and I think that the Fever are going to win championships somewhere down the road with this.

Squad, right, Nancy, very last question, you know, looking up a stat I don't know if you know this or not.

Squad, right, Nancy, very last question, you know, looking up a stat I don't know if you know this or not.

You probably do, knowing you because you don't miss much. Uh.

You probably do, knowing you because you don't miss much. Uh.

Caitlyn Clark has personally received seventeen percent of the flagrant fouls called. Literally, she's been fouled seventy on flagrant fouls. Seventeen percent of them have been against her personally. We spoke about the Sheryl Swoop situation. We've spoke about the numbers, the ratings, We've spoken about the resentment that Caitlyn Clark has been receiving, not by most, not by all, but by to be quite honest, too many. If you had your brothers moving forward, looking at the rest of this WNBA season, looking at the state of women's basketball moving forward, what's your wish and what needs to happen in order for your wish to be achieved and fulfilled?

Caitlyn Clark has personally received seventeen percent of the flagrant fouls called. Literally, she's been fouled seventy on flagrant fouls. Seventeen percent of them have been against her personally. We spoke about the Sheryl Swoop situation. We've spoke about the numbers, the ratings, We've spoken about the resentment that Caitlyn Clark has been receiving, not by most, not by all, but by to be quite honest, too many. If you had your brothers moving forward, looking at the rest of this WNBA season, looking at the state of women's basketball moving forward, what's your wish and what needs to happen in order for your wish to be achieved and fulfilled?

Last word is yours?

Last word is yours?

Well, what you just said is true. Seventeen percent. That's five, you know, five of those fouls of thirty two have been on Kaitlyn Clark. That's where we get the seventeen percent from, and those were earlier.

Well, what you just said is true. Seventeen percent. That's five, you know, five of those fouls of thirty two have been on Kaitlyn Clark. That's where we get the seventeen percent from, and those were earlier.

In the season. And I think she's passed the physic physicality test.

In the season. And I think she's passed the physic physicality test.

By the way pace space it will out trump physicality every day of the week, Like when the Mavericks won the championship in twenty eleven and they had Jason Kidd and they were playing Miami and Lebron and no matter how good, how fast, how athletic, how high you jump, you can never catch up with the pace of the ball. And right now, with this team and what's going on, you can't keep up with the pace of the ball. So I think teams have realized, Okay, she didn't cry, she didn't quit, she got up, she shook it off. She hasn't said anything in a press conference. We got to figure out how to garter now. So I think she passed that test. I don't think there'll be a lot more of those. I would hope that some of these players, the stars in the league, do not get hurt because they're very important. Right, You're only as good as your star players. Star players have to shine, role players have to be role players, and that's why we have a team. Everybody has a role that they must play. Coaches, coach and prepare you. But it's a players game. I don't shoot anymore. Go as ice Cube. When I was coaching in Sacramento with the Kings and we had Rondo and Rudy, Ruddy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, we don't shoot shots. It's a player's game. Players determine probability and outcome. It's the greatest thing you could ever do. The next great thing you coach because you're in the foxhole and you're helping making people better. If you can't do that, you do TV and you hop on the steven A.

By the way pace space it will out trump physicality every day of the week, Like when the Mavericks won the championship in twenty eleven and they had Jason Kidd and they were playing Miami and Lebron and no matter how good, how fast, how athletic, how high you jump, you can never catch up with the pace of the ball. And right now, with this team and what's going on, you can't keep up with the pace of the ball. So I think teams have realized, Okay, she didn't cry, she didn't quit, she got up, she shook it off. She hasn't said anything in a press conference. We got to figure out how to garter now. So I think she passed that test. I don't think there'll be a lot more of those. I would hope that some of these players, the stars in the league, do not get hurt because they're very important. Right, You're only as good as your star players. Star players have to shine, role players have to be role players, and that's why we have a team. Everybody has a role that they must play. Coaches, coach and prepare you. But it's a players game. I don't shoot anymore. Go as ice Cube. When I was coaching in Sacramento with the Kings and we had Rondo and Rudy, Ruddy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins, we don't shoot shots. It's a player's game. Players determine probability and outcome. It's the greatest thing you could ever do. The next great thing you coach because you're in the foxhole and you're helping making people better. If you can't do that, you do TV and you hop on the steven A.

Smith Show.

Smith Show.

And I love you and I appreciate you and thank you for having.

And I love you and I appreciate you and thank you for having.

Me so much.

Me so much.

Anna has been allmine.

Anna has been allmine.

You're such a legend and I can't wait to have you back on on this WNBA playoffs kickoff because if I want basketball analysis, I know where the hell to come and get it. Thank you so much, Nancy, really appreciate love you looking great. It's great to see you and we will definitely talk soon.

You're such a legend and I can't wait to have you back on on this WNBA playoffs kickoff because if I want basketball analysis, I know where the hell to come and get it. Thank you so much, Nancy, really appreciate love you looking great. It's great to see you and we will definitely talk soon.

Okay, you take care of yourself, you too.

Okay, you take care of yourself, you too.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The one and only Nancy Leberman in the Hall of Famer, the great, one of the great great basketball minds that exist in this world. Right here on the Stephen A. Smith Show, over the digital airwaves of YouTube, we got a lot more to get into. Make no mistake about that, because obviously she was right about everything she said. There's no reason for me to debate, or to pontificate or open even further than I already have, because Nancy Leberman just did it for you, Okay,