Rick Carlisle is a WNBA fan, and in the NBA he's far from alone in that club
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — It's official: Rick Carlisle isn't just an Indiana Fever fan. He's a fan of the WNBA game in general.
The Indiana Pacers coach — shortly before his team was to play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night — was asked to share his thoughts about how the WNBA is getting attention at this time of year.
Carlisle didn't hesitate to tout how he thinks the WNBA is a great basketball product, in just the latest reminder than the W has some big fans all over the NBA.
'I've become a big follower of the WNBA,' Carlisle said. 'I have close relationships with some other head coaches in the W, along with (Fever coach) Stephanie White. I watched almost every Fever game last year. I think all, or just about all, of them were on national TV. And I'm following the entire league very closely. It's great basketball.'
The Fever are a huge draw nationally, and obviously in Indianapolis as well, because of the Caitlin Clark phenomenon. The Pacers make no secret of how they are Fever fans, and vice versa.
It's also been quite common for years to see big NBA names — LeBron James, Chris Paul, Bam Adebayo, Damian Lillard and many others — showing up at WNBA games. San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama was at a Dallas Stars game earlier this season. Russell Westbrook and his Honor The Gift label helped style and design what Georgia Amoore wore to this year's WNBA draft, when she got picked sixth overall by Washington.
'I can't thank him enough because even the little bits of advice he's given me along the way, to have a contact like that now as someone I can try and lean on or lean into, it's amazing, and I think it's the start,' Amoore said of Westbrook on draft night. 'You're going to see this happen more often, and I think it's just a blessing to be the first one to do it.'
Carlisle said he understands why NBA coaches and players are drawn to the WNBA — and added that the NBA can learn plenty from how some in the WNBA play the game.
'There are things that can be learned by NBA staffs and players watching the W because the dynamics of their game are a little different,' Carlisle said. 'The footwork elements of it are very, very high level. And you know, the personalities, they are coming at you all the time. It's very fun. It's very fun to follow.'
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
17 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Anthony hits 1st MLB home run and Giolito strikes out 10 as Red Sox blank Mariners 2-0
SEATTLE — Top prospect Roman Anthony hit his first major league home run and Lucas Giolito struck out 10 in six innings as the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 2-0 on Monday night. Anthony gave Boston an early advantage during his seventh major league game, turning on a slider from Mariners starter Logan Gilbert — who was making his first appearance since coming off the injured list — for a solo shot in the first. It was Anthony's second career hit after being promoted to the big leagues June 9.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Yankees Turn Heads With Giancarlo Stanton Statement on Monday
Yankees Turn Heads With Giancarlo Stanton Statement on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Giancarlo Stanton finally returned for the New York Yankees on Monday. His return couldn't have come at a better time, as they have lost five of their last eight games and scored a total of five runs in their last four games.. Advertisement They're coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of their American League East rival Boston Red Sox and are taking on the Los Angeles Angels at home. Stanton had been dealing with an elbow injury and is making his 2025 season debut. The Yankees took to their official X account to make it clear that Stanton, a five-time All-Star and former National League MVP with the Miami Marlins, is back in action. Stanton got his first hit of 2025 in the fourth inning, and fans reacted on X. "BIG G‼️‼️‼️," one fan wrote. "111 exit velo 💪🏼," another fan wrote. "welcome back," a third fan wrote. "torpedo big g we're winning it all," another fan wrote. "Surprised he made it to first base without pulling his hammy," a fifth fan wrote. "Not back until he knocks one out of the park," another user wrote. Stanton had torn tendons in both elbows during spring training, and there was some fear that he would have to sit out the whole season. Last year, he had 72 RBIs and 27 home runs in 114 regular-season games as the team got to the Fall Classic. New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Not a lot has gone right for the Yankees ever since they lost in last season's World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They lost superstar Juan Soto in free agency to the New York Mets, which was a stunning development that seemed to signify a karmic shift in balance between the two New York teams. Advertisement The Yankees have always been thought of as the titans of Major League Baseball, while the Mets have been the ugly stepchild of New York baseball, but Soto's departure put a huge dent in that tired old narrative. The Yankees took a 42-28 record into Monday's game. They still have a cushion over the Tampa Bay Rays, who are in second place in the American League East, but it isn't one they can take for granted. Related: Mets Legend Makes Strong Statement After Historic Pete Alonso News This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin
Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin may not be a Hall-of-Fame player on the level of Calvin Johnson, but that doesn't mean he isn't elite in his own right. Advertisement The All-Pro receiver is coming off a career year in which he recorded 13 touchdowns while helping to lead Washington to its first conference title appearance in 30 years. Now, McLaurin wants a new deal. The former Ohio State product is entering the final year of his contract with the team and is looking to be paid among the elite receivers in the sport. Johnson, a former Detroit Lions all-time great, fully supports this. In a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Johnson praised McLaurin and believes the receiver is worthy of a long-term extension. "I don't know Terry very well, but from afar, man, the guy has been nothing but consistent for that organization," Johnson said. "He's been a staple there in Washington his whole career. And you know, he plays his role, plays it well. He steps up in big games. And I love watching the kid because he's always making plays." Advertisement Johnson and McLaurin share many things in common. Both struggled to find stability in their starting quarterbacks until an SEC signal-caller was brought into the organization. Both were great before, during, and after those SEC quarterbacks were brought in. Johnson is considered one of the greatest modern receivers in NFL history. McLaurin isn't at that stage yet but is regarded as one of the more consistent players in the league today. McLaurin will eventually get the deal he's been coveting for years now. And it'll only make a Hall-of-Famer like Johnson happy at this point. Related: Commanders Coaches Deliver Clear Message About Offseason Break Related: Commanders Sophomore Corner Labeled Prime Breakout Candidate This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
