Ian Thomsen of SI.com reports today that NBA Commissioner David Stern recently said there was a reasonable possibility that a woman could soon play in the NBA:
(Baylor’s Brittney Griner: 1st Woman Who Can Dunk Easily)
On Tuesday in the conference room outside his NBA office in Manhattan, I asked the commissioner whether we’ll see a woman playing in his league someday.
“Sure,” he said matter-of-factly. “I think that’s well within the range of probability.”
He (Stern) knows, I know and now you know there is a good chance it’s going to happen, simply because the most important man in basketball has hereby declared it could and should happen.
When Stern was asked if a woman could join the league in the next ten years, he said, “I think we might. I don’t want to get into all kinds of arguments with players and coaches about the likelihood. But I really think it’s a good possibility.”
Thomsen then proceeded to get reax about the prospect from varying NBA sources, including players, coaches and league executives.
Dirk Nowitzki: “Skills-wise, yeah. But physical-wise, it’s tough. Even all the little guys are pretty strong in this league and pretty athletic.”
Mavericks Assistant Coach Dwane Casey: “The physical part will be the worst for a woman, and it will be on defense more than anything else.”
New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh: “I’m sure there’ll be a girl who’ll be on this level, and if there is, she’ll probably play in the NBA.
Nets Coach Kiki Vandeweghe: “We have a lot of guys in our league who are specialty players — they come in and can just flat shoot it. Who’s to say that somebody from the WNBA couldn’t do the same thing?”
And finally, a league GM who was probably afraid to go on the record for fear of incurring Stern’s wrath: “I don’t think its going to be physically possible. I think they have the necessary skill sets: If you give me the best of the best in the WNBA and put them on the (free throw) line with the best of the NBA, I think you’ll see they shoot the ball as well as men.”
The most salient point about the possibility came from Stern, who noted that women’s records in the Olympics continue to improve, with some passing what men previously achieved.
So who is out there who could make the transition to The League right now? Nobody. Or they’d already be playing. I automatically thought of Baylor freshman Brittney Griner, who is the first woman ever to easily dunk in a game.
Give Griner a few more years to grow into her body and develop her skills and, with her extraordinary athleticism, she might be a realistic prospect. As Vandeweghe noted, there could also be room for a woman if she had excellent shooting range - a sharp-shooting specialist.
This is going to happen at some point. Realistically, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a moribund franchise start pushing Stern to allow it to carry a woman for marketing purposes. And remember that the WNBA is Stern’s pet project. He knows a female playing in the NBA would dramatically boost interest in his women’s league. At least short term.
As for the question of players being unwilling to put a body on a female during a game - if that player knows he might get beat, and embarrassed, he’s going to quickly transition to perhaps playing harder against a woman.
I’d love to see it. The NBA has gotten a little stale for me. If the female could play, it would certainly spice things up.
3:13 pm on December 4th, 2009
women were created to put food on the table!
3:40 pm on December 4th, 2009
Yeah, I’ll pretend I didn’t read that first comment.
A lot of these guys have played with the girls in the past. Maybe not in a formal set-up like a school league or even AAU, but they have played with girls before.
Sure, there’s the chance for ‘embarrasment’, but it’ll pass quick if she proves to be the real deal and not some stunt. The guys will know, even if they don’t want to admit it.
4:07 pm on December 4th, 2009
Not gonna happen, ever. Nice try to be PC though. I love how here in America we try to turn women into men (with good results, unfortunately). Rebecca Lobo was interviewed years ago and said a woman could not play in the NBA. Won’t happen.
4:24 pm on December 4th, 2009
These gals sure do make it look difficult.
But is having this minor skill worth being so unattractive?
That’s for the fan to decide.
Yay.
4:29 pm on December 4th, 2009
so im post to believe that she is a girl.. reeaallyy.
4:47 pm on December 4th, 2009
Where her bewbies be?…
5:03 pm on December 4th, 2009
They also asked Stern what position would they play and he said ‘missionary.’ Ya… it sounded good till then, and then they realized Stern was a sexist pig.. a short one.
5:20 pm on December 4th, 2009
the wnba all star team would land a couple players on div 1 ncaa teams if they were lucky.
its not about sexism, equality or anything else. the nba is the league where you most need to be an athletic freak to succeed at the pro level.
if the best players in the D league cant play on an nba team, no woman can.
its the just way people were built.
8:40 pm on December 4th, 2009
Really? Do woman even know how to defend against a dunk?
10:43 pm on December 4th, 2009
This article is a joke right? Anyone who thinks that any woman on this planet could play in the NBA is a complete idiot. There is a reason that the best college programs in the country(Tenn, UCONN) practice against guys from their schools who werent even good enough to play any college ball, let alone D-1. Not as tall, not as strong, not as quick, not as fast, cant jump as high, period. WNBA is like watching a D-3 mens college bball game.
2:39 am on December 5th, 2009
I hope a woman makes it to the NBA and gets her head caved in by Ben Wallace or Ron Artest.
4:27 am on December 5th, 2009
Why do you guys allow this type of degrading statement to be printed about women like the one above. i think that is a very ugly statement to be made after reading it on the internet. Be careful about what you guys let be seen on the comments side of view.
4:32 am on December 5th, 2009
I’m a 6′5 dude and I can dunk a basketball. That doesn’t mean I can play in the NBA! In fact, I’m TERRIBLE, but I’m tall and can jump a tad, so I can dunk. She would get FLATTENED!
4:50 am on December 5th, 2009
Never gonna happen, sorry girls
5:12 am on December 5th, 2009
Yeah, they will let a woman come in for a marketing ploy, and the first time some 7′1′ 315 beast comes and drills her in the post, everyone will be screaming about it!
Not that women don’t have the skills to play basketball with the men, but some women can throw a football really well too—that doesn’t mean they should be in the NFL!!!
5:48 am on December 5th, 2009
Not a chance unless for marketing purposes.
5:59 am on December 5th, 2009
The real question is - Will we ever see a man in the
WNBA - I’m a guy…but I can’t get a job waiting tables at Hooters. Oh.. the injustice. Victoria’s Secret wont hire me for reatil sales. PC means saying things that you don’t really believe to prevent civil liability.
Even if I could get a job waiting tables at Hooters, I bet I wouldn’t get very menay tips.
Basketball is just the wrong sport to push the gender issue. But personally, I believe that Serena or Venus could hit a MBL curveball. A bit more within the realm of possibility.
6:01 am on December 5th, 2009
it would be interesting to see this happen but as i recalll a few yaers ago when a lady played for the globetrotters …..we will see?????
6:15 am on December 5th, 2009
women have no place in the N.B.A…why women always wanna do everything men does…it’s dumb…women are built different..should do women stuff..next the gonna wanna kick field goal and kickoffs
6:26 am on December 5th, 2009
LOL @ Seth’s Family Guy ref.
All these responses in the article are nothing but PC fodder. Will we ever see a woman in the NBA? Maybe - as a PR freak show. Will she have any significance as a player? No way. There are billions of MEN who don’t make the cut for the NBA. What makes anyone think that any one woman will have the skill and the will that would surpass those that didn’t even make the cut?
6:42 am on December 5th, 2009
Sheril Miller could not do it, Liberman no, the girl from UCLA who tried out with a team that had Dudley Bradley a 6′6 off guard who stole the ball something like 8 out of ten times from the female basketball player. I say there may be one or two that are exceptional shooters that could possibly make it , but I doubt it. The game is too physical, fast and even good shooters have trouble get their shot off if they are not physically gifted. Played all my life and beat a female in college that was on Pan/Am team (10-1 one on one) did not make our college team (last cut) I just drove by her 80% time for a dunk or layup (she was 6′3 I am 5′11 and could dunk) would have had a harder time with a true guard who could shoot and dribble–unfair to compare a guard to a forward–but at 6′5 or so, which would be small to big forward to even center in the womens game–they would not be quick enough or strong enough to play down low, a female guard like mentioned above with specific skills like shooting might be the only exception. Candance Parker is probably the best player I have seen, then maybe the girl at Baylor who is 6′8, but where are they going to play position wise. Yes Candance won the high school slam dunk contest over guys–I saw it. She did a basic dunk, but I loved it for her, she is modest and a great player, but any number of guys with some brains could have won that day by not trying to do the spectacular unbelievable dunk. She would be a good one to ask though or maybe her brother that plays in the NBA–he is very good and they both could comment on this.
6:56 am on December 5th, 2009
Are you serious! A woman playing in the NBA? I agree with the first guy, woman were created to “put food on the table”. A woman would get seriously hurt in the NBA. NBA players are BEASTS. A woman playing in the NBA is as much of a bad idea as female bodybuilders. One word “YUCK”. Stick to the WNBA Brittney Griner at least you can be a star there in the NBA you’ll just get ripped a new one and you’ll be crying yourself to sleep every night as will any female player who attempts to play in the NBA.
7:10 am on December 5th, 2009
Does this mean a guy who might not make an NBA team can play in the WNBA?
Also…is the Basketball in the NBA the same size as Basketball used in WNBA? Just curious about that?
7:16 am on December 5th, 2009
it’s not gonna happen….sorry girls!
7:25 am on December 5th, 2009
There has only been one woman capable of playing in the NBA …………… and that was Cheryl Miller
Hasn’t been one since
7:26 am on December 5th, 2009
also ask reggie miller and sheryl miller they would great insight into this as well
7:41 am on December 5th, 2009
Tom, hit the whole thing in a paragraph. UCONN and TENN, think DUKE and UNC also use guys to play against during practice to get better. These are guys who are good intramural players. They are going against great DIV I female players. That should sum up the majority of the questions.
8:07 am on December 5th, 2009
What is so wrong with women having women’s basketball and men having men’s basketball? If they want to form a league where men and women play together on teams just as they do on a variety of different sports that is fine as well, but keep these apart from each other in completely different leagues!
I don’t see any men contemplating playing for the WNBA.
Tell me what is wrong with having a club, a group, or a sport that only has one sex allowed in it such as the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts used to do!! We can respect each other, love each other, and have equal rights being in different divisions or leagues. I am all about equality, but I’m not going to go down and join my local Woman’s Club. This is a work out facility in the town where I live that only allows women members. There is no such club for men, and if there were there would be women activists beating down the doors trying to join because they somehow feel left out or discriminated against. I do not believe there is a single man in my town who is put off that he cannot join this club. There are some who might like to just to have a target rich environment in which to meet women, but not for any other reason.
9:34 am on December 5th, 2009
Boy I knew there was a good reason for the Sonics to leave Seattle. If this is the foresight of the commish, then this league is worse off then I thought.
Women in the NBA and actually have to pay to see it? Isn’t that why there is a WNBA?
Will men be allowed to play in the WNBA?
NBA - No Babes Allowed! Sorry.
9:44 am on December 5th, 2009
I think it would be a terrible idea to have women playing in the NBA. Either we would have guys who are too afraid to touch a woman and therefore would have to change his game under the basket, or you would have guys who would take every opportunity to demean and molest them in the name of playing “basketball.” Sure, there are women who are very good–just as good as some men. But that’s not the point–it would really break the flow of this competitive game to have gender issues and sexual issues happening on the court. Plus, imagine the lawsuits and bad publicity when a woman brings charges against a man for offenses during a game. I can’t even believe this is being considered by the higher-ups.
It’s good to have the WNBA, and I wish it success. I do think the women’s game is improving a lot at this time, while the men’s game is deteriorating somewhat.
9:48 am on December 5th, 2009
Remember what happened when they let a woman play in the NHL? Embarrassing.
9:50 am on December 5th, 2009
The game would become a farce if women were allowed in. Would LeBron drive the lane and “walk up the chest” of a female or would he settle for a jumper because she was the only defender??? What about flagrant fouls, which are sometimes committed to intimidate a player? Would Artest play hard, bruising “D” on a female? Or, would we be left wondering if he “let her slide” rather than knocking her down when she tried to drive past him? The integrity of “playing hard every minute” would be lost!
9:50 am on December 5th, 2009
I thought women were in the NBA………the WNBA! They have a league made just for women and one just for men and that is the way it should stay. And no Im not sexist, would a woman be sexist for thinking a man should not be in the WNBA? NO! U would have to change the name to CENBA. (Co Ed National Basketball Association) Women can do a lot of things just as well as a man can if not better but bumping and getting beat up by Shaq or Howard in the paint isnt one of them. Ive never seen a 250 lb woman that could run up and down a basketball court as fast as a 250 lb man. Bad idea all around.
9:52 am on December 5th, 2009
haha that is not a woman… that is a gay guy who wants to play ball.
9:56 am on December 5th, 2009
I have a daughter who played football with the boys until 10th grade. She is 5′7″ and 115 lbs. She was a great middle linebacker. Fast, made good open field tackles, good pass defense, etc…… However, after age 15 or so she was unable to be competative because at that age the boys were starting to acquire muscle mass and she was physically unable to compete on the same level as the guys. Unfortunately there was no women’s football, she would have been great, so we had to find her a girl sport (she now plays lacrosse). My point is there is definately a difference in the physical abilities of men and women.
9:56 am on December 5th, 2009
this is why i am moving away from this country. it’s is worst than communism. communist’s even have enough sense to recognize the difference between women and men. in america, a foreign terrorist is the same as me. a pedophile that murders children is the same as me. i am tired of american hippies, and they are all over now, not just in san fransico wearing tye dyes, saying i am wrong for thinking i am better than life long welfare recipients, criminals, and immoral people that use and exploit other people or systems that are to help true unfortunate people. not lazy idiot drug addicts.
if women get into the nba, the rules will have to change. more time outs for crying once a female guard gets hammered by a screen from amarie stoudamire. i have seen atheletic men walking off the court in tears once they get hit with an unintentional elbow, can you imagine a woman getting hit with the same elbow. let’s let women in male boxing. mayweather vs. ali. i want to see women compete against hussein bolt in the 100 m. let’s also put women in the nfl. let a female running back get crushed by ray lewis.
i remember playing coed softball one time and a female pitcher got drilled by a line drive back to the pitcher by a male batter. we had to stop the game. the lady was hurt really bad. men and women have got to be seperated in proffesional competitive atheletic sports.
10:01 am on December 5th, 2009
Are we looking for equity here? What next? Let’s put Laila Ali in the ring with Pacman, Pretty Boy or Bernard H. Or. Serena on the court with Federer. Or any aspiring female footballer on the field vs. Ray Lewis or Marcus McNeil (all 6′8, 350lbs of him). Simply, it aint gonna work!!!!!
10:02 am on December 5th, 2009
I have played with women on the court, there are some that can play in just about all of the mens league but we are talking about the NBA. What woman do you think you know, can guard LeBron, Shaq, Duncan, Garnett, Pierce, AI, Melo, Wade, Kobe, Artest, Gasol, … not the NBA… but all the other leagues…i think some can… surly I personally know of two women now that i would take anywhere to ball……
10:03 am on December 5th, 2009
Stern has ruined the NBA, but this would be worse. Then again, folks, calm down. He’s only joking–he’s just trying to appease certain groups (WNBA).
When the woman comes off the bench, will they have to call time out to change to a smaller basketball?
That should be some locker room scene.
……………….sarcasm off
10:10 am on December 5th, 2009
I was also thinking… Would the NBA then have to adjust their rosters, draft, and rules according to the influx of female players?
If the Lakers picked up one, would the Cavs? Stupid!
10:14 am on December 5th, 2009
When I was 14 yr old younf man, we used to play Girsl Varsity Basketball team and kick their buts, so no, a women will never play in the NBA…unless it starts with “W”NBA
10:26 am on December 5th, 2009
It’s not a question of whether a woman or a few woman can play, the thought of taking the best women away from the WNBA will destroy the WNBA and for that reason alone it is a bad idea.
10:26 am on December 5th, 2009
To allow women in the NBA is comparable to allowing highly skilled male High School graduates, who don’t want to go to College, compete for roster spots and Money in the WNBA
10:31 am on December 5th, 2009
“Really? Do woman even know how to defend against a dunk?”
LOL! Do NBA players really know how to defend against dunks…or defend in general?
10:33 am on December 5th, 2009
well if the public get behind the WNBA and give the ladies a fair chance they want have to think about such a thing. The WNBA need to rehire the one they CUT “09 and not invite the ladies to the Draft to just slap them in the face and cut them b4 they have a chance. Women sports need to stay just what it is Women ur not a man. At what cost? they make 1% of what men do SHAME SHAME
10:36 am on December 5th, 2009
She was born with both parts…she should not even be considered as a woman!
10:40 am on December 5th, 2009
What a joke. More political correctness GARBAGE!! The day the WNBA lets a superstar NBA player in, then these idiots aren’t two-faced moron P-C hypocrites!! And it would still be WRONG!
Men and women are NOT THE SAME!!! WAKE UP and STOP LYING PEOPLE!!! You look like dumb-bleeps!
11:00 am on December 5th, 2009
I doubt his ever happens, but what is really sad that in this country people involved in the league have to speak anonymously if they have a different opinion for fear of repercussions. The PC nazi’s have truly taken over.
11:03 am on December 5th, 2009
First off, a big f*** off and please do some paradigm shifting to all the rude ass ignorant fools who have left the ugly comments. My only hope is that you never find a woman who devalues herself enough to allow herself to be taught even more that she is less and has less options.
Yes, women have to meet every physical, mental, and spiritual challenge of every job that exists if they are to even have a chance to qualify for a position, not quite the same standard as men as many unqualified men get positions they shouldn’t be in. The question this author is debating is whether women are qualified to be in the nba. Many of the comments on physicality are true for more women that men, but the court is still out on whether there are some women out there who can handle playing in the NBA.
Don’t forget, women are doing many more jobs / positions than ever thought possible years ago. ….back when worse comments than those collected here were stated even more publicly and nastily.
11:15 am on December 5th, 2009
Stern used to run the best league in the sports world. Women have their own league; what’s next, a banked track and jammers going for the hoop? If i want Roller Derby, I’ll find that buried in the cable listings.
11:17 am on December 5th, 2009
Women are improving but this girl that is dunking in the video wouldn’t start for any D1 mens team that I’ve watched. She could probably do ok in boys h.s. basketball though.
11:18 am on December 5th, 2009
I am not going to get into the topic of this article. I just want to show people that “Brooks” does not know alot about women’s basketball or sometimes sports in general. Brittney Griner is NOT the first women to dunk a basketball in a college game. About fifteen years ago a girl on WVU’s team did it in a game and I believe that a few years later a girl on Univ of Tenn team did it in a game. Mr. Brooks , do your homework before you open you food hole.
11:20 am on December 5th, 2009
Believe me when I say there are high school men’s basketball players that are better than any WNBA player. If you don’t believe me just watch the high school games on ESPN sometime and compare the size and quickness between the WNBA players and the best high school players. It will become obvious to anyone who has watched a lot of basketball - don’t even have to be an expert to see it. The best high school men players are already stronger and quicker and can jump higher than any of the WNBA players. Just let the women play their game and the men play theirs. The women’s game is more like basketball at the pro level anyway. The men’s game is more of a pushing match with a lot more contact allowed. It would be hard for women to adjust to playing against a 6-9 260# man who can jump higher, has more quickness and is three times stronger that she is. Just forget it. It will just be a publicity stunt if it ever happens.
11:23 am on December 5th, 2009
Sure there will be woman players. With a woman she could go for the basket. Of course if you try to block it. People will say you are guilty of sexual assult.
11:26 am on December 5th, 2009
At some point, there will be sophistocated enough hormone / genetic / developmental interventions to overrule some of the innate differences between men and women in various forms of athletic ability. This will first happen in less developed countries or fairly advanced countries but those with fewer protections for human rights (Korea, China). It happened about 50 years ago with the Eastern German athletes at the olympics. Women who looked like men because of steroid use. Most top-level athletes do all that is possible to get ahead. This includes hormones and stimulands, erythropoieten, etc.
This Brittany’s voice sounds like an adolescent boy’s. Probably has some androgenizing hormones naturally. Some women can compete against many men. But at the highest level, there will be differences for some time.
11:28 am on December 5th, 2009
Women can’t not play in the NBA point blank. If you look at the Olympics with all of the athleticism in men keep growing in each event, then you would know a woman can not catch up. The fastest person on earth is a man. Boys in middles school are dunking at the earliest of 6th grade. Unless the woman looks like Shaq, which I certainly cannot find anyone, then maybe she match up in the NBA. What happens if the woman tries to flagrant foul the man in the game and the player just dunks on her? David Stern should be embarrassed by the comments he made. Why do women got to prove their are better than men? They are just reversing the situation with man looking to better than a woman. Women basketball plays with a small ball. It so easy to dunk in a game with a smaller ball. I done it many times in high school. Women cannot even match up with man when it comes to the weight room. I am appalled! Everybody in the NBA can dunk the ball. I don’t see everybody dunking the ball in every game. What would happen if something like what Vince Carter did to the 7-footer in the Olympics with the phase “nuts-yo-mouth” happen to this woman.
11:34 am on December 5th, 2009
Is this article supposed to be on The Onion? Hell, the best female tennis players can’t beat the 150 the ranked male player. The Canadian Womens Hockey team is 9-5 vs Alberta Midget Hockey Teams who aren’t allowed to bodycheck in the games. No chance, ever!
11:34 am on December 5th, 2009
Ok, this is disappointing. The number of sexist people out there just saddens me.
“women were created to put food on the table!”
What the hell is this? The 1700’s? If a woman has the talent, skill, and athleticism to actually make a team in the NBA, I’d be happy to see it. I agree that the physical build of men vs women has much more upper body strength bias towards men. However it seems to ignore the lower body advantage women tend to have. (pound for pound, a woman’s legs are often stronger than a man’s) As for what position? I would expect that the earliest female entries into the NBA will be in the guard and small forward spots. With the average height there between 6′0-6′8, it just more likely than a 7′0 Center or PF female with the strength to match the dumptrucks that are often in those spots. Someone commented about a 7′ 315 lb beast mowing down a woman, lets be honest, guys that size are few and far between. The top Centers right now measure at 6′11 265, 7′ 285, 6′10 285, 7′3 260. The only Center over 300 lbs is Shaq at 7′1 325, and he mows down all but a few guys. So, a giant mowing down some female player isn’t too likely. As for only the best players in the game are here? Look at most team’s second strings. Role Players and Bench Warmers are a part of the game too. Not everyone is a star player. I’m willing to see a woman who can make the cut, and I think it’s only a matter of time before there’s one with the stones to play with the boys.
11:37 am on December 5th, 2009
With a voice like that, better check dna
11:38 am on December 5th, 2009
This GIRL has some type of gland issue just like that runner that was found to have 6 times the testosterone in her. It made her voice deep, no breasts and actually male testicles inside her. I would not be surprised if this GIRL had the same issue or one similar. PLEASE put her even at the division 1 MENS college level using a mans ball that probably most of you less educated people don’t know that the GIRLS is smaller at every level for woman and watch her get hammered by the boys. My bet is a 6 foot man with a little wight on him could push her right out of the key and she would be just a freak show at best. PRO’s you got to be kidding me. Men’s that is.
11:48 am on December 5th, 2009
No girl that has ever played has had the physical ability to play in the NBA. David Stern made the politically correct statement. Have you watched the WNBA? Of course, there’s always the chance the NBA will change many of its rules to slow down and protect women, the way the NFL protects quarterbacks now, which might allow some sharp-shooters to survive. But why do that if you can get a man with speed and strength, with the same shooting accuracy? Some sports require separate men’s and women’s leagues, and basketball and soccer are two that come to mind.
12:01 pm on December 5th, 2009
Nappy headed Hoes?
12:02 pm on December 5th, 2009
I think the article said brittney first to dunk easily because i’ve seen quite a few girls dunk once or twice but she dunks all the time, anywho i’ve played against some really talented girls as far as shooting and even now dribbling goes they are very skilled but point black physically its just not possible. I’ve played against a girl who was shooting lights out so i had to put a hand up: result shit missed the shot but the true point is when i put my hand up she hit it after the release, one of those ticky-tack things that aren’t usually called the result w/ most guys is well nothing thats good defense she was holding her hand the rest of the game it looked dislocated, they can’t jump as high, they are not as strong, nor fast, could u imagine a girl standing in the way ok Lebron, Kobe, Melo, Howard? or stayin in front of Paul, Parker, or Nash. Only a pure shooter who was able to get open looks would have any sort of chance and then she’d have to be taken out for defensive purposes. It could happen but it wouldn’t be pretty
12:04 pm on December 5th, 2009
I was just stating facts but some of these sexist remarks are ridiculous
12:05 pm on December 5th, 2009
We would have some locker room action!!!
12:07 pm on December 5th, 2009
David Stern wants to create this dialogue so that the WNBA will get more attention. There’s no way he actually believes that a woman would be able to play in the NBA, he’s too smart. By the way, if a woman HAD to play in the NBA, she would be a guard, not a post player. The girl in the video is impressive, but there are a lot of 6′8″ SFs in the NBA who are infinitely more athletic and physical than her. I mean, she can dunk against high school girls, but good luck dunking on Josh Smith.
12:09 pm on December 5th, 2009
RIIIIIGHT
12:10 pm on December 5th, 2009
Women should be barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen. Keep them off the court!
12:17 pm on December 5th, 2009
Women are great at handling balls and making baskets.
12:25 pm on December 5th, 2009
IT WILL AND IS NOT POSSIBLE. BEING A FEMALE AND HAVE PLAYED WITH MEN FROM YOUNG TO MEN IN THERE 70″S ..WOMEN ARE JUST NOT STRONG ENOUGH… IT IS A QUICK AND PHYSICALLY DEMANDING GAME. THE NBA IS NO JOKE. KINDA BORING RIGHT NOW BUT TRANSACTIONS TAKING PLACE ARE IMPROVING TEAMS.. FORTUNATELY WE(WOMEN) ARE STILL SUPERIOR WHEN IT COMES TO USING OUR BRAINS!!HALLA
12:34 pm on December 5th, 2009
Let this girl play. Then watch all the feminists cry out in shock and horror when LeBron sends here into row 4 when drives in and dunks on her!
I’d like to see it just to see people’s reactions when/if she gets humiliated or injured by one of these beasts in the league. I guarantee you that a lot of people who are calling for her to play will be saying something a whole lot different then.
BTW: with so many players in league being charged with sex crimes, where will this girl be changing/showering? Hope she doesn’t join the Lakers and Kobe!!
…..just playin’
12:41 pm on December 5th, 2009
I have a close friend who plays at the highest level of overseas basketball. He attended a D-1 College and he’s 6′8 235 pounds, He plays the small forward position and he can shoot the ball lights out and plays good D. He also has no off the court issues and is a good guy. I find it hard to believe that if HE CANT MAKE IT TO THE NBA… THERE IS NO WAY THAT I CAN SEE A WOMAN PLAYING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF MENS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL! BUT IF THIS COUNTRY ELECTED A BLACK PRESIDENT, I GUESS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
12:43 pm on December 5th, 2009
Stern is an idiot who is politically afraid to answer otherwise. If he says Women will not play in the NBA he will be doomed by NOW and every weirdo organization out there and he will be ousted. He did the right thing and answered correctly. We cannot answer right anymore we have to answer correctly or we will suffer and this is unfortunate.
12:44 pm on December 5th, 2009
will there ever be a female post player in the nba? NEVER!
a shooter? maybe
12:58 pm on December 5th, 2009
what the hell is wrong with this website? do you really have to leave up the hatred against women that is in these comments, especially the ones that hope for women to get physically abused (’heads bashed in”) ?
I know that the men who’ve made these posts are just little insecure tiny-dicked tiny-brained jerk-offs who hate women because of their own inadequacies. Is that also the reason the website owners allow this trash?
1:07 pm on December 5th, 2009
Stern must’ve had one too many highballs, or perhaps his mind was drifting when he might get his next invite to a Tiger Woodie Wingding.
1:14 pm on December 5th, 2009
Women should be able to play in the NBA. for those who ask if men will be able to play in the WNBA……. Why in the world would a man want to play in the WNBA, let’s get serious. Phil seems it be the only guy who is not a complete moron and understands anything is possible. Isn’t that what all the sport movies protray, that no matter what people say and who is against you, anything is possible.
This is not about women being able to dunk. Not all men playing in the NBA can dunk nor neeed to be able to dunk. Should women be able to play in the NBA, yes, but will there be I don’t know because men like the ones commenting above are are the biggest cry babies in the whole world and would throw a fit.
People talk about the physical ability it takes to play in the NBA but do not doubt the ability of a woman to be physical. there are some good great tough women basketball players. Sure there are alot of capable NBA players out there who are men and are not playing in the league but there are also women out there who can play.
Stop being close minded fools and realize that women can play basketball and not just agiant other women.
1:14 pm on December 5th, 2009
is that a girl???? to me she looks like a guy no offense or noting but she looks like the guy from bone thungs n harmony…she should just forget about ever joining the nba just go to the wnba an dominate there geez
1:19 pm on December 5th, 2009
Jason, thats by far the gayest thing i have ever heard
1:24 pm on December 5th, 2009
Women were designed to put food on the table, as the first comment says. They were also designed to do laundry, and to clean things and give birth. There is no place for them in the NBA and WNBA is as much of a joke as 7 year olds playing t-ball.
1:28 pm on December 5th, 2009
People in wheelchairs can play basketball, too. It doesn’t mean I’d pony up for a season ticket.
2:16 pm on December 5th, 2009
this is an awful idea. whoever said that this country is messed up with the example of stern having to say “sure” to the question or else getting in trouble is completely correct. women can do plenty of things well but competing with the big boys of the nba is not one of them
2:33 pm on December 5th, 2009
Reno, you married? If so, poor lady. If so, I hope Darwinian Law is always on your side!
3:57 pm on December 5th, 2009
They can play in the NBA at half-time…
9:17 pm on December 5th, 2009
The women already have a league of their own. They shouldn’t be allow to come into the NBA. But, if by some crazy reason they are allowed to come into the NBA, then the WNBA should be shut down. They shouldn’t be able to have the WNBA and be allowed the play in the NBA. Choose between the two WNBA or NBA.
9:57 pm on December 5th, 2009
To the guys who keep saying “women are made to put food on the table” - nowadays, if a woman is putting food on the table, chances are it was HER salary that paid for it. If you losers want someone to cook, clean and do the laundry, hire a damned housekeeper.
Now as far as a woman in the NBA - I just don’t see it happening. People have been saying “well, the women are getting bigger, stronger and more skilled”. Problem is, the MEN are doing the same thing. If there was some way to wave a magic wand and say “OK, for the next five years, the level of size and skill in men’s basketball will be frozen”, THEN there might be some chance of a woman playing in the NBA. And if the day comes when a woman does make it to the NBA - there should be NO special considerations for her as far as how she is defended. And NO WHINING ALLOWED!
11:23 pm on December 5th, 2009
This is a joke, if they let women into the NBA they would be crying by half time. i have seen some of these WNBA players shoot and they can but what happens in the low post when you have a monster like Shaq or Wallace playing against them. you certainly can put your hands on them like they do with other NBA players, then what about the locker rooms? the owners would have to revamp the buildings. I see more money being lost then being made in this thing. The NBA would also lose me as a fan. i cant speak for others but i am sure i am not the only one. Think about it who are they going to draw in?? teen girls?? the gay community? one thing they need to factor is who they will lose
3:48 am on December 6th, 2009
no, a woman will not make it to this level of competition because of the complete physical ability that is required to make it to this level.
5:22 am on December 6th, 2009
Maybe if a woman grew to 9 feet tall… then maybe..
12:52 pm on December 6th, 2009
She sounds like a man
3:13 pm on December 6th, 2009
SHE LOOKS LIKE DUDE,SHE TALKS LIKE A DUDE,SHE’LL PLAY WITH THE DUDES!
6:40 pm on December 6th, 2009
Candace Parker and Diana Taurasi are the only two female ballers that I think can play with the boys….That Britney Griner or whateva his or her name is way to slow and she can only paly inside…She would get smashed trying to play in the league…Of course she can dunk…She’s like 6″8 . But she can’t dunk for real like the men do. When she dunk on somebody then call me….The girl can’t even dominate the Big 12 level
6:42 pm on December 6th, 2009
one more point…Woman aren’t as athletic as men….. they can’t jump as high…its just physically impossible unless ur like 6″5 with an outside game and handles like that fine,sexy Candace Parker…
8:33 pm on December 6th, 2009
HAHAHAHAAH nice u think women will play in the NBA sure their olympic stats are improving whos the competition, u kno the people trying to stop these women, other small women… i won’t deny they can shoot but they can’t take the physical beating sorry… nice you girls have one chick that can duck… its nothing fancy and whats worse is she looks and speaks like a man… so DO U REALLY HAE A WOMAN THAT CAN DUNK EASILY? no youve got a boney woman thats has some ups… shaq would eat her alive and lebron… XD if she got int he way of lebron while he was driving to the hoop may she RIP sorrty women nothing against yall but its never gonna happen unless women miraculously start building up like body builders
10:53 pm on December 6th, 2009
Women who get all bent out of shape over the “woman were made for cooking” type comments need to take a chill pill. The bottom line is that it’s NOT sexist. Woman are NOT supposed be Men or doing Manly things. Period.
Does that somehow “limit” women? No. Women are every bit as human as Men, but there are certain things women aren’t built for and the same goes for men.
If you don’t like it, take it up with GOD and get over it.
12:06 am on December 7th, 2009
I know David Stern not that stupid to let women play in the NBA. Revenues would drop like dead flies. I for you would stop watching the games. Trust me, it’ll never happen. Men around the globe would stop watching. Let the women bore us with the WNBA.
3:21 am on December 7th, 2009
David Stern is just being politically correct. Women will never play in the NBA and if they make a roster, it will be because of Stern’s pandering.
When will this madness end?
3:22 am on December 7th, 2009
I see how this works now. The last comment was mine not anonymous.
4:25 am on December 7th, 2009
CAN MEN PLAY WNBA TOO?
5:37 am on December 7th, 2009
And Lisa Lesley also said that a woman wouldn’t be able to handle the grind of men’s B-Ball.
Putting it nicely, Watching women play basketball is pretty similar to watching the special olympics. Get offended if you want, but it really is an eye sore. It looks like they are trying sooooo hard and failing.
And flash, why don’t you use your brain and turn caps lock off… “holla”…stoopid
8:01 am on December 7th, 2009
Why would women play in the NBA? What was the purpose of creating the WNBA? So since women would be able to play in the NBA and its been suggested that the guys will get used to it cause they at one point played with girls in earlier leagues, is it safe to assume that guys will play in the WNBA?
Lets be real about this.. its not that woman can’t play nor a sexist thing. But really if you have a SHAQ coming down the lane, and he is heading towards a 6′ Woman, how do you think that is going to affect his effort on the drive.. If it was a guy, he would just run it in with out hesitation.. yet knowing a woman is there he will be a little more careful..
For all the talk about not hitting women and such, we are putting them in a position that they will get hurt since men play far more rough then women.
All i know is that they are prone to injury more then men.. and that’s not being sexist, its just a fact.. Men are built way more different then woman; mens bodies are designed to withstand more pain…
10:13 am on December 7th, 2009
Before you start talking about women playing in the N.B.A. lets see how they fair in high school and college if they measure up let them play
3:12 pm on December 7th, 2009
I’ll also pretend that I didn’t read this article. When that happens, we should either shut down the WNBA or move the guys from the D league to join them.
There will be more sex scandal in the league than in the military.
5:22 pm on December 7th, 2009
There is a lot of personality on this discussion board! Making a comment seems like fun. Regarding women in the NBA, I think it’s not likely. Regardless if the WNBA exists, a female who really has what it takes to “earn” a roster position in the NBA should get the opportunity to play. However, again I would be surprised to see a female earn a roster spot in the NBA. Additionally, men should not be allowed to play in the WNBA. I think most people regardless of gender would agree that men as a gender tend to have greater athletic abilities regarding strength and speed compared to women as a gender. One of the reasons womens leagues were created was to give women a chance to play against other women because of general physical differences between the genders. That being said, if there happened to be a female out there who was just as impressive as say a Lebron James, then I don’t see why she shouldn’t be allowed to play in the NBA. This scenario is highly improbable in my opinion, but there’s always the possibility of the exception. Also, to some of the dudes on this message board, why do you have to be so negative about this issue? Obviously the NBA generates more interest then the WNBA and that is because the most athleticly gifted basketball players play in the NBA. NBA players potentially make 10’s of millions of dollars. Top WNBA players make a fraction of that because of exponentially smaller revenue. Any person with the ability regardless of gender should have the opportunity to earn an NBA roster spot and earn the big bucks that public interest generates for the players and owners. Where’s the love?
7:57 pm on December 7th, 2009
why not Sterns in the Nba he is the biggest biotch in the world. He should just go away.
9:20 pm on December 7th, 2009
David Stern has no clue how to manage the NBA. I hope he gets drilled by that NBA ref cheater Donahue. I can’t believe the right of free speech that should be afforded to every American is being jailed because of these “political correctness nazi police”. The double standard is really sickening.
Sure, it might raise revenue in the league for a short time from shock value, but the entire game and style of the NBA will be changed. It will become a “grindfest” and does anyone, including little kids, really want to see that? The WNBA will lack even more talent and cheap fouls will be much more frequently. Dunks and jams will decrease in number and quality. There is even a question of whether these females would be physically able to perform.
I am not sure if David Stern remembers the recent golf experiment where they used political correctness to enable uber-champion Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie try their hand at the PGA tour a few times? The result did not smell like roses…
10:28 pm on December 7th, 2009
We already have women in the NBA the cheerleaders!!!
2:23 am on December 8th, 2009
Her voice is deep as hell. She could be half man half amazing… Do the test. Nowadays you never know
2:53 am on December 8th, 2009
RenoContinuem: you are completely missing the point and you are totally wrong. No woman will play in the NBA. At least not in ANY serious manner. Women are NOT qualified to play there. They aren’t strong enough, fast enough, tall enough, quick enough, or tough enough to play with the players in the NBA - period. Get off your attempted defense of women. The reason guys are leaving pissed off type comments is because it’s a slap in the face to suggest that women could truly compete with men in basketball.
8:28 am on December 8th, 2009
Would there be grounds for a sexual harassment suit when the woman is defended too tightly or will a “keep at least half a foot between them at all times” rule be enforced?
8:33 am on December 8th, 2009
Stern was simply being politically correct; he’s knows it a ludicrous idea.
10:37 am on December 8th, 2009
I’ll have no problem with it as long as the women put into the NBA are there because they earned their spot there, not because of politcal correctness. Let them try out for the men’s college basketball team, and try to get drafted.
Quite often even the best of the best in college ball become mediocre or even terrible in the NBA, I just don’t see how a woman can make it to the NBA, seems physically impossible. On offense they might be okay, but on defense I don’t see them stopping anyone.
10:56 am on December 8th, 2009
What the hell??!!??
That is what the WNBA is for. I am a woman and I don’t particularly care for womens basketball. Why the hell would women want to play with men anyway?? I know I would not want to or pay to watch that. No, David Stern, leave “shiggity” alone. For crying out loud!
3:24 pm on December 8th, 2009
RenoContinuem: My bad. You weren’t the one I meant to bash. It was Charles who I was directing my comments at. Sorry.
7:58 pm on December 8th, 2009
girls in the nba would be stupid and make no sense no girl in the world can keep up with a player from the nba. you can take the nj nets bench and go undefeated in the wnba…..you can take a male high school varsity team and they would make a playoff run in the wnba and probaly win the whole thing….are you kidding me….also the chick (if one) is 6 f***ing 8 and can hardly dunk im 6 2 and will dunk all over that chick…you would think someone that tall would be like shaq in female bball and shes not even close she cant even dominate at butler,,,,,,david stern is a dumb*ss for even saying that.
9:09 pm on December 8th, 2009
If they have the ability to play in the NBA, let them.
3:04 pm on December 18th, 2009
Women are not little men! The same thing with special forces in the Military! Even the small men are MEN!
11:05 pm on March 29th, 2010
hahahahahahahhahahahahahhahhaha yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaa RIGHT lol…Theres no way in HELL a girl could play in the NBA…It’s bad enough we have girls reffing NBA games and now they want to play? haha The nations top 500 boys HIGH SCHOOL teams would beat every WNBA team…Only in America would some bullsh1t like this even be talked about. Can somebody please explain to me why American women try to be men these days? Cause I don’t it. I know we are in the “equal opportunity era” and all that but this is crossing the line…
If that chick on baylor came down the lane in the NBA and tried to dunk theres a 50% chance she might get killed.