No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode: Preseason Takeaways, Training Camp Cuts, and Who is Golden State’s New GM?
Release Date: May 7, 2024

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman delve deep into the latest happenings in women's basketball. Covering preseason performances, training camp roster changes, the Golden State Warriors' new General Manager, broadcasting challenges, and a standout documentary on the Las Vegas Aces, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis for both die-hard fans and casual observers.

Preseason Takeaways

Exciting Preseason Games and Standout Performances

The hosts kick off the discussion by reflecting on the recent preseason games, highlighting increased visibility with four games televised in 2024 compared to just two the previous year. Ben Pickman shares his enthusiasm about the Edmonton game between the Sparks and the Storm, noting the electrifying atmosphere with "17,000 people in the arena" ([07:41]). He emphasizes the significance of Kia Nurse’s participation, especially with her brother Darnell Nurse playing for the Edmonton Oilers, creating a unique familial connection that elevated the game's excitement.

Sabreena Merchant echoes this sentiment, praising the broadcast quality despite minor hiccups, such as incorrect player information. She notes, “Skylar Dagan Smith looked like she hadn’t left the game” ([09:44]), underscoring her impressive performance post-maternity leave. The game also featured Cameron Brink and D’Arca Hamby, both of whom delivered strong performances that caught the hosts’ attention.

Rule Changes in the WNBA

Zena Keita introduces significant rule changes implemented for the season. At [23:05], she explains the introduction of a second challenge per game for coaches, similar to the NBA’s system, allowing for more strategic game management. Additionally, a new "reset timeout" has been introduced in the final two minutes of games, enabling teams to advance the ball and make substitutions without huddling, marked by an "X" signal. This change aims to enhance game flow and strategy in critical moments.

Training Camp Cuts

Notable Roster Adjustments

The conversation shifts to training camp cuts, where the hosts analyze the impact of waiving players like Bria Hartley from the Las Vegas Aces and Shea Petty from Connecticut. Ben Pickman discusses the strategic nature of these cuts, stating, “If you're a veteran like Shea Petty, it’s a favor to players, allowing them to find opportunities elsewhere” ([16:47]). This move opens up spots for emerging talents and allows teams to reconfigure their rosters effectively.

Zena Keita highlights the Atlanta Dream’s recent acquisition of Crystal Dangerfield, pointing out the team’s effort to bolster their guard depth after injuries to key players. “They’re clearly trying to shore up that position and provide some depth there” ([16:47]), she remarks. Additionally, the Las Vegas Aces’ decision to waive Bria Hartley sets the stage for potential rookies like Deja Farah and Kate Martin to make the final roster, showcasing the competitive nature of training camps.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Sabreena Merchant emphasizes the broader implications of these roster changes, noting the importance of allowing players to find new opportunities within the league. She adds, “Just because someone’s not making a roster does not mean that they're completely out” ([15:36]), highlighting the fluidity and opportunity within the WNBA.

Golden State’s New General Manager

Introducing Ohema Nyanen

A significant highlight of the episode is the introduction of Ohema Nyanen as the new General Manager for the Golden State Warriors’ WNBA team. Zena Keita praises Nyanen’s extensive experience and strong relationships within the league, stating, “She is someone who really has devoted [...] the last decade of her life to basketball” ([29:15]). Her background with the New York Liberty and her close working relationship with figures like Dozo Hammer and Jonathan Kolb position her as a formidable leader for the expansion team.

Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman further elaborate on Nyanen’s qualifications and the positive reception from the league’s insiders. Merchant highlights the support from Jonathan Kolb, who attended Nyanen’s press conference, underscoring the mutual respect and professional bonds that will benefit the Warriors’ new franchise.

Challenges and Expectations

The hosts discuss the challenges Nyanen faces, including building a competitive team from scratch amidst an evolving WNBA landscape. Ben Pickman points out the uncertainties surrounding expansion drafts and collective bargaining agreements, noting, “There’s so much up in the air that we have no idea how this is going to work” ([36:46]). Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm surrounding Golden State’s new team is palpable, with over “seven thousand season tickets” already secured even before finalizing the roster.

Broadcasting Challenges and Viewer Engagement

Preseason Game Streaming Issues

The episode addresses recent broadcasting issues, particularly a Chicago Sky game that wasn’t properly televised, leading to fans streaming the match via unofficial cell phone feeds. Sabrina Merchant laments the situation, stating, “A lot of people wanted to watch Sky and made an effort to watch Sky even if it was just on a cell phone broadcast” ([40:33]). This incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate coverage for preseason games, which are crucial for building fan engagement and showcasing emerging talents.

Community Efforts and Player Advocacy

The hosts commend fans and players who took matters into their own hands to ensure the game was viewable, with special shout-outs to individuals like HeyHeyItSali for streaming the game unofficially. They discuss the potential for players to leverage social media platforms to broadcast their games, as suggested by Coach Cheryl Reeves, who proposed, “What if Angel Reese whipped her phone out and started to stream it?” ([43:59]).

Las Vegas Aces Documentary: Aces versus Everybody

In-Depth Season Review

The discussion turns to the newly released documentary Aces versus Everybody, which chronicles the Las Vegas Aces' tumultuous journey to their 2023 WNBA championship. Sabrina Merchant praises the documentary for its in-depth portrayal of the team's highs and lows, highlighting personal stories and behind-the-scenes moments that were previously unseen. She notes, “The documentary makes more sense of it now” ([49:35]), particularly appreciating the emotional depth and resilience demonstrated by the team throughout the season.

Emotional and Tactical Insights

Ben Pickman reflects on the documentary’s ability to capture pivotal moments, such as the emotional impact of assistant coach Nikki McCrae Penson’s passing on star player Asia Wilson. He shares, “Watching her miss a phone call from Coach Nikki and then receiving the message of her passing” ([48:19]), illustrating the personal challenges the team faced. The hosts also highlight the camaraderie and leadership within the team, showcasing how these elements were integral to their championship run.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the importance of staying informed through No Offseason and The Athletic’s comprehensive coverage. Zena Keita encourages listeners to stay engaged with ongoing stories and upcoming predictions, ensuring fans remain connected to the rapidly evolving WNBA landscape. The hosts also tease future topics, including in-depth features on top teams like the Aces and Liberty, as well as analyses of league-wide issues such as travel and security.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Pickman on the Edmonton game atmosphere: “It was very cool that Kia Nurse... they are still playing in the playoffs in the NHL. So really cool Canadian connection” ([07:41]).
• Sabreena Merchant on broadcasting inaccuracies: “They had the first preseason game... but they just got the information wrong” ([10:00]).
• Zena Keita on rule changes: “That’s going to be the new symbol of the year, the reset timeout” ([24:37]).
• Sabrina Merchant on Ohema Nyanen’s hiring: “Jonathan Cole being there... that says a lot” ([31:15]).
• Ben Pickman on future team-building challenges: “There’s so much work, a lot of questions to be answered” ([37:08]).
• Sabrina Merchant on broadcasting resilience: “It was ridiculous... nearly 1 million views for this” ([46:13]).

Final Thoughts:

This episode provides a thorough examination of the current state of women’s basketball, offering listeners valuable insights into preseason developments, the strategic maneuvers within training camps, and the promising leadership of Golden State’s new GM. Additionally, the hosts shed light on broadcasting challenges and celebrate the collaborative spirit of teams like the Las Vegas Aces through their documentary. Whether you're deeply invested in the WNBA or just beginning to explore the league, this episode equips you with the knowledge and perspectives needed to stay informed and engaged.