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WATCH: 2019 NBA All-Stars talk WNBA favorites, influence

By Arielle Chambers

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 22: Assistant Coach for Player Development Kristi Toliver and Troy Brown Jr. #6 of the Washington Wizards review materials prior to the game between the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers on October 22, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 22: Assistant Coach for Player Development Kristi Toliver and Troy Brown Jr. #6 of the Washington Wizards review materials prior to the game between the Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers on October 22, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Game recognize Game.

CHARLOTTE, NC — “Anybody that’s capable or qualified to do anything in this world should be able to do it and spread that greatness to everyone, no matter what.” -Kyrie Irving

To the ones who consistently bash the WNBA, who don’t respect women’s basketball in general, who seem to never get tired of the repetitive joke, “go back to the kitchen,” this one is for you.

To those who honor the prestige of the W, and are in constant fight for the equity of the women’s game, those who have remained hopeful despite the roadblocks in the progression of the League, this one is also for you.

NBA All-Stars care about the WNBA, so the public should absolutely follow suit.

In the midst of all the 2019 NBA All-Star chaos, NBA players — including Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden — took the time out to show appreciation for their sister-league, which also happens to be the world’s most dominant women’s basketball league, the WNBA.

Too often, the narrative of WNBA players not getting their fair share of recognition and respect is shown.  The athletes that occupy the 144 coveted spots in the WNBA have not only visible influence on the culture, as seen through topics ranging as heavy as politics to as trendy as sneakers, but they have impacted and influenced their NBA counterparts.

CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm greets Dwyane Wade #3 (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm greets Dwyane Wade #3 (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Speaking with the NBA all-stars shows just why people should make it out to a game or just overall respect the League more.

James Harden remembers Maya Moore from her college days. “[Moore] is really, really good. She can probably play in an NBA game. She’s one of those players who will be talked about forever,” he said. Though Moore will be sitting out the 2019 WNBA season for personal reasons, Harden acknowledges all she brings, and has brought, to the game.

Blake Griffin and Damian Lillard also have followed the careers of WNBA players tracing back to their college days.

“I watched [A’ja] in college and now in the WNBA,” Griffin said. “She’s unbelievable…super talented and also a great person. All of those things show in her game.”

Lillard extended beyond his appreciation for his friend and WNBA icon, Candace Parker, and acknowledged a player who arguably frequently flies under the radar. “I always think of Odyssey Sims [when it comes to whose game I like],” Lillard said. “I’ve always respected her game since college.”

CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: WNBA player Aja Wilson #22 rebounds against WNBA player Stefanie Dolson #31 during the 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: WNBA player Aja Wilson #22 rebounds against WNBA player Stefanie Dolson #31 during the 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Other NBA stars, Stephen Curry and Karl-Anthony Towns credited certain qualities they admired in their WNBA counterparts. “I like [Kristi Toliver’s] confidence a lot,” Curry said.  He then mentioned Toliver challenged him to a game of PIG upon meeting him.

Towns went on to list the importance of the entire Minnesota Lynx in his life.  “I got to see Lindsay Whalen’s leadership and determination, Maya Moore’s talent, Simone Augustus’ hard work, Rebekkah Brunson’s ability to grab rebounds and expand her game and be as versatile as anyone, and [we can’t] forget about Sylvia Fowles’ MVP [accolades],” Towns said. “These women are amazing. Their talent, determination and drive is unmatched by any other athlete.” 

Watch below to see the 2019 All-Stars speak on their respect for the WNBA.

 “I don’t feel like they get enough credit,” Harden said. And they don’t. But as I often say: The WNBA is so important.

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