The NBA commissioner appeared on KNBR 680’s “Murph & Markus” to promote the All-Star Weekend in San Francisco and was asked what comes to mind when he thinks about basketball in the Bay Area.
“Most recently, I think championships,” Silver said.
“I think about the Chase Center and everything Joe Lacob and Peter Guber have done since taking over the organization
“Of course, I’m always focused on Steph’s who’s a commissioner’s dream.
“In addition to being an incredible player, just a pleasure to deal with and does amazing things in the community. So many positive stories have come out of your community over the years.”
Silver noted that the greatest shooter in basketball history has made his job a breeze.
Relatively speaking.
“[He] makes my job easy, honestly,” Silver said.
“He travels in the offseason, he goes everywhere.
“I think he plays, most importantly, with real joy.
“In addition to the success he’s had, he’s so relatable as a player. I think a part, not suggesting he’s small, but he’s not a giant like a lot of NBA players, so I think kids really relate to him.
“I actually think the growth we’ve seen in women’s basketball is directly connected to Steph, too, because he plays below the rim.
“He plays a very relatable style of basketball.”
Curry has impacted not only the men’s game, but also the women’s, as Silver mentioned.
The Caitlin Clarks and Sabrina Ionescus of the world have all taken some of their game from Curry.
And it’s paid off.
Literally.
Last July the WNBA announced a new 11-year media rights deal that features partnerships with Disney, Amazon Prime Video and new rights holder NBCUniversal.
The deal is valued at a nearly $2.2 billion.
Roughly $200 million per year.
It’s because of the likes of the Clarks, Ionescus, Angels Reeses, A’ja Wilsons and Breanna Stewarts.
They have taken the women’s game and grown it exponentially.
And you can even take it a step further, and give a subtle nod to Curry as well.
He has been a loud advocate of the WNBA and has impacted the current generation of female hoopers.
And the proof is in the pudding.
Or in this case, the amount of dollar signs attached to the ‘W’ in front of the NBA.
Leave a Reply