Did anyone catch Kevin Garnett’s Area 21 on TNT Thursday night and all of the WNBA royalty that was in the building? After all, there was nothing but said royalty on display.
Who's ready for some #KGArea21? ? pic.twitter.com/kiJLUztKeS
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
Joining KG was Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper-Dyke (four titles with the Houston Comets), Minnesota Lynx veteran Lindsay Whalen who is coming off winning a fourth WNBA championship, the Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird who is, of course, a two-time champion – and Turner Sports’ latest marquee hire Rosalyn Gold-Onwude who is a champion in her own right.
Whalen, the native of Minnesota, came fully prepared with the retro Garnett Timberwolves jersey as well…
⭐️s in the building! @Lindsay_13, @S10Bird & @AllDecade14 + special guest @ROSGO21 join KG in #KGArea21! pic.twitter.com/weD9p3mbka
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
Lots of W hoops was mentioned – including how much talent there is spread out across all 12 franchises. Ros also made sure to get The Big Ticket to reiterate where his WNBA loyalties were. Staying true to his Twin Cities ties, he made sure to get across that the Lynx were his fave team.
Now, when you look at the WNBA, there is so much talent across the board.
–Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Then – she brought up an intriguing comparison that probably is not the first time it has been brought up in W circles – are the Lynx the WNBA’s version of the Golden State Warriors?
I found something to motivate me every single year.
–Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
I think, at this point, it’s like—of course you’re going for championships and all these things – and get back to the Finals, but we just want to enjoy every day together. We want to enjoy getting the most out of each other.
–Lindsay Whalen
“When you look at the WNBA now… There is so much talent across the board.”@AllDecade14 on the state of the @WNBA. #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/aqHTsWaj6D
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
Those who are aficionados of the WNBA as well as those who follow All-Star Games know that the league has both veteran star talent such as Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, and others to rising stars such as Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Allisha Gray.
They mostly agreed Stewart can be the WNBA’s version of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Her maturity is where – and leading and being more vocal – right now it’s easy. She can just, kind of, do her thing, get the points, get the rebounds. But, are you impacting the game in other ways?
–Sue Bird
KG: Who is the Greek Freak of the @WNBA? @S10Bird: Breanna Stewart #KGArea21 talks top stars in the WNBA. ? pic.twitter.com/24bOlGzGwk
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
They also felt that when looking the W’s young stars, Stewie’s got next.
She’s got a great mentor. When you’ve got a chance to learn from one of the best in the game – a great vet like Sue Bird…I think that’s going to help somebody be the next wave in the league.
–Ros
On this point, Garnett questioned why Cooper is not involved with the WNBA in any capacity given her time in the league and her championship background.
I would coach in the WNBA. I love coaching young people though. I love infusing our younger generation with the passion to win. The passion to be great and know that working hard and all of that hard work, it pays off in the end. It pays into championships and opportunities and learning.
–Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Whether I’m in it or not, I still want the league to be great.
KG sits down with @Lindsay_13, @S10Bird, @AllDecade14 & @ROSGO21 to discuss who has next in the @WNBA. #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/rWvbjO6veN
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
One thing that as WNBA fans ourselves we were glad got brought up was how, when the Houston Astros won the World Series, people said it was the first professional sports championship for Houston since the mid-90s Rockets.
The Comets, of course, won four WNBA titles. The Rockets may have given Houston the nickname “Clutch City,” but the Comets perfected “Clutch City.”
It was an oversight. I don’t get too wrapped up in it, it’s just – we’ve got to grow in that area.
–Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
.@AllDecade14 breaking down one of her go-to moves in #KGArea21! ? pic.twitter.com/LOHLhXpqBv
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
.@S10Bird don't miss. ???? #HeatCheck #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/WYiiM54xHu
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
Who is the KG of the @WNBA❓ ?@Lindsay_13, @S10Bird, @AllDecade14 share their answers. #KGArea21 pic.twitter.com/TC9HTaBueH
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
In addition to delving into a plethora of WNBA banter, they also chatted for some time about the current state of the NBA – specifically the early season struggles of the Cleveland Cavaliers who are 3-5. Time to sound the panic button in Northeast Ohio, especially with rumors that LeBron James may make another “decision” after the season?
"Chemistry takes time… It's still early."
KG, @Lindsay_13, @S10Bird, @AllDecade14 & @ROSGO21 talk Cavs/Warriors slow starts to 2017-18. pic.twitter.com/YOu1gXT0aT
— KG's Area 21 (@KGArea21) November 3, 2017
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
