If Lisa Leslie eventually assumes the WNBA’s currently vacant role as its new president is yet to be seen.
Until that happens, she played a role on an episode of the ABC sitcom “Speechless,” which centers around the challenges faced by the DiMeo family.
Her episode aired last Friday. She told ESPNW she was playing the sister of Kenneth Clements – played by Cedric Yarbrough. She said it was his birthday and he is returning home after believing he would have a surprise party at a favorite place of his.
The appearance – fittingly – also included some basketball.
I get a chance to rehash some things that happened in our childhood in regards to basketball. The main thing about my character is that I’m not the brightest basketball player.
–Lisa Leslie to ESPNW’s Katie Barnes
Between this role on top of her previous on-screen forays – which included the Uncle Drew movie, she says doing more acting roles is something that is on her wish list.
It’s the closest feeling I’ve ever had to being on the court and playing basketball in terms of connecting with another person, and the fire that you feel. It’s just full of so many emotions. You never know where a scene is going to go.
–Lisa Leslie to ESPNW’s Katie Barnes
Given the fact that she previously expressed interest in the WNBA’s presidency opening, she also gave her take on the CBA – a topic we will more than likely hear more of as next year progresses as well as into 2020.
Leslie says while she has been encouraged by the WNBA’s growth and the gradual improvement of the basketball product, she would want to get more women supporting it.
I can’t speak for the players anymore, but on the outside looking in, they would like to have an increase in pay. When you see the [NBA] having money to pay the G League, parts of that are a slap in the face for [WNBA players]. Obviously, the [WNBA] players would like to see an increase in pay. I don’t think the league is against that. I just think the league has to figure out what makes sense.
–Lisa Leslie to ESPNW’s Katie Barnes
