In a recent episode of the “Ball in the Family” podcast, NBA players Lonzo Ball and Michael Porter Jr. engaged in a lively discussion about their potential dominance in the WNBA during their teenage years. The topic arose after Porter highlighted comments made by A’ja Wilson, who claimed she could outplay Knicks guard Josh Hart in a one-on-one matchup.
The conversation then shifted to remarks made by Patrick Beverley, who suggested that a WNBA team could outperform an NBA bench squad. Lonzo Ball expressed skepticism towards this notion, asserting that as a ninth-grader, he would have significantly excelled in the women’s league. “I mean this as respectfully as possible, but 9th-grade Lonzo Ball in the WNBA is going crazy,” he stated, recalling his height and skills during that time. “In 9th grade, I was over six feet, and I’m dunking. I’m coming through the lane. No girl in the WNBA is doing that.”
Michael Porter Jr. supported this assertion, sharing his own experiences of competing against talented female athletes when he played with his sisters, who were at the University of Missouri. He expressed confidence that his younger self could indeed hold his own against some WNBA players. “It’s just a difference, and I wish this would stop being a conversation because it should be common sense,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the distinct physical abilities of male and female players.
This playful exchange sheds light on the ongoing discourse about gender dynamics in sports and the exceptional talents present in both the NBA and WNBA. Despite the lighthearted banter, it underscores the fundamental differences in athleticism and competition levels between the leagues, reinforcing the need for appreciation and respect for the skill set each player brings to the court.