Tag: NBA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Caitlin Clark The Savior of the WNBA 

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Caitlin Clark guard (22) of the Indiana Fever drives on the Chicago Sky forward Isabelle Harrison (20) at the United Center on Jun 23, 2024. Clark is looked at as the savior of the WNBA who struggled before she joined the league (AP News photo)

Caitlin Clark: The Savior of the WNBA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Historically, the WNBA was an obscure basketball league; it received little media coverage, few people attended its games, and even the Poker championship on ESPN had higher TV ratings; in other words, nobody followed the WNBA. Compared to the NBA, the WNBA was like an “afterthought”. By the way, Australia and China also have similar leagues of lesser caliber; nonetheless, they are professional women’s leagues.

If you are of age, you can remember Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), who brought boxing back from the dark days of obscurity, making professional boxing a huge mainstream sport with multi-million-dollar fights/contracts and television like never before. I am not comparing Caitlin Clark to Muhammad Ali, who became a world figure, an iconic cultural figure who, during his boxing years, was much more recognized worldwide than U.S. presidents.  Ali definitely changed boxing; he was the main promoter. The “Thrilla in Manila” Ali vs Frazier fight in 1975 had a global audience estimated at up to 1 billion.

Before Caitlin Clark played in the WNBA, the average player salary was around $60,000; today, it’s around $600,000. A’.Ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces earns $1,400,000, and she is not alone; other players have similar contracts in a league that was once barely mentioned, -if at all- in sports newsrooms across the country. I know because I was there.

Some WNBA teams are owned by high-profile owners, like the Golden State Valkyries, owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber (co-owners of the NBA Golden State Warriors), and the Las Vegas Aces, owned by Mark Davis, owner of the NFL Las Vegas Raiders, and partial owner Tom Brady. The Aces won the championship last season.

Players’ unions do not build statues for their players; that is left to team management to do for their biggest stars, who are their employees, but a case could be made that a statue would someday be built for Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever because she made this league what it is today.

I know the “Savior” label isn’t popular with existing players, because some veterans feel they aren’t recognized for the work and talent they also brought to the league, and let’s face it, jealousy exists.  But considering where the WNBA was when they were founded in 1996 and where it is today, in my opinion, Caitlin Clark saved this league because it is true, like it or not.

Quote: “Go after things people say you can’t do because more times than not, you can.” -Caitlin Clark

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Los Angeles Lakers sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion

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Former Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger along with Venture Capitalist Josh Kushner will be the new owners of the Los Angeles Lakers after purchasing the franchise from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion (AP file photo)

Los Angeles Lakers sold for a record-breaking $12.5 billion

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Until recently, the Golden State Warriors were the NBA’s most valuable franchise, valued at around $11 billion. However, ESPN reported that Venture Capitalist Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger agreed to buy a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for a record-breaking $12.5 billion on a very fast deal that came together in just a few days after Kushner called Walter with the huge offer.

To put this massive offer in perspective, the highest valuation for a US professional league team is that of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, at $15.5 billion. The Lakers sold for $12.5 billion, whereas other professional teams, including the New York Yankees in MLB, are valued at $9 billion, while the only MLB team in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants, is valued at around $4 billion, while the dearly departed Oakland A’s, now playing in Sacramento with a final stop in Las Vegas at $2.5 billion.

Robert Allen Iger (Bob Iger) is an American media executive who served two separate terms as the CEO of The Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2026. Jared Kushner has been a businessman and investor for over 20 years, beginning his active career in real estate and media between 2003 and 2005. Kushner is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. He married Trump’s oldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, in 2009,

The Lakers open their 79th season (2026-27) regular-season schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 21, when they host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Quote: “We are more than just athletes. The platform we have in this league allows us to spark real conversations and create change far beyond the hardwood.” — LeBron James

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Don Nelson coached four NBA teams and was second wnningest coach in NBA history

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Former Golden State Warriors head coach Don Nelson (left) and Baron Davis (right) hug during the NBA Western Conference Finals first round in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Oakland Arena on May 3, 2007 (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Former Golden State Warriors head coach and NBA three time Coach of the Year who passed this past week at 86 years was the second winninest head coach in NBA history.

#2 Nelson’s NBA playing career with the Boston Celtics played 11 years out of 14 and won five NBA championship.

#3 After Nelson’s playing career Nelson had a long coaching career from 1976-1987 with the Milwaukee Bucks, 1988-1995 and 2006-2010 with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks 1995-96, and Dallas Mavericks 1997-2005.

#4 Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont talked about Nelson building the Mavericks into a franchise that was “a winning culture to Dallas.

#5 Amaury you were the Warriors Spanish play by play voice during Don Nelson’s coaching days what was that like to be able to work with Nelson and also you had a funny story about Nelson while flying with him on the plane.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Don Nelson passed today at 86  – A good man, may he rest in Peace

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Don Nelson former Golden State Warriors head coach who was the second winningest coach and won five titles as a Boston Celtics player (AP file photo)

Don Nelson passed today at 86  – A good man, may he rest in Peace

By. Amaury Pi-González

Don Nelson coached the Golden State Warriors while their home base was in Oakland from 1988 to 1995 and then again from 2006 to 2010. I had the good fortune of meeting Coach Nelson while I was working for the Warriors as their first and only Spanish radio play-by-play voice in Bay Area history and covering all their games during the seasons.

The Warriors broadcast team also included. Jim Barnett, Greg Papa, Tim Roye, Bob Fitzgerald, and Steve Albert.  Don Nelson always had a smile, a great attitude, and disposition. I worked those years when Don Nelson and other coaches like Rick Adelman and PJ Carlesimo also had a chance to lead the Warriors. Nelson coached for 4 NBA teams and won 5 championships as a player with the Boston Celtics.

Don Nelson took these teams to the Playoffs: Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks.

The legendary player and then coach, Don Nelson, was a 3-times NBA Coach of the Year. Inducted into the NBA Naismith Hall of Fame in 2012.

The coach had a great personality and was a big man at 6’7″.  He passed today in Frisco, Texas. Nelson was 86.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: No LeBron James for the Warriors? That complicates the Warriors’ plan

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Former Los Angeles Laker LeBron James who is making his way to the Philadelphia 76ers ended the dream of joining Stephen Curry (right) and the Golden State Warriors (Yahoo.com file photo)

No LeBron James for the Warriors? That complicates the Warriors’ plan

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

There is no doubt that the Golden State Warriors needed LeBron James more than the Philadelphia 78ers. The future Hall of Fame player chose to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. It is not money anymore; he wants to compete and challenge himself into a role that could lead to a championship for his new team, in this case, the 76ers.

The Warriors are facing a lot of pressure to maximize Stephen Curry, their biggest star and future Hall of Fame member. Curry had a wuiioet season and recovering helaht, not havbing LeBron James now rthey they are in a rough situation as they play in a very tough Western Conference, with such team as the Thunder, Spurs, Nuggetts and Lakers, just to mention a few, the patch for the Warriors is not much more complicated than a few days ago, when they was still hope of LeBron James by the bay..

It is simple.If the Warriors could have paired LeBron James with Stephen Curry, that would have put them in championship contention right away, but it was not the case; some say: it was not meant to be. In the meantime, the most spoken-of Warrior in recent memory, Draymond Green, is finalizing a new commitment after declining his $27.7 million player option.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III is a primary trade option, and many expect the Warriors could be making available their first-round draft picks to make a deal with the New Orleans team. This shows potential, and it could happen, but the Warriors have to consider drastic adjustments, maybe Michael Porter Jr.or even Alperen Sengun. They might be “close to desperate,” but nobody can deny that Warriors fans were highly disappointed, as their hopes were high on a LeBron Stephen duo taking the team once more to an NBA TITLE.

And that’s the way the ball bounces!

Quote: Michael Jordan: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

NBA podcast Michael Roberson: LeBron joining Sixers gives him a shot at a ring

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LeBron James as he would look in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform (Instagram photo)

NBA podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Why did LeBron James say he chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of retiring or joining another team?

#2 How could LeBron James’ arrival impact the 76ers’ championship chances alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown?

#3 What makes LeBron James’ reported two-year, $8 million contract unusual compared with the salaries of NBA superstars?

#4 What did LeBron James mean when he called this his “last decision,” and what does it suggest about this stage of his career?

#5 How might LeBron James’ departure affect the Los Angeles Lakers, and what challenges or opportunities does it create for both franchises?

Michael Roberson is an NBA analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA podcast David Zizmor: LeBron signs with Sixers for two years at $8 million

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LeBron James in AI photo what he would look like in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform (ESPN AI)

#1 David, How surprised are you that LeBron decided on the Philadelphia 76ers.

#2 Does this move improve the 76ers chances to get to the NBA Finals.

#3 What attracted Le Bron going to the Philadelphia 76ers as opposed to the Cleveland Cavaliers?

David Zizmor is an NBA analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA podcast David Zizmor: Rich Paul on Game Over says nothing decided yet on LeBron landing

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Longtime friend and sports agent Paul Rich (left) discusses things over with LeBron James (right). LeBron has not made a decision which team he will be playing for for the 2026-27 season (Yahoo News photo)

NBA podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, Paul Rich appreared on the Klutch Sports show Game Over with Max Kellerman and was asked about why the stretching out of time on LeBron James trying to make a decision where his next team will be?

#2 Rich was asked if there is anything that could be done to get a deal done and make announcement where LeBron will be going. Rich said there is no need to go above and beyond. That it’s understood and that all messages have sent out.

#3 Dave on the NBA Today show it was brought up that Miami might make the most sense for LeBron what’s your take on that part of the show would Miami make sense for LeBron?

David Zizmor is an NBA analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Acuff Jr will take the rest of Summer League off as it comes to a close

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The Sacramento Kings are expecting big things from first round pick Darius Acuff Jr as he was closely watched during NBA Summer League action (Kings Reddit page photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Can first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr. bounce back with a strong all-around performance and show why the Kings invested a high draft pick in him?

#2 Will Alex Karaban build on his recent breakout game and continue to establish himself as one of Sacramento’s most reliable Summer League scorers?

#3 Which undrafted or fringe roster player—such as Emanuel Sharp, Anthony Dell’Orso, or Marquel Sutton—will make the strongest case for a training camp invitation or a two-way contract?

#4 Can the Kings improve their offensive execution after struggling in their recent loss to the Celtics, including a historically low-scoring first quarter?

#5 As the NBA Summer League enters its final stretch, which young Kings players appear closest to earning meaningful opportunities with Sacramento or its G League affiliate during the 2026–27 season?

Jeremiah Salmonson is a Sacramento Kings beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

NBA podcast David Zizmor: There’s no place like home; Cleveland Cavaliers is a LeBron favorite landing spot say insiders

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LeBron James isn’t blowing smoke he’s looking for the best landing place and the best team. Insiders say that team could be the Cleveland Cavaliers who make a lot of sense right now. (AP file photo)

NBA podcast David Zizmor:

#1 The Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites to land LeBron James but are not unbeatable as other clubs are vying for LeBron’s service that include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors.

#2 The Cavs are a favorite amongst oddsmakers because it would bring LeBron back home to Ohio and he gets to finish up with the club he started with.

#3 The Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown are also encouraging LeBron to join them as a tandem. A LeBron presence would add to the Sixers chances to chasing down a NBA Championship.

David Zizmor is an NBA analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com