The Curious Case of Natasha Cloud

Natasha Cloud’s free agency has been a hot topic across the basketball community, and Black Rosie Media sought to find out more.

Prior to our fun at Media Appreciation Day, our very own Erica L. Ayala asked Kolb about Natasha Cloud and what led to the team’s decisions in free agency. Here’s what he said:

Later in the day, Annie Costabile of The Athletic reported that teams have expressed interest in Cloud and possibly signing her to their teams. Jackie Powell of The IX Sports also reported that Cloud has changed her agents. Cloud took to social media and shared the following statement:

“I have yet to speak. That’s intentional & my power. I’ve just worked. No sulking, no whining. Work. & I will continue to work as I always have. Proving myself right year, after year, after year. (11) to be exact. I know who I am. I know my value/worth. & ain’t nothing traditional.”

Natasha Cloud is in a tough spot.

She’s more than good enough to play in the WNBA, but can she find a team and salary that fits her needs?

As we navigate a new CBA and with the season fast approaching, we'll see if she's any closer to joining a team. Time is starting to run out.

Here’s what you need to know today:

⛹🏽‍♀️ NYL Media Hit the Hardcourt
Recapping the 2nd Annual Media Appreciation Day

🌟 Winning on the margins
The new WNBA CBA has an addition that will be critical for players and coaches

Upcoming games
Week 2 of the preseason!

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

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SUITING UP IN BROOKLYN!

Now suiting up for the New York Liberty, it’s the Women’s Basketball Roundup!

Black Rosie Media was on the scene at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center on April 26, and it was a wonderful time. Before festivities officially started, the Liberty held a moment of silence for our friend and colleague, Shenae Curry. Shenae was a member of the Liberty beat, but passed away in February of this year.

After the moment of silence, Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb held a press conference with the assembled media members. Kolb discussed a lot of important topics such as how he went about building the roster in free agency, addressing some of the team’s flaws from last season, and plenty more.

Kolb also spoke about former Liberty guard Natasha Cloud, which we’ll get to in a bit.

Following the presser, the media became the players as we donned our gear and hit the hardwood!

The coaching staff put us through a series of drills, running plays on offense, slipping pick and rolls, etc. Similar to last year, we got a first class experience from the organization and got to share in an amazing day with our friends and colleagues in WNBA media.

On the latest edition of Gotta Get Up, Erica L. Ayala and I broke down our Media Appreciation Day adventures, the Liberty’s preseason opener, and plenty more.

The great thing about this work is the fun you get to have. We work alongside tremendous, kind, and dedicated people from all walks of life. They care deeply about the sport of basketball and always make space for others.

We’ve talked so much about the game of basketball growing, and getting to work with people who tell the stories of the game with care, passion, and respect is an immense honor.

Like all jobs, this work is taxing. But when you get to work with people who become friends and people you care for and appreciate, it makes the hard days less stressful.

I’m thankful to work alongside so many kind people and appreciate everything they've done.

Here’s what you need to know today:

⛹🏽‍♀️ NYL Media Hit the Hardcourt
Recapping the 2nd Annual Media Appreciation Day

🌟 Winning on the margins
The new WNBA CBA has an addition that will be critical for players and coaches

Upcoming games
Week 2 of the preseason!

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

THE NEW DEVELOPMENTAL SPOTS ARE A WIN FOR THE WNBA

The new WNBA CBA has been lauded for its many new benefits, including a dramatic and well deserved pay increase for players across the board. One new benefit is something that will benefit players and coaches alike.

As part of the new CBA, teams have access to two developmental roster spots. These two positions are separate from the 12 roster spots for players that suit up every game for each team.

There’s still some learning we have to do as far as offering contracts and the like, but the roster spots are a great start and welcome addition for players and coaches alike.

“It helps a lot,” Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White told Black Rosie Media on April 25.

“You're not having to start from ground zero in terms of what how you want to play, what your offenses are, what your defenses are, simple things such as terminology. They're familiar with it. They're in practice every day, so they get everything that we're doing, and you also have an opportunity to develop them, not just their skill set, but to develop them in a system. And I think it's really important, and it'll be an absolute benefit.”

These new roster spots are a big win. They’ll provide stability to players, help coaches maintain continuity in the event of injuries, and promotes roster continuity.

It’s an exciting time for the WNBA, and players will reap the benefits of this new CBA.

Here’s the schedule for the next few days

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

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