Like many of you, I couldn't wait for the WNBA's CBA to be approved and signed on so that the green light on the wheeling and dealing could flash on. For some teams that light was ... rather dim. For others it couldn't be brighter.
CENTER OF ATTENTION
Tina Charles Playing Against Her New Team
Tina Charles Playing Against Her New Team
The front office of the hapless New York Liberty went quiet for what seemed to be an eternity -- then out of nowhere came alive on Draft Day when they nabbed All Star center Tina Charles. Other teams like the Sparks, who were able to stay in LA after the previous ownership jumped ship, made some interesting moves in acquiring Candice "Ice Baby" Wiggins, Sandrine Gruda, and Armintie Herrington, plus drafted a MUCH needed center in BYU's Jennifer Hamson (because we all know Candace Parker ain't a true 5, right?). That all amounts to a defensive presence both up top and down low. Lack of the latter ultimately burned LA on an open grill in the 2013 Playoffs. Excellent maneuvering there in my opinion. And big ups to Magic Johnson, Sparks' new co-owner.
Washington, Seattle, and Connecticut all stepped up in the off season.
HARTLEY AND DOLSON TOGETHER ... AGAIN
Remember That Movie Twins?
I expect newly minted Mystics (and former UConn roomies) Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley to improve significantly upon the surprising gains made by DC last year. Dolson is a big body who can pass and I think her spirit is great for the league. Hartley can get wild at times, but with some mentoring could provide Ivory Latta with assistance in the backcourt.
Crystal Langhorne ain't Lauren Jackson, but I'm excited to see how she'll mesh with Camille Little in the paint. Loved how Storm's 3rd round pick, Stanford forward Mikaela Ruef played in NCAA's Elite Eight against North Carolina. She could be a sleeper this summer.
CONN-ARTISTS
Gray, Ogwumike, and Thomas Hope To Take Cloud Off Sun
Since Katie Douglas and Lindsay Whalen left, the Sun's been one of the least exciting teams for me watch. Last year was especially pitiful. Now Katie's back (which threw me for a loop) joined by not one but two top picks: Chiney Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas plus heralded albeit banged up Duke guard Chelsea Gray. They may not pass the first round but a healthy squad should make post-season.
BUT the team that has me most excited thus far (and I say thus far because deals are probably still in the works) is ... drumroll please
the
the
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Yup. I know, I know. I picked them to win it all last year and they made me look like Nostradamus's idiot brother. True. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Lynx take it again this year. But the Merc have put in place a stronger, more dimensional cast of characters. Case in point, Erin Phillips.
WONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BON-BON ANYMORE
Erin Phillips -- Also Playing Against Her New Team
Erin Phillips -- Also Playing Against Her New Team
I've always had a love jones for the Aussie players, and this one could full a void that I felt had always been left open with Cappie Pondexter's departure four years ago. Phillips played six feet tall for the Indiana Fever during the 2012 Finals, even receiving high praise from Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. She's fast, she can score, she's Aussie and now Taurasi can concentrate on scoring and not bringing up the ball. She was good at it. She just looked weird doing it.
The Merc suits also added Mistie Bass who played for the Sun the last couple of years. Don't sleep on Bass. She likes rebounds. They got three point phenom Maggie Lucas from Penn State in the draft. Dig some more and there's Shay Murphy from the Sky and big body Ewelina Kobryn from the Storm. The 6'3" Kobryn could form a potentially devastating tandem with Brittney Griner in the low post if that's what coach Sandy Brondello has in mind.
I don't know what the status is on Penny Taylor, one of the best small forwards to play the game (and an Aussie). I'm hoping she can play at a high level, if not the highest level. If all elements blend to satisfaction, Phoenix could best Minny. But that's a big, big if. Still, they should be fun to watch.
Runner up?
Upset as I was when Tulsa let Coach Gary Kloppenburg go, I love the youth, hunger, and possibility of this team. They boast the league's record holder for most points in a game (Riquna "Bey Bey" Williams) plus Skylar Diggins, Angel Goodrich, Glory Johnson and now #2 pick Odyssey Sims, who tore up the NCAA for Baylor game in and game out this past season. I predict she will make an even bigger impression than Chiney Ogwumike. But let's not confuse predictions with guarantees.
MY HERO ZERO
Sports News Outlets Will Be Printing Alot of Pics Like These If Sims Has Her Way
I also see Jordan Hooper of Nebraska making an impact. She's a big body who brings with her the ability to destroy teams from the arc and beyond. Looking forward to seeing her play.
Look, if Liz Cambage doesn't return to the WNBA she'll be the only Aussie player I don't like.
Fini
