Down year in WNBA

[bballnut90]

I know it is still very early, but the overall play in the league is down compared to the level it was at last summer and the year prior. I hope the play picks up and expect it will, but here are some numbers from 2017 vs. 2018 vs. 2019 so far:

Average PPG
2017: 81.4
2018: 82.4
2019: 78

A/TO Ratio:
2017: 1.29
2018: 1.51
2019: 1.26

Offensive Rating
2017: 103.1
2018: 105.6
2019: 99.5

Pace of Play
2017: 78.3
2018: 78.1
2019: 78.2

FG%
2017: 44.1
2018: 44.5
2019: 42.2

3pt%
2017: 33.8
2018: 34.5
2019: 31.3


With pace of play almost the exact same, it seems that teams are just missing more shots and turning the ball over compared to a year ago. Makes sense that numbers are down with a ton of top scorers and passers missing. It reflects on the eye test so far too. Hopefully overall quality of play picks up but we might just be in for a less than spectacular year like we were gifted last season.

 

[Undercovervol]

With so many stars missing or on minutes restrictions, it has felt like a down year. Last year I didn't miss many games, but so far I've only watched a few games. Also, major teams have had big roster shake ups that make them feel like totally different teams (LA and Minnesota).
I'm getting more excited to watch Cambage and the Aces, though. They will be the best team by the end of the season. Washington is also coming along, although EDD really needs to hit her stride. Atlanta looks terrible thus far, as does Dallas. Conn has offered a few surprises. Overall, I'm waiting for the emergence of the big stars.

 

[eebmg]

With so many stars missing or on minutes restrictions, it has felt like a down year. Last year I didn't miss many games, but so far I've only watched a few games. Also, major teams have had big roster shake ups that make them feel like totally different teams (LA and Minnesota).
I'm getting more excited to watch Cambage and the Aces, though. They will be the best team by the end of the season. Washington is also coming along, although EDD really needs to hit her stride. Atlanta looks terrible thus far, as does Dallas. Conn has offered a few surprises. Overall, I'm waiting for the emergence of the big stars.

Aces down at half to the :Liberty 45-37 at half. I am sure they will blow it but the Liberty should get 1/2 a win for this accomplishment.

Maybe Lambeer will do his old team a solid and throw this game away to end the 17 game losing streak.

 

[EricLA]

Aces down at half to the :Liberty 45-37 at half. I am sure they will blow it but the Liberty should get 1/2 a win for this accomplishment.

Maybe Lambeer will do his old team a solid and throw this game away to end the 17 game losing streak.

Looks like he did LOL

 

[Vowelguy]

When 4 olympians aren’t playing, its hard to have a good year. Also an influx of young players will lead to more errors at first.

 

[Rb335]

Last year was likely one of the best years the WNBA has had. The talent on the court and level of play was trending upwards. However, with high profile players like Diggins, Taurasi, Bird, Stewart, Moore, Angel, and Parker out, it greatly diminishes the quality of player on the floor. It’s unique in the sense that most of the season injuries are the best players in the world.

This season also just amplifies the rhetoric that the league is not ready to expand. Sure you could field another 24 talented women to fill out two more rosters, but it would seriously dilute the talent on the floor.