How can a team with DT and Griner finish last in the league??
1. Coaching: The coaching was a disaster under Nygaard. I think Blue has done a really nice job given the circumstances but the damage during Nygaard's era was done.
2. DT/Griner aren't the same players they were 5-10 years ago. DT 41 years old and is a liability defensively and a very streaky shooter who can light it up or go cold. Griner is still an excellent offensive player but is nowhere near the dominant defense force was during college and her first several years in the W. Even in their prime, Phoenix had 1 great year with DT/Griner together but largely underperformed aside from their brilliant 2014 season.
3. Injuries/players out. DT and Griner have both missed many games this year due to a variety of reasons but when they're out they usually lose. They also have been the entire year without Diggins-Smith.
3. Money. They're significantly overpaying Taurasi based on her value today and flushed another max contract down the drain with Diggins-Smith being on maternity leave (and having no desire to play in Phoenix again). That's a lot of money that could've gone toward recruiting a solid 3rd option or starter.
4. As a result of all of the above (plus horrible team chemistry a year ago) Phoenix was the last place anyone wanted to play in this offseason, leading to a dreadful supporting cast. Most of their players are good individually but would be late on the bench options on different teams but instead start or log big minutes in Phoenix.
