Like several teams, the Aces have prioritized the cap to spend on the players in the rotation, and a short one at that. With four highly paid stars, trying to get another three or so over the minimum, but not by too much, and then fill out the rest with minimums. Last year and this one they actually had a chance for 5 stars, because Parker was willing to take way less than market value which then allowed them to get Stokes and Clark above the minimum, but still reasonable, because like Parker, they were taking less than market value to chase a ring.
I think the grand plan included Parker in the starting lineup both years, and a good first three off the bench in Stokes as the big, Clark for the wing, and Riquanna Williams as the guard. The depth beyond those 8 was shaky, but on paper it was a great roster to go for the championship, figuring if you have major injuries you probably won't make it anyway. The surprise is that not getting anything out of Riquanna, and Parker beyond mid-year that they could still pull it off.
Assuming Parker had returned I think Gustafson would have been a nice 4th big, mostly as Parker's backup. Remember after Parker's injury last year Clark had to play much of the season out of position at the 4. She also could have been more of an offensive option along with Stokes as a defensive one.
Regardless Parker's retirement changes a lot. The fifth starter has to be either a non-scorer defender like Stokes, or an undersized 4 in Clark, and Gustafson becomes the third big, whether she is the answer or not. That with missing your star PG for who knows how long means things are pretty different now.
It terms of the strategy I think it was pretty good. If you are a contender spend the money on your stars, save some for two or three above average bench players for more than the minimum, but not by a lot, and don't spend anything beyond the minimum on players after the first 8. One bench big, one wing and one guard for players 6,7, and 8, and then hope injuries don't ruin your plan.
