May 2024 WNBA Thread, part II

[GCKSFN4L]

If you look at true shooting percentage, Arike and Jewell are the outliers. Arike ranks 97th in the league. Jewell Loyd is 94th. All the other Olympic guards are in the top 50.

What I do think Arike is underrated on is her other skills. She's averaging over 5apg and leading the league in steals per game at 2.7.

This right here is why I specifically said Team USA would take either an Arike or a Jewell but not both. They can both score in bunches but they also have their own offensive slumps. Jewell provides better overall effort defensively but Arike is a better passer.

When you factor in experience and the fact that the passed on most of our two way guards (Allisha, Laney, Rhyne) in favor of more offensive/assist oriented guards(Plum, Taurasi, Sabrina) I can see why Jewell is a better fit than Arike on this specific team.

 

[bbsamjj]

Sabrina is also the one on the team beyond Chelsea Gray who has PG experience. DT/Plum/Young can all fill in (or you can have AT play point forward). I think it's almost a certainty that the new Olympic PG is Caitlin Clark.

 

[diggerfoot]

If you look at true shooting percentage, Arike and Jewell are the outliers. Arike ranks 97th in the league. Jewell Loyd is 94th. All the other Olympic guards are in the top 50.

What I do think Arike is underrated on is her other skills. She's averaging over 5apg and leading the league in steals per game at 2.7.

What database are you using? The one I use, WNBA Stats, lists Lloyd as 52nd in FG% at 36.2%, Ogunbowale 53rd at 35.7%. Still pretty dismal considering a 12 team league has 60 starters, but at least more believably dismal than 94th and 97th. Maybe yours includes players who have seen very limited action?

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Sabrina is also the one on the team beyond Chelsea Gray who has PG experience. DT/Plum/Young can all fill in (or you can have AT play point forward). I think it's almost a certainty that the new Olympic PG is Caitlin Clark.

Well, there are some very elite PGs coming up the next few years between Paige, Olivia Miles, Rori Harmon, Raven Johnson. Not that Clark isn't a better point guard than those but she is more versatile than them with her shooting so there is the potential she plays off the ball more on team USA to make the best possible team. Especially when you factor in defense.

 

[diggerfoot]

Sabrina is also the one on the team beyond Chelsea Gray who has PG experience. DT/Plum/Young can all fill in (or you can have AT play point forward). I think it's almost a certainty that the new Olympic PG is Caitlin Clark.

At one time I would have predicted Clark as the future SG, Bueckers as the future PG, for Team USA. That was when I thought the best way to simplify Clark’s multiple responsibilities so she makes better decisions (already record turnovers with many games left), would be to focus her on SG.

I will concede that she has progressed better than I expected at PG decision making, she may even reach 2.0 A/T or better next year. Maybe PG really is her best position. But Bueckers is already at that level of sound, efficient decision making. For that matter Ionescu is more sound/efficient as a PG. I do not think it certain at all who will be the next starting PG.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

At one time I would have predicted Clark as the future SG, Bueckers as the future PG, for Team USA. That was when I thought the best way to simplify Clark’s multiple responsibilities so she makes better decisions (already record turnovers with many games left), would be to focus her on SG.

I will concede that she has progressed better than I expected at PG decision making, she may even reach 2.0 A/T or better next year. Maybe PG really is her best position. But Bueckers is already at that level of sound, efficient decision making. For that matter Ionescu is more sound/efficient as a PG. I do not think it certain at all who will be the next starting PG.

I actually don't think either Paige or Clark will be the next PG fixture when you look at up and coming talent pool in USA, if I am making predictions. They are both too versatile imo with more pure PGs that are also elite perimeter defenders coming up behind them in Harmon (8/1 a/to ratio when she went out), Miles, and Raven Johnson. I would imagine 1-2 of those players will be an Olympic fixture in and I don't know that you want any of them at shooting guard.

 

[cancontent]

At one time I would have predicted Clark as the future SG, Bueckers as the future PG, for Team USA. That was when I thought the best way to simplify Clark’s multiple responsibilities so she makes better decisions (already record turnovers with many games left), would be to focus her on SG.

I will concede that she has progressed better than I expected at PG decision making, she may even reach 2.0 A/T or better next year. Maybe PG really is her best position. But Bueckers is already at that level of sound, efficient decision making. For that matter Ionescu is more sound/efficient as a PG. I do not think it certain at all who will be the next starting PG.

I actually don't think either Paige or Clark will be the next PG fixture when you look at up and coming talent pool in USA, if I am making predictions. They are both too versatile imo with more pure PGs that are also elite perimeter defenders coming up behind them in Harmon (8/1 a/to ratio when she went out), Miles, and Raven Johnson. I would imagine 1-2 of those players will be an Olympic fixture in and I don't know that you want any of them at shooting guard.

The guard pool is deep regardless which way you look at it. USA Basketball has a lot of flexibility and options, an excellent problem to have.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

The guard pool is deep regardless which way you look at it. USA Basketball has a lot of flexibility and options, an excellent problem to have.

The post pool on the other hand... I have some questions about.

 

[cancontent]

The post pool on the other hand... I have some questions about.

Meh. Too soon to stress beyond 2024 if you ask me. Be happy to trade you Canada's post pool if you'd like

 

[baggerbob]

Sabrina is also the one on the team beyond Chelsea Gray who has PG experience. DT/Plum/Young can all fill in (or you can have AT play point forward). I think it's almost a certainty that the new Olympic PG is Caitlin Clark.

In 2024 your backcourt will be Paige, and Clark, they will be like Bird and Taurasi were for years.

 

[GCKSFN4L]

Meh. Too soon to stress beyond 2024 if you ask me. Be happy to trade you Canada's post pool if you'd like

That looks to have some potential though. Edwards, Amihere, Fournier, Ejim and Prosper are all young and 4 years from now has a lot of potential to be something.

 

[GCKSFN4L]

The post pool on the other hand... I have some questions about.

I'm really concerned about our future size. BG at 6'9 is a unicorn of talent and hard to replace. Lauren Betts is probably our best bet for now but I hope we can see some more consistency from her in the years to come.

 

[cancontent]

That looks to have some potential though. Edwards, Amihere, Fournier, Ejim and Prosper are all young and 4 years from now has a lot of potential to be something.

When I'm talk post, I'm thinking more of a centre. I consider Edwards, Amihere, Fournier and Ejim as forwards. Edwards and Amihere are a better fit at that position. Fournier and Ejim are 6'2" and would struggle with the posts they'd face during international competitions. Prosper is considered a guard by Canada Basketball and ND.

The only true post Canada has beyond Kayla Alexander as part of the SWNT pool is Kyei out of Oregon. Could someone like Lattimore be considered for this in the future? Possible as she has been with the U23 squad. Height beyond 6'5" is where Canada is lacking at the moment.

 

[bballnut90]

I'm really concerned about our future size. BG at 6'9 is a unicorn of talent and hard to replace. Lauren Betts is probably our best bet for now but I hope we can see some more consistency from her in the years to come.

I think USA has a solid post pipeline at the moment with Boston, Stewart, Collier and Wilson all lined up for the next cycle. Not to mention Angel Reese and Cameron Brink.

Guard play is also going to be stronger than it has ever been. USA basketball has always been dominated by forwards and centers but the level of play by the guards is stronger and deeper than it has ever been with Clark, Bueckers, Watkins, Hidalgo, Booker, Fulwiley, Harmon and Miles in the mix for the next several cycles.

 

[Bigboote]

What database are you using? The one I use, WNBA Stats, lists Lloyd as 52nd in FG% at 36.2%, Ogunbowale 53rd at 35.7%. Still pretty dismal considering a 12 team league has 60 starters, but at least more believably dismal than 94th and 97th. Maybe yours includes players who have seen very limited action?

WNBA.com also has them 52 and 53. That's out of 56 qualifiers.

Basketball Reference has a field-goals-missed stat. Jewell has been in the top two each of the last three years, and Arike has been in the top 3 every season of her career.

I agree with the poster who said that they shouldn't both be on the WNT at the same time.

 

[bbsamjj]

I'm loooking at the advanced stats and the "True Shooting Percentage": Players Advanced

Two- and three-point field goals and free throws are all considered in its calculation. It is abbreviated TS%.

It is calculated by: %=2(+(0.44×))

 

[diggerfoot]

I'm loooking at the advanced stats and the "True Shooting Percentage": Players Advanced

Two- and three-point field goals and free throws are all considered in its calculation. It is abbreviated TS%.

It is calculated by: %=2(+(0.44×))

Ah, thanks. I did not pick up on the “true,” and previously in the thread someone cited 35.7%, but I see that is not you.

To clarify for those who do not hit the reply button, TS% is half the points scored divided by FGA + a fraction of FTA. Your site uses 0.44, I believe 0.475 also is used. Perhaps there are other fractions as well?

I still wonder at the 94th and 97th ranking though. That either implies that nine player rotations are common or they factor in all players, including those with not much playing time.

I agree with your point, though, their efficiency is pretty dismal even if you are only considering players with significant roles.

on edit: Just clicked on the link, it’s also WNBA Stats, oops. Should have done that first, lol. I see that it does include players with lesser roles, playing time.

 

[Dillon77]

I think USA has a solid post pipeline at the moment with Boston, Stewart, Collier and Wilson all lined up for the next cycle. Not to mention Angel Reese and Cameron Brink.

Guard play is also going to be stronger than it has ever been. USA basketball has always been dominated by forwards and centers but the level of play by the guards is stronger and deeper than it has ever been with Clark, Bueckers, Watkins, Hidalgo, Booker, Fulwiley, Harmon and Miles in the mix for the next several cycles.

Greetings from a library in a village off the Atlantic Ocean where I'm still enjoying wind and waves. I caught up on various threads and decided to add one name to this group of excellent guards. Yes, it's a homer/Domer, but she has excelled in international play, earning All-Star recognition (with Caitlin Clark) at the U-19 World Cup a few years back.

Sonia Citron is the kind of versatile glue player that makes every team better and coaches want. Offense: catch and shoot from mid- and long-distance. Excellent in the open floor and can pull up for short jumpers. Adept ball-handler. Defense: superb. Always covers opposition's best player. Can rebound when needed.

I liked "Soni" before she got to ND and think she'll be a very good pro and solid contributor to the U.S. pool.

Back to the beach. See you next week.

 

[JellyBean]

Greetings from a library in a village off the Atlantic Ocean where I'm still enjoying wind and waves. I caught up on various threads and decided to add one name to this group of excellent guards. Yes, it's a homer/Domer, but she has excelled in international play, earning All-Star recognition (with Caitlin Clark) at the U-19 World Cup a few years back.

Sonia Citron is the kind of versatile glue player that makes every team better and coaches want. Offense: catch and shoot from mid- and long-distance. Excellent in the open floor and can pull up for short jumpers. Adept ball-handler. Defense: superb. Always covers opposition's best player. Can rebound when needed.

I liked "Soni" before she got to ND and think she'll be a very good pro and solid contributor to the U.S. pool.

Back to the beach. See you next week.

Enjoy the beach and I agree with your comments. I can't wait for Sonia Citron to be drafted in the WNBA. She is going to be a great addition to any team at the next level. The WNBA is expanding at the right time.

 

[Bigboote]

I liked "Soni" before she got to ND and think she'll be a very good pro and solid contributor to the U.S. pool.

Back to the beach. See you next week.

I like Sonia too, and was hoping that she’d go to UConn.

 

[Bald Husky]

So Connecticut Sun fans, what do you think about the team trading for Marina Mabrey. I believe she is the most hated UConn opponent that we have, but as a Sun fan how can we root for her? The answer, we have to. The Suns' Achilles heel is 3 point shooting, and they have lost games, especially the last against New York, because their outside shooting is about the worst in the league. I for one will root for her, and if she does well than I may slowly learn to tolerate her. Did it with Kara Lawson, so I guess I can do it for Mabrey.

 

[JoePgh]

So Connecticut Sun fans, what do you think about the team trading for Marina Mabrey. I believe she is the most hated UConn opponent that we have, but as a Sun fan how can we root for her? The answer, we have to. The Suns' Achilles heel is 3 point shooting, and they have lost games, especially the last against New York, because their outside shooting is about the worst in the league. I for one will root for her, and if she does well than I may slowly learn to tolerate her. Did it with Kara Lawson, so I guess I can do it for Mabrey.

Marina Mabrey is the Nika Muhl of Notre Dame. If she had played in Storrs with no change to her personality or playing style, UConn fans would have loved her. By the same token, if Nika had worn shamrocks, we would all hate her.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Marina Mabrey is the Nika Muhl of Notre Dame. If she had played in Storrs with no change to her personality or playing style, UConn fans would have loved her. By the same token, if Nika had worn shamrocks, we would all hate her.

Sorta kinda. But with all due respect to Nika, only one of them could win Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Flop.

 

[JellyBean]

So Connecticut Sun fans, what do you think about the team trading for Marina Mabrey. I believe she is the most hated UConn opponent that we have, but as a Sun fan how can we root for her? The answer, we have to. The Suns' Achilles heel is 3 point shooting, and they have lost games, especially the last against New York, because their outside shooting is about the worst in the league. I for one will root for her, and if she does well than I may slowly learn to tolerate her. Did it with Kara Lawson, so I guess I can do it for Mabrey.

I am curious to see how this all plays out for the Sun & Marbrey and the rest of the WNBA teams. I can't wait for the 2nd half of the WNBA season! Some exciting basketball is just around the corner.

 

[triaddukefan]

Now im going to be singing Big Mama all morning

 

[MilfordHusky]

Now it's back to the W in a few days!

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I wish they’d jump right to the playoffs tbh, not looking forward to another 15 meaningless regular season games for each team after the last 2 weeks of athletic excellence. Might have to ignore the league for a few weeks until we get into real games in September. Severely uninterested in picking the toxic ROY narrative back up.

 

[JellyBean]

Now it's back to the W in a few days!

I am so looking forward to the 2nd half of the season! If Indiana can continue their run. Ooooweee!!

 

[GirlBoo1020]

This break from the negativity surrounding the WNBA this season on social media has been nice. It was great seeing all the lovely women of team USA playing and having fun together the last month. I might just have to call it a season and pretend that France/USA game was the WNBA championship or maybe just catch the big games for the W moving forward. It hasn't been enjoyable being a casual fan this season without a specific team to root for .

 

[cancontent]

Some more insight on the situations for Williams, Johannes and Messeman. Will anything happen? No clue, but it does answer whether teams had their rights.