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Message: [QUOTE="JoePgh, post: 2183760, member: 1131"] Most of the focus on the Sun's roster and probable cuts before Opening Night have been on the front court. Based on a recent article in the Courant, Jonquel Jones / Brionna Jones / Morgan Tuck / Lynette Kizer are essentially guaranteed to have roster spots, and that one remaining slot for 4-5 players is open to competition between Danielle Adams and Rashanda Gray (now that Hamson has been cut). Kayla Pederson may theoretically also be a candidate, but I doubt that she really is. So there will be five players on the final roster for those two positions. My opinion is that Alyssa Thomas is also a guaranteed roster spot and the likely starter at the 3 position. Probably Shekinna Stricklen will be the other 3 who is retained, if only because she has a multi-year contract (reportedly). That leaves 5 backcourt positions to fill out the roster. I think we can safely assume that three of them will be occupied by Alex Bentley, Jasmine Thomas, and Courtney Williams. That leaves 4 guards to fill the remaining two positions: Kelly Faris Allison Hightower Rachel Banham Jessica January From the moment she was selected as the overall #4 pick in last year's draft, I have never thought much of Banham's game at the WNBA level. For my money, she would be the first cut from this group, but given the Sun's investment in her, I don't think they will make that decision. If that is correct, then Kelly will be competing with Hightower and January for the last slot. I think she would be picked over January if only because of the experience factor and the fact that she is a "known quantity". So the question is whether she will be able to outcompete Hightower for that last slot. Hightower is a better athlete who can score. Before her injury, she was a capable defender. If the coaches think that she is just as good (and just as durable) now as she was before her injury, I guess they will probably pick her. If there are any questions about Hightower's recovery or her present ability, then I think Kelly will be retained. So I guess I would give Kelly about a 40-45% chance to be on the Opening Night roster. Personally, I am pulling for her. [/QUOTE]

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