- Joined
- Jan 5, 2014
- Messages
- 64
- Reaction Score
- 364
I hate to be that guy, but there are a few issues with the CT Sun as a franchise that are rarely discussed, if not taboo to mention.
First, the Sun have issues attracting big stars in the free agency market (exception Bonner), who often opt for bigger and "flashier" markets like Minny, Vegas, Phoenix, etc. The Sun are rarely EVER in contention for big names. This means that the Sun generally must home-grow their talent through either the draft (Jonquel/Brionna Jones) or by acquiring underrated/underutilized players trying to prove themselves in the league (Jasmine Thomas). Then, once these players grow and develop, the franchise must pray that they don't leave for more money or a bigger market for their prime years (see Courtney Williams and Tina Charles). Fortunately, the Sun have been somewhat lucky recently in this regard, but with the new CBA, stars are demanding more money than ever. The Sun are paying out big $$$ to Bonner and Alyssa Thomas and may not be able to pay Jonquel her worth this off-season.
This is without even mentioning the fact that many current WNBA players have burned bridges with Coach Miller, the Sun franchise, or the state of Connecticut in some form or fashion (Cambage, Lexie Brown, Ogwumike sisters, Arike, Diggins, Parker are a few that come to mind). I know for certain that CT has a bad taste in the mouth of many in the WNBA for one reason or another, making it even harder to attract big free agents IMHO.
Yet, often times, the Sun succeed in developing what talent they DO have and overachieve in the regular season, only to lose to a franchise with an unstoppable force in the playoffs (see EDD, Taurasi, Griner, Parker, Sloot). What do they get for their efforts? A late first-round or second round WNBA draft pick, who often rides the bench or is traded.
Rise and Repeat. What say you?
First, the Sun have issues attracting big stars in the free agency market (exception Bonner), who often opt for bigger and "flashier" markets like Minny, Vegas, Phoenix, etc. The Sun are rarely EVER in contention for big names. This means that the Sun generally must home-grow their talent through either the draft (Jonquel/Brionna Jones) or by acquiring underrated/underutilized players trying to prove themselves in the league (Jasmine Thomas). Then, once these players grow and develop, the franchise must pray that they don't leave for more money or a bigger market for their prime years (see Courtney Williams and Tina Charles). Fortunately, the Sun have been somewhat lucky recently in this regard, but with the new CBA, stars are demanding more money than ever. The Sun are paying out big $$$ to Bonner and Alyssa Thomas and may not be able to pay Jonquel her worth this off-season.
This is without even mentioning the fact that many current WNBA players have burned bridges with Coach Miller, the Sun franchise, or the state of Connecticut in some form or fashion (Cambage, Lexie Brown, Ogwumike sisters, Arike, Diggins, Parker are a few that come to mind). I know for certain that CT has a bad taste in the mouth of many in the WNBA for one reason or another, making it even harder to attract big free agents IMHO.
Yet, often times, the Sun succeed in developing what talent they DO have and overachieve in the regular season, only to lose to a franchise with an unstoppable force in the playoffs (see EDD, Taurasi, Griner, Parker, Sloot). What do they get for their efforts? A late first-round or second round WNBA draft pick, who often rides the bench or is traded.
Rise and Repeat. What say you?