WNBA -- 2023 Season

[Tangential]

Parker’s first game she led all players in all 3 categories (34/12/8), though another played had 12 rebounds so maybe it’s outright lead.

Sparks 99-94 Mercury (May 17, 2008) Box Score - ESPN

Box score for the Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury WNBA game from May 17, 2008 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats.

www.espn.com

I was relying on the ESPN article that quoted Elias Sports Bureau, but I would count this as well. What an incredible rookie campaign by Candace. So many rookies have difficulty fully transitioning early (due to the short training camp) and are worn down late (due to the full pro season with very little rest after the grind of a full college season). That other player was Lisa Leslie. Great to see a box score with D-Nasty, etc.

 

[Farney]

Griner apparently hurt her hip in the first half.

Phoenix needs to keep doing what they are doing this season: losing.

They have no offense. Get in the lotto and hope to get one of those franchise players who might be coming out.

And then decide what’s going on with Diggins. If you are keeping her, great. If not see what you can do to get another draft pick.

 

[cancontent]

It seems like things are coming together for Indiana. The potential is there as some of us noted. Great to see especially for a state with a fanbase that loves their basketball.

 

[bbsamjj]

Also spotlighting Haley Jones, who has been thrown into Atlanta's starting PG spot with the injuries to Robinson and McDonald. That's not her ideal spot in the league, but she nearly had a double/double last night against NY, and looked better as the game went on.

Also, very limited sample size, but has she...somehow developed a 3-pt shot between her time at Stanford and her entry into the WNBA?

This rookie class is impressing so far--Horston is getting a lot of opportunity in Seattle, Siegrist has worked her way into Dallas' rotation, Berger looks solid as a backup PG in Indiana. Diamond Miller looked like she had sky high potential in MN. Dorka is starting for MN. Cooke has had nice minutes for LA. And then you have all the international "rookies" like Dojkic and Melbourne in Seattle, and Sika Kone and Morgan Bertsch (not international but has played overseas) in Chicago, who look like they definitely belong in the league.

 

[Dillon77]

Storm blowing out the Merc. Did Griner get hurt? Only played 9 minutes. They said this is only the 3rd time in her career Taurasi played 20+ minutes and went scoreless.

Storm might have something w/ Dojkic. I didn't realize, they have 4 rookies on their roster. They are definitely completely in rebuilding mode.

edit--as opposed to the Merc, who probably should be in blow it up and start over mode...

I've now watched Dojkic in three games and think Seattle most certainly has something. She's a smooth athlete and very assured in her manner. Melbourne, who is only 20 (?), turned the corner and drove in with her left hand on a very smooth lay-up. I like pairing either/having both of them with Whitcomb for now, who sets a good tone.
(Mentors can be a good thing for player development!)

 

[GCKSFN4L]

Following up on this point: Boston was the 1st rookie in WNBA history to lead all players in points, rebounds, & assists. That's quite the accomplishment, considering the rookie year that Candace Parker had.

I believe she's the first player period to do that shooting at higher than 75%.

 

[Rb335]

It seems like things are coming together for Indiana. The potential is there as some of us noted. Great to see especially for a state with a fanbase that loves their basketball.

They look vastly improved from last season. The tandem of Smith and Boston will be a great duo if they both stay put in Indiana for a long stretch.

It’s great to see them winning, but can’t help but think that missing the playoffs for one more year is in their best long term interest. Ensure a lottery pick. One more top tier player and they’ll have a ton of sustained success, especially if that player is Clark or Bueckers.

 

[Tangential]

I believe she's the first player period to do that shooting at higher than 75%.

She is currently 5th in Player Efficiency Rating (closer to 1st than 6th), 3rd in combined win-shares, 1st in offensive win-shares, & 1st in offensive rating for the entire WNBA. These cumulative ratings take all major statistical categories into consideration. Even beyond the stats, last night there was a mid-screen that necessitated a switch and Boston shut-down defended the driving Mystic guard who passed to the rolling Austin down low and Aliyah effortlessly slid and altered/got a piece of Shakira's shot (couldn't tell which for sure since I was watching on Twitter on my phone). She is so instinctual on both ends of the floor, which is so impressively evident, considering how differently Sides and Staley run their sets and defense.

 

[cancontent]

They look vastly improved from last season. The tandem of Smith and Boston will be a great duo if they both stay put in Indiana for a long stretch.

It’s great to see them winning, but can’t help but think that missing the playoffs for one more year is in their best long term interest. Ensure a lottery pick. One more top tier player and they’ll have a ton of sustained success, especially if that player is Clark or Bueckers.

I hear you. We'll see how it plays out but I'm personally not a fan of the tanking approach for lottery picks.

 

[ochoopsfan]

Since she plays in the WNBA I am putting this here. I had it googled translated to English. I dont recall her playing in a Spanish League before. I am gusessing she can now be eligible for the 2024 Olympics, assuming Spain qualifies. Does the bolded sentence mean that she married a person from Spain?

Royal Decree 515/2023, of June 13, by which Spanish nationality is granted by letter of nature to Megan Elizabeth Gustafson.​

Published in:" BOE " no. 141, of June 14, 2023, pages 84650 to 84650 (1 page )Section:III. Other provisionsDepartment:Ministry of JusticeReference:BOE-A-2023-14186

• 
  
• 
  

ORIGINAL TEXT​

At the proposal of the Minister of Justice in response to the exceptional circumstances that occur in Megan Elizabeth Gustafson, and after deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on June 13, 2023,

I hereby grant Spanish nationality by naturalization letter to Mrs. Megan Elizabeth Gustafson, with common law civil residence.

This concession will produce effects with the requirements, conditions and deadlines set forth in the Civil Code.
Given in Madrid, on June 13, 2023.
PHILIP R.
The Minister of Justice,
MARIA PILAR LLOP CUENCA

BOE-A-2023-14186 Real Decreto 515/2023, de 13 de junio, por el que se concede la nacionalidad española por carta de naturaleza a doña Megan Elizabeth Gustafson.

www.boe.es

 

[Geew1992]

Following up on this point: Boston was the 1st rookie in WNBA history to lead all players in points, rebounds, & assists. That's quite the accomplishment, considering the rookie year that Candace Parker had.

Huh!? Some if ya'll said she wouldn't be ready for the W and would win rookie of the year based off of she is

And ya may wanna rethink Haley Jones not being ready for the W

 

[ochoopsfan]

Lynx sign Emily Engstler

Lynx Sign Emily Engstler

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has signed forward Emily Engstler to a hardship contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. Engstler, a 6-1 forward, was drafted fourth overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft and averaged 5.2...

lynx.wnba.com

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Geez, I wasn't saying Nika should look to be a Chong -- just that Chong was on absolutely nobody's radar at the end of her junior year and that a lot can change in a year. Nika has UConn's single-season assists record and six of the top ten assist games in UConn history. I think it's a little early for folks to state that she won't amount to anything in the W.

She's a first round pick in most 2024 draft boards, which includes players like Angel Reese who have already said they aren't entering the draft.

 

[visitingcock]

Huh!? Some if ya'll said she wouldn't be ready for the W and would win rookie of the year based off of she is

And ya may wanna rethink Haley Jones not being ready for the W

Far be it from me to intelligently second guess a legend like Tara, but I really didn't the offensive role that Haley had last year.

 

[Notyetready]

Geez, I wasn't saying Nika should look to be a Chong -- just that Chong was on absolutely nobody's radar at the end of her junior year and that a lot can change in a year. Nika has UConn's single-season assists record and six of the top ten assist games in UConn history. I think it's a little early for folks to state that she won't amount to anything in the W.

Totally...

 

[baggerbob]

Storm blowing out the Merc. Did Griner get hurt? Only played 9 minutes. They said this is only the 3rd time in her career Taurasi played 20+ minutes and went scoreless.

Storm might have something w/ Dojkic. I didn't realize, they have 4 rookies on their roster. They are definitely completely in rebuilding mode.

edit--as opposed to the Merc, who probably should be in blow it up and start over mode...

DT should have joined Sue, and Sylvia, and retired after last year.
Defensively she can't guard anyone at this stage of her career.
And when has she ever had a game she played 20 minutes and didn't score?
Sometimes great ones won't accept the fact that father time catches up with everyone.

 

[Geew1992]

DT should have joined Sue, and Sylvia, and retired after last year.
Defensively she can't guard anyone at this stage of her career.
And when has she ever had a game she played 20 minutes and didn't score?
Sometimes great ones won't accept the fact that father time catches up with everyone.

She's averaging 15 pts and 6 assists in 2023 and you're basing her not playing off of 1 game. If that was the case, she should've left Uconn after the final 4 in 2001.

 

[Carnac]

Following up on this point: Boston was the 1st rookie in WNBA history to lead all players in points, rebounds, & assists. That's quite the accomplishment, considering the rookie year that Candace Parker had.

It looks like Boston has gotten over the "awe" period of her welcome/indoctrination period into the WNBA. She's settled down and settled in. She's returned to the form she had in Columbia, getting double-doubles, playing defense, doing the dirty work under the boards and making a difference in the game. She has been a starter since game 1.

It would not surprise me to see her put up these kinds of numbers for the rest of the season. Next year is when I really expect her to get loose. She's still "feeling her way around the league" right now. I guess you could say she's getting her "sea legs" this year. I saw her game yesterday. She had a game-high of 23. She was making it look easy.

Boston makes history with a big night as Fever roll and routs the Mystics.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Rookie Aliyah Boston had 23 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists and the Indiana Fever beat the Washington Mystics 87-66 on Tuesday night for their first home victory of the season.

Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, led all players in points, rebounds, and assists, making her the first rookie in WNBA history to do all three in a game, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Indiana snapped a six-game losing streak, scoring its first double-digit victory since 2021. The Fever trailed 45-41 early in the third quarter before scoring 18 of the next 20 points to take control at 59-47.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Ah... Given that she was a third round draft pick in a weak draft class and then flamed out of the W in one season, I'd hope Nika would look to any number of other former Huskies as better role models for transitioning to the pro game...

I think "flamed out" is an unfair assessment, especially from someone as articulate as you.

Saniya's stats were modest, but I recall watching several of her games. She was the only player on the team who shared the ball and tried to run any offense. She was marginal as a WNBA player, but I've seen worse players with longer careers.

 

[Tangential]

Dallas looked liked the team that was starting the game at 11 am local time. Horrible angles, velocities, and decisions on their passes and missed far too many makeable shots (not great shot selection to boot). Kalani was the offensive bright spot by making herself present, staying within herself, and crashing the boards. N Ogwumike had a tremendous 1st half and when they switched Howard on her, Hamby went off in the 3rd quarter. Canada has been playing solidly recently as well. After blowing 2 big leads against inferior competition, LA made sure to take care of business in today's matinee.

 

[bballnut90]

Dallas looked liked the team that was starting the game at 11 am local time. Horrible angles, velocities, and decisions on their passes and missed far too many makeable shots (not great shot selection to boot). Kalani was the offensive bright spot by making herself present, staying within herself, and crashing the boards. N Ogwumike had a tremendous 1st half and when they switched Howard on her, Hamby went off in the 3rd quarter. Canada has been playing solidly recently as well. After blowing 2 big leads against inferior competition, LA made sure to take care of business in today's matinee.

Glad to see Brown finding her groove. She was such a stud in college and seemed way too talented to not make her mark in the pros.

 

[Tangential]

Glad to see Brown finding her groove. She was such a stud in college and seemed way too talented to not make her mark in the pros.

For maybe the 1st time in her WNBA career, she looks comfortable. Partly because McCowan is in Turkey, Kuier still has a way to go, and neither Sabally nor Howard are traditional posts and partly because her teammates are looking for her and she seems to have an established role. Being relaxed and letting the game come to you vs. nervous that if you have a bad outing, it might be your last opportunity.

 

[nwhoopfan]

DT should have joined Sue, and Sylvia, and retired after last year.
Defensively she can't guard anyone at this stage of her career.
And when has she ever had a game she played 20 minutes and didn't score?
Sometimes great ones won't accept the fact that father time catches up with everyone.

She can still be effective offensively. Last year as well as this season when she's good, she's still really good. But she does have plenty of off games. And as you said, she's a complete liability on defense. Has been for several years now.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Glad to see Brown finding her groove. She was such a stud in college and seemed way too talented to not make her mark in the pros.

I personally think the biggest issue for Brown has always been her conditioning/physical shape, not her actual talent or ability. The things she is doing now doesn't surprise me, she has always been a great rebounder and has nice footwork around the rim. She has improved her conditioning and is showing out now that she has her opportunity.

Each week she looks more comfortable. I'm sure there is a lot of stress to maintain spots on rosters these days in the WNBA.

 

[baggerbob]

She can still be effective offensively. Last year as well as this season when she's good, she's still really good. But she does have plenty of off games. And as you said, she's a complete liability on defense. Has been for several years now.

Great ones should not tarnish their legacy. Sue, and Sylvia made the right choice, don't get buried on a bad team.
Phoenix is not a good team, and probably won't be this year.

 

[Dillon77]

3 thoughts that have registered in the WNBA Mac file of my brain.

- I feel like Dallas goes from one version of .500 +/- ball (more or less) to another. Isn't the mission of a general manager to make sure her/his team gets better? Yes, Greg Bibb made some radical moves at the end of last year, but I'm not so sure they were the right ones.

If you remember, Arike O. was out for an extended period with an injury and Dallas went to a line-up with Veronica Burton at point guard, Allisha Gray and Marina Mabrey at the 2/3 and an under-sized Kayla Thornton at the #4. And Big T finally starts interacting with her teammates. Guess what? They probably played their best ball of the year and make the playoffs.

So, what does Bibb do? He gets rid of Gray, Thornton and Mabrey, who have all gone to teams that have an idea of what they want to be and how to get there.

Now, I know Dallas has injuries and/or players missing. And, yes, they always seem to get draft picks out of the deals. But Bibb will overdraft at one position or another as he's done in the past (center for awhile, wing this year.)
And, even when everyone is back, will it work? Arike and Satou love to have the ball in their hands and so does Diamond DeShields. I think Sabally and Howard tend to get in each other's way shuffling from the pain to the arc and while Big T and Brown can score from inside, neither is all that mobile as a defensive stopper.

If I'm Dallas mgmt, if this cha-cha continues, might consider a new view from the GM chair.

- I like Kayla Thornton and I like Betnijah Laney, but aren't they kind of duplicative for the Liberty? Perhaps that isn't a bad thing when Stewie, Sloot, Ionescu and Johannes are clicking. But I sometimes think a variation on that theme -- namely, the Spider herself, Rebeca Allen -- might have been a better person to pair with either Laney or Thornton in that slot. As for Spider, she looks like a bit out of sync with the Sun: Thornton would be a natural there.

- As said elsewhere, the Storm might eventually win by losing. Jordon Horston is an athlete at small forward who can attack the boards while slashing when going downhill. Jade Melbourne was drafted and looks like she'll get better, but Ivana Dojkic looks like one of those vets James Wade sneaks into the W.

 

[bbsamjj]

A couple things Dillon:

• On Dallas: What's unknown is how much Mabrey and Gray expressed their desire to leave Dallas. The team is committed to Arike for a very long time, and a healthy Satou adds a whole new dimension they haven't had yet. They are also, again, stocking up on draft picks. (They are almost the opposite of Chicago)
• On Laney/Thornton: kid of duplicative, kind of not. Neither Ionescu nor Vandersloot are all world defenders on the perimeter, so they need someone like Laney to help guard folks like Loyd, Arike, etc. Laney can play the 1-3, MAYBE a stretch 4 on offense. I'd say Thornton is more of a 3-5.
• Now that Ivana is in starting lineup, very interested on how that changes things for the Storm.

 

[Dillon77]

A couple things Dillon:

• On Dallas: What's unknown is how much Mabrey and Gray expressed their desire to leave Dallas. The team is committed to Arike for a very long time, and a healthy Satou adds a whole new dimension they haven't had yet. They are also, again, stocking up on draft picks. (They are almost the opposite of Chicago)
• On Laney/Thornton: kid of duplicative, kind of not. Neither Ionescu nor Vandersloot are all world defenders on the perimeter, so they need someone like Laney to help guard folks like Loyd, Arike, etc. Laney can play the 1-3, MAYBE a stretch 4 on offense. I'd say Thornton is more of a 3-5.
• Now that Ivana is in starting lineup, very interested on how that changes things for the Storm.

I welcome all back-and-forths! Thanks,

- As for Dallas, Gray wanted out, that's for sure. Mabrey expressed no feelings to staying or going. Arike is one of her best friends but Marina has noted basketball is a business and that she and A are always going to be friends.
Per those draft choices, I'd normally say "yay," but Bibb is notorious for stocking up on the same positions at once.
Look at the wing position now. (BTW, I think Abby Meyers would've been a better stick than Joens...she can stick the three and move the ball.).

 

[ochoopsfan]

Interesting

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Great ones should not tarnish their legacy. Sue, and Sylvia made the right choice, don't get buried on a bad team.
Phoenix is not a good team, and probably won't be this year.

Didn’t the Lynx not make the play-off last year? I don’t think DT is much concerned about her legacy, when she retires I expect it to be announced during the off season with as little fan fare as possible.