WNBA 2024 May 2024 | Page 3 | The Boneyard

WNBA 2024 May 2024

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Mercury end the preseason at home by holding the Spark, last in Voepel's early season power rating, to 98 points, 50% shooting and showcase Zia Cook.

The Mercury's million dollar coach evidently hasn't fully implemented perimeter defense as the Spark hit 16 of 32 from three land. Bella fouled out after 17 minutes on the court.

That razor sharp focus in Phoenix resulted in 30 fouls three more than made goals.

Tibbetts has evidently been focusing on rebounding and the Mercury have a ways to go as they are out rebounded 42 to 20.

Newcomers Cloud and Cooper were -12 and -15.

Looks like another long season in store in the valley of the Sun.
 
Clearly the Stewie downgrading is ridiculous as she is at worst the 2nd best player in the world. That being said I’m glad Aja has silenced her doubters. At SC there were some on this board who didn’t think she was that good and I recall some posting KLS was the better player. KLS had a great college career herself but it was also clear she wasn’t in the same league as Aja with respect to talent.
 
MSSportsGuy said:
Clearly the Stewie downgrading is ridiculous as she is at worst the 2nd best player in the world. That being said I’m glad Aja has silenced her doubters. At SC there were some on this board who didn’t think she was that good and I recall some posting KLS was the better player. KLS had a great college career herself but it was also clear she wasn’t in the same league as Aja with respect to talent.
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I really don't know where ya'll are getting this stuff ... and why the heck drag KLS into this?
 
GamecockFam said:
There are so many great players that don't make a team. I think that's what has me so excited about the expansion.

I was daydreaming yesterday about a 20 team league with 5 team north/south/east/west divisions. With 12 player rosters that would increase the number of salaried players to 240! It would be a 38 game schedule where every team plays each other twice -- a home and away game. The playoffs would have 12 teams with the division winners getting a bye week.

That feels like a good long-term goal for the league.
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I love this idea but I would prefer to have at least 14 player rosters. That allows teams the chance to develop players and if injury strikes teams can use players who already know their system instead plugging random players for 7 day contracts who have to learn so much and contribute in such a short period of time.
 
GCKSFN4L said:
I love this idea but I would prefer to have at least 14 player rosters. That allows teams the chance to develop players and if injury strikes teams can use players who already know their system instead plugging random players for 7 day contracts who have to learn so much and contribute in such a short period of time.
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Both ideas have merit. Your suggestion for 14 player rosters may be easier to implement to start, with the idea of a 20 team league being a long term goal.
 
CajunHusky said:
I really don't know where ya'll are getting this stuff ... and why the heck drag KLS into this
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I’m referencing how the article ranking the WNBA players earlier. has Aja at 1. Stewie is at 3, but to me is 2 and arguably 1 depending on the metrics. I don’t see the reason to have to pick which is 1 because they are both amazing players.

I wasn’t dragging KLS in as much as remembering well the time where some posters here (not saying it was overwhelming) believed she was the best player in the country over Wilson and perhaps in college there wasn’t a large gap. To me it was pretty evident who was more gifted. Wilson has grown even more as a pro than I’d have guessed and I’m happy for her.
 
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MSSportsGuy said:
I’m referencing how the article ranking the WNBA players earlier. has Aja at 1. Stewie is at 3, but to me is 2 and arguably 1 depending on the metrics. I don’t see the reason to have to pick which is 1 because they are both amazing players.

I wasn’t dragging KLS in as much as remembering well the time where some posters here (not saying it was overwhelming) believed she was the best player in the country over Wilson and perhaps in college there wasn’t a large gap. To me it was pretty evident who was more gifted. Wilson has grown even more as a pro than I’d have guessed and I’m happy for her.
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it sure looks like it to me ..... and now you are "doubling down" ... just drop the comparison altogether. Though feel free to do all the Breanna Stewart bashing you want.
 
azfan said:
Mercury end the preseason at home by holding the Spark, last in Voepel's early season power rating, to 98 points, 50% shooting and showcase Zia Cook.

The Mercury's million dollar coach evidently hasn't fully implemented perimeter defense as the Spark hit 16 of 32 from three land. Bella fouled out after 17 minutes on the court.

That razor sharp focus in Phoenix resulted in 30 fouls three more than made goals.

Tibbetts has evidently been focusing on rebounding and the Mercury have a ways to go as they are out rebounded 42 to 20.

Newcomers Cloud and Cooper were -12 and -15.

Looks like another long season in store in the valley of the Sun.
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I watched a little but fell asleep (east coast and getting old). They looked not very good tbh but they didn't have BG. Still defense wasn't very good and offense wasn't great. DT looked good. KAH looked good, but overall it wasn't great. I'm pulling for mad kiki to make the team but it seems like it will be tough as because of some of the bigger contracts they will most likely keep 11
 
GamecockFam said:
There are so many great players that don't make a team. I think that's what has me so excited about the expansion.

I was daydreaming yesterday about a 20 team league with 5 team north/south/east/west divisions. With 12 player rosters that would increase the number of salaried players to 240! It would be a 38 game schedule where every team plays each other twice -- a home and away game. The playoffs would have 12 teams with the division winners getting a bye week.

That feels like a good long-term goal for the league.
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That would be epic! I am glad that Commish Engelbert is taking the slow and steady approach to expanding.
 
This is pretty hilarious and what I love most about the WNBA (the sisterhood and camaraderie).

For context: All those players lost a bet to A’ja Wilson and had to wear South Carolina gear to their game in Columbia tonight.

 
jdote33 said:
I watched a little but fell asleep (east coast and getting old). They looked not very good tbh but they didn't have BG. Still defense wasn't very good and offense wasn't great. DT looked good. KAH looked good, but overall it wasn't great. I'm pulling for mad kiki to make the team but it seems like it will be tough as because of some of the bigger contracts they will most likely keep 11
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You are correct in these observations.

Neither Cloud nor Cooper looked remotely competent on the defensive end against a franchise that is the consensus bottom dweller.

Roster construction is also a major problem lacking anything resembling a 4.

It appears the Mercury share with the Suns this incompetence in roster construction. For the Suns the inexcusable consolidation of the entire salary cap in three players is a head scratcher. The Mercury however it's not a head scratcher as the front office under the previous administration engaged in malpractice both in formulating the roster, strategy, dealing away draft picks, as the salary was concentrated in the now infamous Skyler, DT, BG trio.

The new owner and administration has moved on to million dollar Nate for a new start. As a long time Mercury fan I can discern no change in culture or competence.

Looks like the Mercury and not the Spark are the door mat of the W.

Loyal Mercury fans are finally showing their discouragement as 4800 showed up to watch the pathetic effort by the Mercury. Contrast that preseason attendance with the Clark-led fever shut out.

The 17 minute foul out by Bella says it all about the past, present and future of this once proud franchise.
 
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darrell said:
This is pretty hilarious and what I love most about the WNBA (the sisterhood and camaraderie).

For context: All those players lost a bet to A’ja Wilson and had to wear South Carolina gear to their game in Columbia tonight.

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So...KP was smart enough to not take the bet?
 
jdote33 said:
Nika is going to make the team. Interesting trade

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Good for Nika, I think she has good potential as a backup PG. Has there ever been a UCONN player who was drafted and didn't make opening day roster? Players like Shea Ralph/Christyn Williams excluded since they were injured. Off the top of my head, Evina Westbrook is the only one who was waived during training camp, though she later was picked up by another team.
 
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Why'd they wave so many people. Maybe they like some players on some other rosters.
 
So who’s next?
W is reportedly considering getting back to 16 by 2028. That seems a bit aggressive and quick, but then again the bump in interest has been significant.

I have seen Philly Portland Denver Nashville SoFlorida mentioned. I could see those middle 3; skeptical on the other 2.

Portland and Nashville benefit from not having competition from Major League Baseball.


I’d also throw Columbia SC into the mix. They’ve shown huge interest in the college game, and even if the team weren’t good they’d get a good crowd when SC alums visited.
 
jdote33 said:


Why'd they wave so many people. Maybe they like some players on some other rosters.
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The Mercury only waived 1 player prior to today. They still had 18 on the roster and had to cut to 11 by the May 13th. The 11 players left are likely the opening day roster.

Also worth noting Phoenix can only afford 11 players.
 
GCKSFN4L said:
The Mercury only waived 1 player prior to today. They still had 18 on the roster and had to cut to 11 by the May 13th. The 11 players left are likely the opening day roster.

Also worth noting Phoenix can only afford 11 players.
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They also invited Liz Dixon to training camp
 
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Who did Las Vegas play today? Was that the Puerto Rico National Team, or just some random players? Whoever it was, Aces slaughtered them, with no Gray and the bench getting plenty of minutes. If Gustafson turns into another deadly 3 point shooter (4-7 today), the rest of the league is gonna be asking themselves how they let that happen.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Who did Las Vegas play today? Was that the Puerto Rico National Team, or just some random players? Whoever it was, Aces slaughtered them, with no Gray and the bench getting plenty of minutes. If Gustafson turns into another deadly 3 point shooter (4-7 today), the rest of the league is gonna be asking themselves how they let that happen.
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13,000+ attended the Aves game in Columbi SC. And on the Vegas homegront. They are now the first WNBA team to sell out their season tickets ️ in pre/season

 
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jdote33 said:


Why'd they wave so many people. Maybe they like some players on some other rosters.
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Hey:
Spent most of the last 36 hours traveling to/attending a wedding and was just scanning sites, waiver wires this morning.
My takeaways from Phoenix:
  • Meet the new boss; kinda the same as the old boss;
  • Meaning: we're gonna make a run with the core of our stars (who are on last legs and very big contracts), some imports who may or may not mesh; and, various others.
  • Youth? Development? Ah, next year(s), when and if this doesn't work, It sure as development in a desert isn't sustainable.

-I know the standard line is that the WNBA is the hardest league to crack and most draft choices barely make it, but cutting both Osborne and Shelley, then comparing it to who is on the roster. Why'd they even bother drafting them?

Feel for our board colleague @azfan :(
 
visitingcock said:
13,000+ attended the Aves game in Columbi SC. And on the Vegas homegront. They are now the first WNBA team to sell out their season tickets ️ in pre/season

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The PR national team featured Grand Canyon (and former Cal Baptist) point guard Trinity San Antonio who was the leading scorer for Puerto Rico in the mismatch.
 
nwhoopfan said:
Who did Las Vegas play today? Was that the Puerto Rico National Team, or just some random players? Whoever it was, Aces slaughtered them, with no Gray and the bench getting plenty of minutes. If Gustafson turns into another deadly 3 point shooter (4-7 today), the rest of the league is gonna be asking themselves how they let that happen.
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I have been waiting for Megan to get a chance to shine. She is such a dynamic player.
 
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