WNBA 2024 pre-season | Page 4 | The Boneyard

WNBA 2024 pre-season

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Couple thoughts:

LOVE the Katie Lou signing for Indiana. Their 3 spot has been their weakness. Both Vivians and Lexie Hull are solid WNBA role players and play active defense, but they haven't been reliable shooters in the league. That's what KLS brings to that spot.

Atlanta now could start: J.Canada, A. Gray, R. Howard, C. Parker. T. Charles. On paper, that's a pretty good roster, mix of youth and experience.

LA getting A. McDonald and Atlanta's #8 pick in exchange for Canada is...ok. In some ways, A. McDonald is kind of doing what Canada was doing first 3 seasons of her career; though less of natural PG. They also have the #2 pick which could be either Brink or Paige.

Seattle now has a "Big 3" of SDD, Loyd, and Ezi. If they can land Nneka, they suddenly become super dangerous.

Cloud is big time upgrade for Phx at PG. I know they are also going after EDD. Very intriguing.

Losing out on SDD must hurt for Chicago, though L.Allen is a pure PG that I think will be good for their backcourt (C. Williams did wonders last year after being forced into the role, but it's not her best spot). They are *ALSO a finalist for Nneka.
 
bballnut90 said:
Diggins-Smith to Seattle is a big land, makes sense why they released Nurse + #4 pick. Curious to see if they can pull in Nneka. Losing that #4 pick could bite them in the butt long term. I could see that pick (Edwards/Cardoso/Rickea Jackson) becoming an excellent pro.

Cloud to Phoenix is another massive land. I'm not seeing them as a realistic title threat but she's a significant upgrade from Jefferson and this should propel to being a playoff contender. The big question is how Tibbetts does as head coach with no experience or familiarity with the WNBA prior to this year.

Atlanta is a nice landing spot for Tina Charles. I'm not sure how they snaked Canada away from the Sparks in return for McDonald, they definitely won that deal. I think they're a middle of the pack team this year. Charles/Howard/Canada is a nice core, but they all have their flaws which I think limits their potential.

So much change this offseason. Funny thing is, it might all be for naught if Vegas/Liberty just steamroll everyone again.
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Canada requested the trade
 
TheFarmFan said:
My head is already spinning and there's a lot more to come. Feels like nearly every team will be significantly different except Vegas, Libs, Dallas, and Indiana.
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When multiple former MVPs are on the move, it is mind-boggling. Last year, we had at least Parker, Jonquel, and Stewie moving. This year, it looks like at least Nneka, EDD, and Tina.
 
I have been loving the off season moves so far. Really excited for SDS in Seattle. Her and Loyd can be a fierce 1-2 combo.
 
I'm really disappointed to see Cloud leaving Washington, but glad to see Engstler coming in.

Cloud has been a huge member of the community, doing lots of wonderful stuff. I didn't think she'd move so far away from Philadelphia, but as tends to happen, maybe things in her family have changed.
 
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Bigboote said:
I'm really disappointed to see Cloud leaving Washington, but glad to see Engstler coming in.

Cloud has been a huge member of the community, doing lots of wonderful stuff. I didn't think she'd move so far away from Philadelphia, but as tends to happen, maybe things in her family have changed.
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Engstler is on a training camp deal. Didn't realize this when I posted it. Hopefully she can make the team. She deserves another chance to play in this league.
 
bbsamjj said:
Couple thoughts:

LOVE the Katie Lou signing for Indiana. Their 3 spot has been their weakness. Both Vivians and Lexie Hull are solid WNBA role players and play active defense, but they haven't been reliable shooters in the league. That's what KLS brings to that spot.
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Not a defense of Vivians or downgrading KLS, but KLS shot 35% from 3 and 37% overall in 2022. Granted Vivians shot 38% and 28.7% in 2023 so definitely better from beyond the arc but I wouldn't say KLS has been a reliable shooter.

Vivians stats don't support her staying on a roster in a highly competitive league and it's been her solid defense that's kept her around. KLS could easily have a fantastic year and if she does, I will gladly admit I'm wrong.
 
cancontent said:
Engstler is on a training camp deal. Didn't realize this when I posted it. Hopefully she can make the team. She deserves another chance to play in this league.
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I saw that, too and was a little surprised...at her agent. Why? With Nneka being courted by NY, Chicago and Seattle, some team is not going to procure her services. Now Engstler is more of a tough 3, but she can rebound and guard stretch 4's.
So I was thinking that she might wait to go to the team that lost the Nneka sweepstakes. Heck, Lindsay Allen was probably Plan B at PG for Chicago. I could see Engstler and Witherspoon having a love fest on defense.

That said, she did seem to do ok with the Thibault's last year...think she got caught in a numbers game. But, I agree, there's a place in this league for kids like her. Keep working on the shooting, Em.
 
MSSportsGuy said:
Not a defense of Vivians or downgrading KLS, but KLS shot 35% from 3 and 37% overall in 2022. Granted Vivians shot 38% and 28.7% in 2023 so definitely better from beyond the arc but I wouldn't say KLS has been a reliable shooter.

Vivians stats don't support her staying on a roster in a highly competitive league and it's been her solid defense that's kept her around. KLS could easily have a fantastic year and if she does, I will gladly admit I'm wrong.
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You and Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic are thinking along the same lines:

"Indiana was measured in its signings, bringing in Damiris Dantas and Katie Lou Samuelson, two veterans to play forward next to Aliyah Boston. Dantas hasn’t shot above league average from 3-point range since 2020, and Samuelson’s shooting has always been a little more theoretical than actual, but the pair gives the Fever good size in the frontcourt and will get more open looks than usual because of Indiana’s star power at other positions."
 
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On another note, I wonder where Rebecca "Spider" Allen will end up this season. Does she become option #2 or #3 after Nneka and EDD for teams looking for a forward (in particular a stretch forward). If I'm Chicago, I speed dial her agent if Nneka goes to Seattle.
 
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Dillon77 said:
You and Sabreen Merchant of The Athletic are thinking along the same lines:

"Indiana was measured in its signings, bringing in Damiris Dantas and Katie Lou Samuelson, two veterans to play forward next to Aliyah Boston. Dantas hasn’t shot above league average from 3-point range since 2020, and Samuelson’s shooting has always been a little more theoretical than actual, but the pair gives the Fever good size in the frontcourt and will get more open looks than usual because of Indiana’s star power at other positions."
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I'm glad it's not just me lol.

KLS is a fine player and I have no beef with her or her game. She has great size and may work well on a team that has interior players like Boston and Smith and if Clark goes number one as an opposing defenses will try to stop those players first.

I've been wrong plenty of times and if she becomes the player most on this board think she is, I will eat crow and own my mistake lol.
 
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Some Transactions from the WNBA Home Pages. All Sun contracts are for Training Camp only (so far).


The Chicago Sky renounced their rights to Astou Ndour-Fall.

  • Sydney Wiese signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
  • Kianna Smith signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
  • Rennia Davis signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
 
And some more....
Monique Billings comes "home" to the LA area with a regular contract. All others are for training camp (only).


  • Monique Billings signed a Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • Virag Kiss signed a Training Camp Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • Taylor Mikesell signed a Training Camp Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.

  • Kayana Traylor signed a Training Camp Contract with the Minnesota Lynx.
  • Liz Dixon signed a Training Camp Contract with the Minnesota Lynx.
 
Dillon77 said:
Some Transactions from the WNBA Home Pages. All Sun contracts are for Training Camp only (so far).


The Chicago Sky renounced their rights to Astou Ndour-Fall.

  • Sydney Wiese signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
  • Kianna Smith signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
  • Rennia Davis signed a Training Camp Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
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I keep hoping Wiese can find her way back into the league. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up much just based on a training camp contract.
 
Dillon77 said:
And some more....
Monique Billings comes "home" to the LA area with a regular contract. All others are for training camp (only).


  • Monique Billings signed a Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • Virag Kiss signed a Training Camp Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • Taylor Mikesell signed a Training Camp Contract with the Los Angeles Sparks.

  • Kayana Traylor signed a Training Camp Contract with the Minnesota Lynx.
  • Liz Dixon signed a Training Camp Contract with the Minnesota Lynx.
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Billings is obviously not a replacement for Nneka; but she's a workhorse who can do well with Hamby and Stevens.
 
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Ooooowee!! My Minnesota Lynx got Napheesa some help!! The addition of Courtney Williams and Nathisha Hiedeman will pay huge dividends, if everyone stays healthy, for the Lynx. If Dorka and Diamond continue their skill and player development. This season in Minnesota should be fun & exciting. Plus we added Liz Dixon, Alanna Smith, and we have Kayana Traylor. I am loving these additions. I mean it is tough losing Tiffany Mitchell, Lindsay Allen, Rachel Banham, and Jess Shepard (staying overseas contract commitment) but they are going to solid teams, and they will continue to play well and help their teams. Can't wait!!
 
JellyBean said:
I am just curious to see where EDD, Nneka, Dewanna, and Brionna Jones go now.
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Very interesting how the big names left are largely at the same position. Don't forget Parker is another 4. Dewanna probably is more a 3 now but obviously the big money options will start to dry up after a couple from this group decide.

I'm guessing Parker stays with the Aces for less money than her fair market value. I think Dewanna and Brionna don't move, and the big difference making moves are what happens to EDD and Nneka. They might take less than market value to chase a ring, but I can't see it with Nneka since she is so active with the union.

Usually the top free agents sign first and then teams figure out how to fill out the roster with whatever cap space they have left. This year the pretty good but not great players got the first deals, and now it's crickets waiting for the first big shoe to drop with the stars with several teams hanging on to cap space as long as they feel they have a chance at a big fish.
 
JellyBean said:
Ooooowee!! My Minnesota Lynx got Napheesa some help!! The addition of Courtney Williams and Nathisha Hiedeman will pay huge dividends, if everyone stays healthy, for the Lynx. If Dorka and Diamond continue their skill and player development. This season in Minnesota should be fun & exciting. Plus we added Liz Dixon, Alanna Smith, and we have Kayana Traylor. I am loving these additions. I mean it is tough losing Tiffany Mitchell, Lindsay Allen, Rachel Banham, and Jess Shepard (staying overseas contract commitment) but they are going to solid teams, and they will continue to play well and help their teams. Can't wait!!
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Found it interesting that they resigned Carleton for a 2-year contract for more money. Wasn't sure based on how her season went. I know she was dealing with some injuries. Guessing they took that into consideration.
 
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Here's the WNBA's round-up on what has been covered in individual posts.


  • Astou Ndour-Fall signed a Contract with the Connecticut Sun.
  • Moriah Jefferson was traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Connecticut Sun.

  • Christyn Williams signed a Training Camp Contract with the Phoenix Mercury.
  • Rebecca Allen was traded from the Connecticut Sun to the Phoenix Mercury.
 
nickp91 said:
Natasha Cloud signing with Phoenix mercury that’s crazy
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The Mercury need all the help they can get, particularly on defense. The hapless Mercury in the bottom three in most defensive categories last year. Of course with the GOAT on the floor they're particularly vulnerable to quicker guards. I think we're approaching the day that DT will have trouble catching up with younger guards to foul before they make their shot.

I was amazed and pleased that Cloud made the head scratching decision to come to the valley of the sun. She'll have an immediate impact defensively and even with a three guard rotation it's going to make for some very interesting strategic planning on the part of the untested Mercury front office and new coach who will certainly have an opportunity to earn his W leading salary.
 
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Geew1992 said:
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Getting crowded in the Mercury backcourt.

One thing's for sure DT will play while healthy, so the incoming guards need to be aware that their usage will be dependent upon the GOATs health. That said I'm certain the new Phoenix coach after investing his League leading salary has made a number of high level basketball decisions to incorporate all these pieces in the back court.
 
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