WNBA News, (Post-) Game Comments for June

[nwhoopfan]

Yeah, Parker has 3 triple doubles in her 15th season. Ionescu has 2 in basically 1 1/2 seasons. Let's check back in a decade and see how far Sabrina has put that record out of reach.

 

[eebmg]

Liberty up 33-16 over Atlanta after 1Q. 7-11 from 3.

 

[nwhoopfan]

The ball movement for the Lib is amazing. Just toying with the very shorthanded Dream.

 

[eebmg]

The ball movement for the Lib is amazing. Just toying with the very shorthanded Dream.

Atlanta comes out fighting in 2Q. 8-0 run.

 

[eebmg]

Great team victory for the Liberty. 89-77.
Their 3 pt shooting continues to be incredible (16-35) 45%. Lots of good passing. 23 assists. (but 16 TO's)
On the other hand, Atl misses alot of bunnies and short range shots especially in the contested 4th Q.

Best Atl player by far was Asia (AD) Durr. Nice end of game hugs by AD with the Liberty players.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I thought NY got really sloppy, lots of unforced TOs. Kind of messed around and let Atlanta back in it. But they got it done.

 

[Dillon77]

I thought NY got really sloppy, lots of unforced TOs. Kind of messed around and let Atlanta back in it. But they got it done.

And getting it done on the road is good enough. Take the "W" and get to the airport.

If Johannes does not suddenly turn into a mirage, this team is firing on all cylinders due to her ability to beat her defender and then make the proper decision to shoot or pass. Before MJ came, only Ionescu did that on this team. Now you have two. Good perimeter movement and Stef has always moved the ball quickly.

 

[Dillon77]

I wonder if Minnesota will resign Milic, who was performing well and being used to great effect. (Of course, Natalie "Ace" Achonwa is back to help spell Sylvia Fowles, while Jess Shepard can play both center or big forward.). Still, Milic can be a dynamic scorer. She'll be a good pick-up for someone.

 

[Geew1992]

Phoenix and Tina Charles have agreed to a divorce…

 

[bballnut90]

Phoenix and Tina Charles have agreed to a divorce…

Charles seems like a wonderful person but if I'm a GM of a team in the playoff picture, I'd be very wary of taking her in, especially midseason. The next place she lands next will be her 4th team in 3 seasons, and this is the 4th time she's demanded a trade or jumped ship when things aren't going her way.

Phoenix had a ton of talent but their original plan of playing 4 volume shooters (plus Deshields as a 5th starter) was going to require some serious ego check and sacrifice by Olympians who are all used to being a go to player and having the ball in their hands quite frequently. The season is young and they can turn things around but they've been extremely underwhelming this year.

 

[Geew1992]

Charles seems like a wonderful person but if I'm a GM of a team in the playoff picture, I'd be very wary of taking her in, especially midseason. The next place she lands next will be her 4th team in 3 seasons, and this is the 4th time she's demanded a trade or jumped ship when things aren't going her way.

Phoenix had a ton of talent but their original plan of playing 4 volume shooters (plus Deshields as a 5th starter) was going to require some serious ego check and sacrifice by Olympians who are all used to being a go to player and having the ball in their hands quite frequently. The season is young and they can turn things around but they've been extremely underwhelming this year.

Don’t know if she demanded anything. Don’t think she demanded a trade to Washington or Phoenix. And from what I read, it was mutual. I find it hard to believe she won’t land some where

 

[bballnut90]

Don’t know if she demanded anything. Don’t think she demanded a trade to Washington or Phoenix. And from what I read, it was mutual. I find it hard to believe she won’t land some where

She threatened to sit out a full season if she wasn't traded by the Sun many years ago which is what I was referring to.

Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to Liberty

Connecticut Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to New York Liberty for Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Bone

www.usatoday.com

I don't know what happened this time but she's leaving midseason to chase a title with another team. Guessing we'll find out more in the coming days. Looks like she's probably headed to Seattle.

 

[baggerbob]

She threatened to sit out a full season if she wasn't traded by the Sun many years ago which is what I was referring to.

Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to Liberty

Connecticut Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to New York Liberty for Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Bone

www.usatoday.com

I don't know what happened this time but she's leaving midseason to chase a title with another team. Guessing we'll find out more in the coming days. Looks like she's probably headed to Seattle.

Dee talked her into signing with Phoenix to get a championship, then Griner happened. She signed with Washington, and Clark and EDD didn't play. Not her fault that the teams she went to had unforseen problems.
Seattle will be a good spot for Tina, a good team that needs all the things she brings to the table.

 

[bballnut90]

Dee talked her into signing with Phoenix to get a championship, then Griner happened. She signed with Washington, and Clark and EDD didn't play. Not her fault that the teams she went to had unforseen problems.
Seattle will be a good spot for Tina, a good team that needs all the things she brings to the table.

Phoenix still had 3 Olympians and is in 10th place in the league. Washington had an upgraded roster from 2020 and still finished just 12-20, missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. No she didn't get to play with the stars she expected to but both teams should've safely made the playoffs.

Seattle on paper seems like a good fit, although it likely bumps a thriving Ezi Magbegor out of the starting lineup, or takes away minutes from her. She's quietly putting together a very good season and is one of the most improved players in the league. We'll see how it Charles in Seattle translates to success. The talent and combination of youth/experience is there. The coaching on the other hand is a major question mark.

 

[Geew1992]

She threatened to sit out a full season if she wasn't traded by the Sun many years ago which is what I was referring to.

Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to Liberty

Connecticut Sun trade C/F Tina Charles to New York Liberty for Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Bone

www.usatoday.com

I don't know what happened this time but she's leaving midseason to chase a title with another team. Guessing we'll find out more in the coming days. Looks like she's probably headed to Seattle.

I was talking about the New York and Washington. I don’t think she forced herself out of there.

 

[baggerbob]

Phoenix still had 3 Olympians and is in 10th place in the league. Washington had an upgraded roster from 2020 and still finished just 12-20, missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. No she didn't get to play with the stars she expected to but both teams should've safely made the playoffs.

Seattle on paper seems like a good fit, although it likely bumps a thriving Ezi Magbegor out of the starting lineup, or takes away minutes from her. She's quietly putting together a very good season and is one of the most improved players in the league. We'll see how it Charles in Seattle translates to success. The talent and combination of youth/experience is there. The coaching on the other hand is a major question mark.

Right now the big 3 of Stewie, Jewell, and Ezi are playing to many minutes. Sue has January, Tolbert has no t been good, and Lavender most of the time is bad, Gabby can back up Jewell. Ezi really is a 4 playing the 5.Gabby can play 3 or 4 positions, Prince has 1 good game out of every 5.
Seattle's bench has been outscored in 12 straight games. Seattle has no idea when or if Mercedes will be able to play.

 

[oldhusky]

I see the likely scenario if she goes to Seattle, or my preference Vegas, to be the same as the third big in a three big rotation. At Seattle, with Ezi and Stewie, and at Vegas with Ajai and Dearica. A good fit at either.

 

[bballnut90]

I see the likely scenario if she goes to Seattle, or my preference Vegas, to be the same as the third big in a three big rotation. At Seattle, with Ezi and Stewie, and at Vegas with Ajai and Dearica. A good fit at either.

Vegas has dynamite chemistry and is the clear title frontrunner through 1/2 of the season. The last thing they need is to shake up chemistry by adding in a player of Tina's caliber. Seattle makes more sense but it's still a big risk IMO.

 

[bballnut90]

Right now the big 3 of Stewie, Jewell, and Ezi are playing to many minutes. Sue has January, Tolbert has no t been good, and Lavender most of the time is bad, Gabby can back up Jewell. Ezi really is a 4 playing the 5.Gabby can play 3 or 4 positions, Prince has 1 good game out of every 5.
Seattle's bench has been outscored in 12 straight games. Seattle has no idea when or if Mercedes will be able to play.

The big 3 average 30-31.5 mpg, I'm not seeing that as overexertion although their minutes as of late have been on the high side. Adding in Charles isn't like adding in a quality backup though to rest your starters, you're getting one of the most prolific scorers in league history who is still playing at a high level. Are you thinking she comes off the bench or Seattle goes with 3 bigs in the starting lineup? At a minimum I think Tina commands 25 minutes per game considering she's never averaged less than 31 mpg in her 12 seasons. Her presence results a major drop in minutes for Magbegor, (who despite being a 4 leads the league in blocks), or it pushes Stewart to more of a perimeter role as a 3. I think Stewart will thrive anywhere she is on the court, but I don't think it's optimal to have your best player playing out of position to accommodate Charles. I just don't see it as an ideal fit for Seattle, but for all I know it could pay off big time. I guess we'll see how it pans out.

 

[Dillon77]

The big 3 average 30-31.5 mpg, I'm not seeing that as overexertion although their minutes as of late have been on the high side. Adding in Charles isn't like adding in a quality backup though to rest your starters, you're getting one of the most prolific scorers in league history who is still playing at a high level. Are you thinking she comes off the bench or Seattle goes with 3 bigs in the starting lineup? At a minimum I think Tina commands 25 minutes per game considering she's never averaged less than 31 mpg in her 12 seasons. Her presence results a major drop in minutes for Magbegor, (who despite being a 4 leads the league in blocks), or it pushes Stewart to more of a perimeter role as a 3. I think Stewart will thrive anywhere she is on the court, but I don't think it's optimal to have your best player playing out of position to accommodate Charles. I just don't see it as an ideal fit for Seattle, but for all I know it could pay off big time. I guess we'll see how it pans out.

Looks like Seattle, like Tina Charles, might be all in on a championship (or bust) push this season, if they go ahead with this signing.
Magbegor is playing at an exceptional level right now, in the games I've seen. Lots of energy, as usual, but now she's picking all the right times and spots (yes, the proverbial light bulb went off).

So, could TC accept being part of a rotation, along with Magbegor and Stewie. Like you, I believe Stewie can play anywhere but she's the best player on this team (league?) and I don't think one should mess with that. And, if you swing Stewie out to wing, you lose Gabby's defensive ability and speed. If anyone loses minutes here, it's Lavender.

Will Seattle and Tina -- and Seattle players -- all be on the same page as what her role is? That's kind of critical in my eyes, as Em Adler in The Next brings up.

https://www./wnba/seattle-storm/seattle-storm-sign-tina-charles-buyout-phoenix-mercury/

As for Phoenix, will they resign Kristine Anigwe? Or move Gustafsson into the starting lineup and sign a Milic or Alanna Smith to provide some depth? Stay tuned.

 

[baggerbob]

The big 3 average 30-31.5 mpg, I'm not seeing that as overexertion although their minutes as of late have been on the high side. Adding in Charles isn't like adding in a quality backup though to rest your starters, you're getting one of the most prolific scorers in league history who is still playing at a high level. Are you thinking she comes off the bench or Seattle goes with 3 bigs in the starting lineup? At a minimum I think Tina commands 25 minutes per game considering she's never averaged less than 31 mpg in her 12 seasons. Her presence results a major drop in minutes for Magbegor, (who despite being a 4 leads the league in blocks), or it pushes Stewart to more of a perimeter role as a 3. I think Stewart will thrive anywhere she is on the court, but I don't think it's optimal to have your best player playing out of position to accommodate Charles. I just don't see it as an ideal fit for Seattle, but for all I know it could pay off big time. I guess we'll see how it pans out.

Stewie was the best wing in the Olympics playing alongside A'ja and Griner. And Ezi is guick enough to play 3 positions, just like Stewie.

 

[JellyBean]

Phoenix and Tina Charles have agreed to a divorce…

Wow! Did not see this move coming. Holy smokes!

 

[eebmg]

I guess losing 2 times in a row to the Lynx can make you reevaluate your situation.

 

[eebmg]

Diana going Scorched Earth (and not in a good way). in Q1 vs Dallas

T's, Over the top physical play. Shooting too quick I think the Tina move might have really pissed her off.

 

[DEpup]

Phoenix still had 3 Olympians and is in 10th place in the league. Washington had an upgraded roster from 2020 and still finished just 12-20, missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. No she didn't get to play with the stars she expected to but both teams should've safely made the playoffs.

Seattle on paper seems like a good fit, although it likely bumps a thriving Ezi Magbegor out of the starting lineup, or takes away minutes from her. She's quietly putting together a very good season and is one of the most improved players in the league. We'll see how it Charles in Seattle translates to success. The talent and combination of youth/experience is there. The coaching on the other hand is a major question mark.

Not sure Ezi will be the one to lose a starting spot. I might bring Gabby off the bench and fit Tina in between Ezi and Stewie. Stewie has proven in the Olympics and at UConn that she can quite effectively play the SF.