WNBA News

[bballnut90]

I think she should be considered a replacement for McBride. Gray and Plum can play together.

Could be, but Gray will definitely be the PG over Plum, and Kelsey struggled in a less ball dominant role her last season. Maybe she'll play better alongside Gray, they could definitely use her shooting.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Could be, but Gray will definitely be the PG over Plum, and Kelsey struggled in a less ball dominant role her last season. Maybe she'll play better alongside Gray, they could definitely use her shooting.

It could be different w/ Gray instead of Young, but like I said 2 years ago playing Plum off the ball didn't work very well for her or the team. I'm still holding out hope she gets traded.

 

[Dillon77]

Could be, but Gray will definitely be the PG over Plum, and Kelsey struggled in a less ball dominant role her last season. Maybe she'll play better alongside Gray, they could definitely use her shooting.

It could be different w/ Gray instead of Young, but like I said 2 years ago playing Plum off the ball didn't work very well for her or the team. I'm still holding out hope she gets traded.

Looking at this particular position: I recall the season/situation both of you are talking about. Kelsey and Young were yanked around and Ms. Plus didn't have a very good regular season overall at the PG slot. However, Bill put her back at it during the playoffs and -- voila! -- best stretch of the season.

That said, I don't think Bill signed Gray to be an off-guard, so I think she'll be the initial lead guard. Maybe they can work out something where they share it for a few possessions, but ???

Some other questions come to mind at PG:

• Wasn't D-Rob on a one-year contract? Do they resign her to have some speed off the bench? Or does mid-20's reliable (she's neither young or old) Lindsey Allen back up?
• Does Jackie Young go back to being the back-up to both the #3 and #2? Jackie is a great swiss army knife (ask Muffet) but she can flat-out score. And I'm betting she's itching to go somewhere (anywhere?) to do it. (But she's too polite at this stage to raise a stink.... ? )

And, with Liz Cambage coming back to join A'ja Wilson, along with Angel, does anyone know where the ball is?

Overall, this is strange situation: enough never seems to be enough.
On the other hand, this is Vegas and any bauble to draw interest or (eventual) fannies in seats/casino's is a positive, I guess.

And, heretofore, Bill was a guy that liked to go with his core (primarily bigs, but some faves at guards) and pound with them. Is he getting antsy in his later years? Pressured? Some combo thereof?

Yes, Minnesota just loaded up with a bunch of new parts, but I can see how most of those fit in (still thinking about Aerial Powers...). Bill gets antsy... Stay tuned.

 

[oldhusky]

Hard to tell how they will fill out the roster. Like many teams the strategy seems to be get as many near max and rookie contract players as possible for a good top 7 or 8, fill the rest of the roster with the best you can get from min. contracts, rookies and the waiver wire. In general I think most teams will prefer to carry just 11 players and use that 60-70 thousand to upgrade one of the rotation players.

In Vegas's case, they may have a modest amount (around $120,000) to spend for the 8th or 9th player in the rotation. I suspect D-Rob is valued and liked, and is a possibility for that. She could draw more than that on the market, and they could look to a SG or big instead, since Allen is a cheap option and young can play there some too.

 

[MSSportsGuy]

I say move Plum, she has some value and is a proven commodity. Young can play a few positions but is generally a 2 and could play along side Gray. Cambage makes this an interesting team because I never thought she and Aja worked well together considering the sum of their parts. With those two and McCaughtry, are there enough basketballs to go around?

 

[nwhoopfan]

With those two and McCaughtry, are there enough basketballs to go around?

Add in Gray and I'd say no way, it's gonna be a huge struggle getting everybody as many shots as they'd like.

 

[Geew1992]

Erica Wheeler to the Sparks

 

[eebmg]

Diana Taurasi, 9-time All-Star, to re-sign with Phoenix Mercury: Sources

Taurasi, 38, is coming off a 2020 season in which she averaged 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

theathletic.com

Nine-time All-Star Diana Taurasi is signing a multi-year deal to return to the Phoenix Mercury, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania.

 

[Geew1992]

Bird stays with the storm.Dee stayin in Phoenix. Was there really any doubt??

 

[eebmg]

Bird stays with the storm.Dee stayin in Phoenix. Was there really any doubt??

Interesting article about Sue Bird holding off on her contract until
seattle handles all their free agents

Free agent Sue Bird will be back with Seattle Storm -- just not right away

Sue Bird will remain in Seattle, for less money, as the Storm resolve their salary cap. Some insiders say the WNBA needs its own Bird exception.

www.espn.com

Bird could use a 'Bird' rule in the WNBA .

 

[azfan]

Diana Taurasi, 9-time All-Star, to re-sign with Phoenix Mercury: Sources

Taurasi, 38, is coming off a 2020 season in which she averaged 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

theathletic.com

Nine-time All-Star Diana Taurasi is signing a multi-year deal to return to the Phoenix Mercury, sources tell The Athletic's Shams Charania.

There was no chance D was going anywhere. She built a legacy here in Phoenix, played with her wife, and I think feels completely committed to the area.

It's interesting because she's the GOAT but I do think father time is very close at her heels. Bird seems to be playing at a much higher level and is 2 years older. I have my fingers crossed that D is healthy all year and more importantly maintains a sense of composure and perspective on the court.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

Lots to digest here.....

I think Gray and Plum coexist. Gray is a natural PG. Plum played that role out of necessity. I love Jackie Youngs game but for the life of me I cant figure out why she was drafted to Vegas to be a PG?? I mean that was a boneyead move IMO. Vegas is an interesting team for me. I still think Cambage and Wilson shouldnt be together. Aja was so much better without her last season. It clogs up the lane too much. I would rather see Hamby and Wilson as the frontcourt but Im no GM or Coach so what do i know.

As far as Minny there are rumors that BG may be headed home to Texas. Would Sims want to go back as well and join her old teammate??

Lots of speculation that Charles wouldnt return to Washington but I always thought she would and that seems to be the case.

Indiana----oof....they will be a lottery for next years stacked draft for sure.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Alysha Clark signed w/ the Mystics. That could be a HUGE loss for Seattle. I think she's been the best defensive player in the league for several years, and she's an efficient complimentary player on offense who is capable of going off and has become one of the best 3 point snipers in the league as well. As much as the Storm's identity is tied to Bird and Stewie, I think AC was the heart and soul of the team. They have a gaping hole at the 3 now, better bring somebody else in because there is no decent replacement on the team currently.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

Alysha Clark signed w/ the Mystics. That could be a HUGE loss for Seattle. I think she's been the best defensive player in the league for several years, and she's an efficient complimentary player on offense who is capable of going off and has become one of the best 3 point snipers in the league as well. As much as the Storm's identity is tied to Bird and Stewie, I think AC was the heart and soul of the team. They have a gaping hole at the 3 now, better bring somebody else in because there is no decent replacement on the team currently.

Clark, Atkins, Sanders on defense.....

Add in Charles Cloud and EDD.

Washington is putting together some nice pieces.

 

[Shades]

I think Gray and Plum coexist. Gray is a natural PG. Plum played that role out of necessity.

Okay, but at the WNBA level, Plum would be at a disadvantage as a SG. She’s small. I guess they could switch on defense. Laimbeer’s always been a fan of big in all positions. He’s not a big fan of three point shooting. Not sure why he’s showing a soft spot for Plum.

I love Jackie Youngs game but for the life of me I cant figure out why she was drafted to Vegas to be a PG?? I mean that was a boneyead move IMO.

Long ago he traded for Katie Smith and converted her to a PG. Got some rings out of it. The thing about Jackie Young, if you wanted her to be a PG and it doesn’t work out, there’s still a couple other positions she can play. She’s big and strong. Kelsey Plum basically needs to be a PG.

Vegas is an interesting team for me. I still think Cambage and Wilson shouldnt be together. Aja was so much better without her last season. It clogs up the lane too much. I would rather see Hamby and Wilson as the frontcourt but Im no GM or Coach so what do i know.

That’s another reason Plum should go. Hamby, Wilson, and McCoughtry all need new contracts next year and they can’t afford to keep everybody with this new CBA.

As far as Minny there are rumors that BG may be headed home to Texas.

Documentation?

Would Sims want to go back as well and join her old teammate??

Well, she’s under contract with Minnesota at a low price, so why would they part with her? Maybe next year they can’t afford her with all these new acquisitions, but for now they should stay as loaded as possible.

 

[eebmg]

Clark, Atkins, Sanders on defense.....

Add in Charles Cloud and EDD.

Washington is putting together some nice pieces.

Meeseman?

 

[nwhoopfan]

Meeseman?

I'm not positive but I thought I'd seen some speculation she may not join the team this year. National Team/Olympics year. Although that could effect a handful of other WNBA players as well.

 

[Shades]

I'm not positive but I thought I'd seen some speculation she may not join the team this year. National Team/Olympics year. Although that could effect a handful of other WNBA players as well.

May not join, or perhaps not sign until after the Olympics, making it easier for them to fit under the salary cap.

 

[Bigboote]

Yes, Minnesota just loaded up with a bunch of new parts, but I can see how most of those fit in (still thinking about Aerial Powers...). Bill gets antsy... Stay tuned.

Geez, adding McBride, Powers, and Achonwa, and with Shepard coming back. . .

There's not an awful lot of chaff on their roster -- I can see a couple of easy cuts, but it seems as though they'll have to ditch some players I thought would be part of their future.

 

[Bigboote]

Clark, Atkins, Sanders on defense.....

Add in Charles Cloud and EDD.

Washington is putting together some nice pieces.

Clark to the Mystics is the only one so far that's left my jaw on the floor. I assumed she was loving life in Seattle, but maybe not. It is closer to home, but it's not exactly a day trip.

I love the pick up for the Mystics.

 

[bballnut90]

The Mystics/Storm games will be quite entertaining. Lots of talent on those rosters.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Seattle resigned Prince, not really sure why. They have some dead weight I really hope they get rid of--Langhorne and (I know you BYers aren't going to like this...) Tuck. Too many players that are either aging/nearing the end of their career or hampered by injuries, who don't produce much. I just don't get how you can afford to pay 3 players who did as little as these 3 did last year. Especially w/ Clark gone now, they absolutely need another wing/SF kind of player who can do something.

 

[Carnac]

So is Maya done??? Would be fun to see her back on this squad

I fear if Maya sits out this year, she’s done. She has other interests now besides basketball that can occupy her time. I would love to see her return, even if it was for just one more year.

 

[FanFromMaine]

According to the WNBA site, Parker re-signed with LA

 

[eebmg]

According to the WNBA site, Parker re-signed with LA

Goofy error in the transactions link under "news", On the main front page, its the Sky