Apparently you folks haven't seen any of these players in live action. No, Adams has not gotten into better shape. She has been great shooting open 3s and sets good screens, but she doesn't move well on D. And Hamson, although she is blocking shots at a good rate (3.5 per game but 6 of the total 7 were in one game) she is shooting at 16.7%... not good for a 6'7" post player. Fowles, Charles and Griner are far superior players and would be able to adjust to the height and use their quickness and/or strength to take advantage of her. She had a good game against Chicago, not a factor against LA. I understand the positives that both Adams and Hamson bring to the table, but both also bring liabilities.
Here is the real question (glad it is Coach Curt's problem and not mine)... You want to keep Adams and Hamson, so what is your final 12 player roster?
True, haven't seen them at all this year. Only made it to one game last year. Living in Florida makes it difficult.
So, to Adams. Unless they have decided they are not planning on winning this year (which might not be a bad idea given next year's draft) they need points scored. Virtually nobody gets five threes in a row. She already has. She put up the best numbers of anyone overseas. And she was effective when she played for San Antonio. She was also the top scorer in both preseason games. And she had a good +/-. They keep stats because the eyes can be biased by the mind.
Obviously, Hamson is already gone, so the task at arriving at 12 is easier. But 6 blocks in the first game. She was probably exhausted the next day. Nevertheless, height is extremely important in basketball. (I think that goes without saying.) She also had a good+/- . After Curt's positive comments, I am a bit surprised.
Final 12: If Hightower shows any potential of being what she was, she is one of the twelve. I have no way of knowing whether she can really come back. It sounds like Curt is very skeptical. But if Hightower just isn't happening, then I think you keep Faris, but maybe January. I don't have enough to go on. Regardless, I think you really want to know what forward or forwards I would cut. You keep the Jones sisters. A. Thomas. Tuck and Kizer. For guards you keep these. Banham. Bentley. Williams. Stricklen. J. Thomas.
That would mean that Gray would be the one off your roster. I know she was traded for and so it's unlikely that she get cut, but I really think you need the points that Adams gives you.
Whatever happens, the 12 player roster, while better than the 11 they had, stinks. No room to develop potential. And the league needs at least one more team. Too many good players with nowhere to play.
