Here we are again. The start of yet another WNBA season. Again we will start the season with some old teams gone and a new location for one. Players have changed jerseys, old players have reluctantly moved on and new players have stepped into the limelight to begin what they hope will be everlasting careers. What does the 2010 season hold for us the fan? Who will reign in the East,...Indiana? Who is the ones to beat in the West,...Phoenix?
One of the biggest stories this past off season had to be the moving of the Detroit franchise only to have their stars (Nolan, Smith) decide they didn't want to make the trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. In Tulsa, the new Shock are also without the services of the all everything center Cheryl Ford. What are the expectations of this team? What are the realistic chances that a 34 year old, ex-olympian can resurrect not only a career but an image and a franchise? Unfair expectations...absolutely! Marion Jones' return will be played out in talk shows, tweets, blogs and articles all year long. A compelling season is what we hope to get. But I think a dismal season is more fact than fiction.
Can the L.A. Sparks transition from Lisa Leslie's team to Candace Parker's team? Parker has matured in years and game and is more than capable of being the face of a franchise but can she assume the leadership role (all season) and guide the Sparks to the playoffs and beyond? And one very important aspect not to overlook, the Sparks are old. Thompson, Penicheiro, Milton-Jones, Lennox and Ferdinand-Harris have been in the league for 8 years or more. Can they sustain for another season?
Seattle stays poised for a comeback. Veteran core leadership remains and a host of talent gives them the pieces needed to vie for the top spots in the West. But another team that will flex is the San Antonio Silver Stars. They picked up a key draft prospect and maintain a core of veterans. They will be worth watching.
What about the defending champs,...Phoenix Mercury. The exodus of Cappie Pondexter and the signing of Candice Dupree change the dynamics and chemistry of the squad, but is it for the good? It remains to be seen the impact of the trade, but on paper just how much did the Mercury lose and how much did they gain! Speaking of Cappie, how does she fit in the Big Apple? Her supporting cast includes veterans McCarville, Powell and McWilliams-Franklin who will be adding her 10 years and WNBA Championship experience into a talented crop. But are the Liberty a year or two away from getting back to the playoffs?
Minnesota and Washington looked promising, but key injuries will likely keep these youthful teams on the outside looking in,...again! Atlanta looks poised to pick up where they left off last year. Connecticut looks to make the draft day picks and off season additions pay dividends immediately. But as in Seattle, having UCONN alumni doesn't always make a championship team?
Indiana is solid. Barring injury they should reach the playoffs again and possibly the Eastern Conference championships.
But what about the Chicago Sky. On paper they are big, physical and speedy. Only one player (Canty) has 11 years of service in the league. The remaining team is young and for some in the prime of their careers. Chicago should make some noise and face Indiana in the playoffs.
It's less than 12 hours til the ESPN2 tip of Phoenix vs. Los Angeles. It's going to be an interesting season full of drama, suprises and compelling story lines. Looking forward to all 2010 has to offer!
