After a busy WNBA weekend, the landscape of the league appears to be shifting. Plus, a leaguewide injury problem that may be a legitimate discussion at the CBA negotiation table...
Dallas roster is clearly an issue and not balanced at all which is why the product on the floor can be so ghastly. However, you guys seem to want to push the agenda that the players don't get along when that's the one thing that has gone right. Every interview and unprompted, the players express how much they support and encourage each other. Whatever issue some of them may have with the front office or the coaching staff, it hasn't affected how they feel about each other. In fact, I credit the bond between the players to the improved level of play lately and the buy-in from certain individuals even when they're not in the roles they would prefer. It's unfair to keep peddling this notion that the players don't like each other and that there's a culture problem. I have been quite impressed with the growth in Paige's leadership and how all her teammates clearly respond to her voice and I do believe she's a big factor in getting everyone to do better on the court. That's what should be highlighted in spite of their record.
I said this last year (on Reddit, repeatedly, especially to newer fans) — that until Caitlin’s production starting turning into wins, she would not make enough All W ballots for the first team. That prediction was based on how W voters’ past voting practices. Then the Fever started winning and she ended up 4th by a healthy margin. And I think deservedly so.
I’m also impressed with Paige (she’s outdone my expectations for her rookie season as well), but I don’t see voters changing their patterns enough that she could make the first team with such a poor team record. Typically there’s a second team ceiling for “awesome year, crappy team.”
At the moment, Sabrina seems like the front runner for that final First Team spot based on stats + success? (Don’t tell Chauny I said that?) It would also be so cool to see KM make even the second team — putting the Fever on her back to gut out wins and keep them in the playoff hunt has really been impressive.
Great read! Totally agree on extending the schedule into the fall, honestly I think the league can hold its own at this point, especially if CC is featured in playoff games.
Dallas roster is clearly an issue and not balanced at all which is why the product on the floor can be so ghastly. However, you guys seem to want to push the agenda that the players don't get along when that's the one thing that has gone right. Every interview and unprompted, the players express how much they support and encourage each other. Whatever issue some of them may have with the front office or the coaching staff, it hasn't affected how they feel about each other. In fact, I credit the bond between the players to the improved level of play lately and the buy-in from certain individuals even when they're not in the roles they would prefer. It's unfair to keep peddling this notion that the players don't like each other and that there's a culture problem. I have been quite impressed with the growth in Paige's leadership and how all her teammates clearly respond to her voice and I do believe she's a big factor in getting everyone to do better on the court. That's what should be highlighted in spite of their record.
I said this last year (on Reddit, repeatedly, especially to newer fans) — that until Caitlin’s production starting turning into wins, she would not make enough All W ballots for the first team. That prediction was based on how W voters’ past voting practices. Then the Fever started winning and she ended up 4th by a healthy margin. And I think deservedly so.
I’m also impressed with Paige (she’s outdone my expectations for her rookie season as well), but I don’t see voters changing their patterns enough that she could make the first team with such a poor team record. Typically there’s a second team ceiling for “awesome year, crappy team.”
At the moment, Sabrina seems like the front runner for that final First Team spot based on stats + success? (Don’t tell Chauny I said that?) It would also be so cool to see KM make even the second team — putting the Fever on her back to gut out wins and keep them in the playoff hunt has really been impressive.
I would try to find the sweet spot with extending the schedule before NFL stretch run say November. Playoffs already go up against the NFL
Great read! Totally agree on extending the schedule into the fall, honestly I think the league can hold its own at this point, especially if CC is featured in playoff games.