WNBA 8 Questions

By: Joe Cardoso

Twenty-five years ago, the NBA started a long-overdue second league to showcase the women’s game and the stars and stories they bring to the sports table. As the WNBA starts year 25, the association has grown to extraordinary levels and is still young and getting better daily. The coverage from some of the most talented writers and content creators in the sports landscape is bringing new fans and opportunities. You would be hardpressed to find a league that has been on the front lines of the social justice push the way the WNBA has, from players opting out to the league allowing the players to use their platform to make sure we pay attention to more than just the boxscores and gameday fits. Moving to the action ON the floor, there is a lot to like from names that we know and new players who have made the most of the chances they receive. Like I do with every sport, I have some questions I want answers for as the season plays out. And if you haven’t done it already, hop on over to the league site and scoop up league pass; it is a GREAT deal at just $16.99. What is on my mind this season?

What should we expect from Sabrina Ionescu? She was the talk of the sports world heading into March Madness and had that taken from her due to Covid-19. Then early into her rookie season, a severe ankle injury ended her season. Sabrina is a great scorer and passer, and now with some of the vets NY added, the team should improve. There are a LOT of hoop fans that have been waiting for this moment. I have my popcorn ready.
Is THIS the year the Aces get it done? Yes, they lose Kayla McBride, but they get back another of the many exciting young WNBA hoopers, Kelsey Plum. Also, note the return of one of my favorites, Liz Cambage, a beast on both ends of the floor. Huge loss going forward without Angel McCoughtry, so how they cope is something to keep an eye on.
Which rookie is going to have the biggest impact? This class is STACKED and has an international flair, so who will show up and show out? This list is long, and that adds to the stockpile of talent. My money is on #3 pick Aari McDonald to light it up in Atlanta, and my dark horse would be Dana Evans, who has a chip on her shoulder and will want to shut some folks up.
Can the Champs repeat? The Seattle Storm hoops towards another title for the trophy case. Of course, all world star Breanna Stewart is healthy and back, and Sue Bird shows father time it ain’t gonna be easy to stop her. The other teams have improved, and repeating is never easy.
The Phoenix Mercury are MUST see TV people! This squad is loaded, and after not living up to expectations last year, they are on a mission. Diana Taurasi might be 39 years old, but did YOU see any signs of decline from her previous season? She still more than capable of giving you the business, and Skylar Diggins-Smith only helps to lighten the load. Add in a focused Brittney Griner and opponents should be afraid oh, and did I mention Kia Nurse who can knock down shots and lock you down? Can you tell I’m high on them?
Did we forget how good Elena Delle Donne is? Battling injuries since they won the title it will be fun to see how she and Tina Charles mesh. The welcome return of Natasha Cloud adds to the firepower.
They may not win a lot of games, but the Dallas Wings will be a fun watch. Number 1 pick Charli Collier is the real deal, the journey will be a fun one add-in Dana Evans and former SEC do everything guard Chelsea Dungee to the mix.
Was Candance Parker the missing piece in Chicago? Heading home to play for the Sky after getting rings in LA the super talented Parker made the move home. Diamond DeShields will bounce back and show us all 2019 wasn’t a fluke. Courtney Vandersloot is a floor general, and having the 2x MVP on her team will make life easier.