NFL
By: Nathan Snell
We have come to the halftime mark of the WNBA and are preparing for the Olympics. This is an excellent time to grade all twelve teams on how they have looked this first half of the season. This first half of the season has been a story for some teams.
A few things to note:
- Grades were given as A, B, C, D, Inc
- The schedule of the games determined their grades
- The Injury Bug is real
1. Atlanta Dream
The Dream…sometimes I cannot put my finger on them…If the playoffs started today, they would be a ninth seed. Sure, Atlanta is in the middle of the pack, but many would have expected to take that next step. However, this seems to be Atlanta’s ceiling. Allisha Gray and Tina Charles have been carrying the load since Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada were out with injuries.
Grade: C-
2. Chicago Sky
Was this supposed to be a rebuilding year? Or is this the year of Cardiac kids? If the playoffs ended, they would make it as an eighth seed—credit to Coach Teressa Witherspoon, who should be in the running for coach of the year. The Sky team will have peaks and valleys; regardless of how it ends, Sky fans should be proud. I forgot that Angel Reese is adjusting to the league just fine. First all-star in your rookie season and potentially rookie of the year? Look out.
Grade: C+
3. Connecticut Sun
If Brionna Jones had not gotten hurt last season, the Connecticut Sun would be in the WNBA finals. The sun had a great start, starting 10-0, and then they had some moments. This Connecticut team has peaked in terms of how the roster is constructed. The Sun will always be a team that is grit and grind, and the acquisition of Marina Mabrey (from the Chicago Sky) should now quiet the “no one wants to play for Connecticut narrative. The sun’s time to win a title is now more than ever.
Grade: A
4. Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings…as a team, are going through the same thing the Washington Mystics went through last season and currently. This season has not gone the way it was to be expected. Satou Sabally won’t be ready until August after the Olympics. Natasha Howard was out for six weeks. Teaira McCowan should’ve taken a step forward this year, but the injuries have been a factor in her, at times, lack of production.
Grade: Incomplete
5. Indiana Fever
1-8…that was the Indiana Fever’s record; if the playoffs started today, they would be a seventh seed. They are beginning to find their footing as a young team, and there is much to be proud of. Aliyah Boston & Caitlin Clark are leading the charge, but as someone who has been consistently criticized, give Christie Sides credit as she is also growing with this team.
Grade: C
6. Las Vegas Aces
The Aces are favorites to third peat this season for a championship…. However, the armor has some cracks. Chelsea Gray, the glue that holds the aces together, will find her footing during and after the Olympics. Their defense has had its moments, but the offseason should have addressed this. But again, 2nd half of the season, once everyone gets healthy…duck the Aces will turn it around. A’ja Wilson, the frontrunner for MVP, is carrying the load and breaking records.
Grade: A-
7. Los Angeles Sparks
What are the Los Angeles Sparks doing? Curt Miller, please explain. There are some bright spots to point out: Dearica Hamby has been their best player and should be in the MVP conversation…and then that is the Sparks story. While Rickea Jackson has been sensational in her rookie year, the injuries have taken their toll on the team. Here are just a few.
Cameron Brink: Out for the season (Torn ACL)
Azura Stevens- Returning from a shoulder injury
Lexie Brown: Out indefinitely (Crohn’s Disease)
The sparks won’t go down without a swing, and players like Li Yueru and Aari McDonald have proven their worth. The Sparks will be something to watch in the second half of the season.
Grade: D+
8. Minnesota Lynx
Something about the Lynx still troubles me, as they are the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup champions. The Lynx is a very different team from last season. Napheesa Collier is the second MVP candidate, and this team can make a run for the finals; however, two things still linger: Can players Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith hold the fort until Napheesa Collier is fully healthy in the Olympics?
9. New York Liberty
The Liberty should get back to the finals…. In contrast, they have the best record in the league. There are still questions as they progress into the second half. The injuries have somewhat impacted them, but the Liberty is thriving and should finish as the number one seed come postseason. They’ve had their moments, but the Liberty will be fine.
Grade: A+
10. Phoenix Mercury
At one point, the Mercury looked like a deer in headlights, but in fairness, just like some of the other teams on this list, injuries were a story. Brittney Griner was out for ten games, and Diana Taurasi was out with injuries, just like Seattle. They needed time to mesh and would be the sixth seed if the playoffs ended today. Phoenix hasn’t hit their stride yet, and that will be something to watch in the second half of the season.
Grade: B
11. Seattle Storm
Oh, Seattle, Seattle, Seattle. The big four played well, but adjusting took some time. However, the giant elephant in the room is scoring…they are 10th in scoring, and this is where the storm will be tested. The second half of the schedule is brutal for them.
Grade: B+
12. Washington Mystics
If a title had to be put on this season for the Mystics, it would be “Perseverance.” We knew it was coming into a season of transition, but no one expected to see the Mystics where they are currently. At one time, the Mystics were 0-12, and outside fans started the trend of “tanking for Paige.” Now, the Mystics are everyone’s favorite team. The team has seen injuries to key personnel such as Shakira Austin, Brittney Sykes, and even Karlie Lou Samuelson. Until they are at full strength, the Mystics cannot be judged.
Grade: Incomplete
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