A relatively succinct Western Conerence preview
Friday 21 May 2004
Houston Comets
Why they'll win: Swoopes and Thompson - still the best forward combo in the league.
Why they won't: Backcourt is essentially role-players and cast-offs from other teams.
The bottom line: If the backcourt works out they'll be contenders but I think they'll be good - just not good enough.
Los Angeles Sparks
Why they'll win: With a healthy Milton-Jones, best starting 5 in the league. Improved depth from last season.
Why they won't: Is Milton-Jones *really* recovered from her ACL injury? Only time will tell...
The bottom line: Yes, all depends on Milton Jones' knee. Unimpressive in preseason but yet she is apparently ok. We'll see but if Milton can function at 70-80%, that's still better than the alternative (Whitmore/Thomas combo)
Minnesota Lynx
Why they'll win: Good veteran backcourt, finally have post depth
Why they won't: Lost a lot of scoring and experience in the offseason
The bottom line: Minnesota will be find in the long run but will hurt a bit this season. The team is full of rookies and Tamika Williams will have to step up big time if the Lynx are to make the playoffs. Watch out for them next year though...
Phoenix Mercury
Why they'll win: Taurasi/Taylor deadly perimeter combo, Carrie Graf ;)
Why they won't: Inside play - WHAT inside play? Best big Adrian Williams is more of a finesse forward as opposed to nasty banger.
The bottom line: Those expecting the Merc to rise like a phoenix (pun possibly intended) will be sorely disappointed. The Merc will be a lot more competitive this season but are an inside player or two away from playoff contention.
Sacramento Monarchs:
Why they'll win: The Great Wall of Sacramento with the world's best passing point guard feeding them.
Why they won't: Inconsistent perimeter play.
The bottom line: If the Monarchs want to contend, their perimeter game has to be a lot more consistent than it currently is and I'm not sure whether their current crew is up to it. Still, they'll rebound, defend and garbage their way to a lot of wins.
San Antonio Silver Stars:
Why they'll win: Potentially explosive offence that would be a great transition team, a lot of individual talent
Why they won't: No outside shooting, dubious frontcourt and bench, Margo Dydek's Euro-postism
The bottom line: SASS have the talent but I think the whole will be less than the sum of the individual parts. I'm not sure whether this team has a solid direction and Margo Dydek doesn't really fit on this team.
Seattle Storm:
Why they'll win: Better frontcourt depth, a healthier Bird
Why they won't: Will Lennox and Sam play team ball? Lennox never really has and Sam hasn't historically done that well on teams where she is not the first offensive option. Also the team is lacking in big-time experience.
The bottom line: It's not Seattle's time yet but they can afford to be patient. They are set with the best young post in the game and arguably the best young PG in the game and 2/3s will be plentiful over the next few years. They will gain valuable experience this season.
My predicted final standings:
#1 Los Angeles
#2 Sacramento
#3 Seattle
#4 Houston
#5 Minnesota
#6 Phoenix
#7 San Antonio