Analysis of current Seattle Storm roster/signings
Sunday 10 April 2005
Instead of studying for my exam on Monday, I choose to do this. Yeah, I have my priorities straight ;)
Point guard
The starter position is fine but the fight for backup is interesting: Jessica Bibby and Shaquala Williams have a remarkable amount of similarities. Both don't really play like PGs (tend to go score-first), aren't remarkable playmakers, are quick, don't play D as well as they should and both have had one year of experience in warming a WNBA bench. The main difference in game is that Bibby is the better outside shooter while Shaq Williams is the better penetrator. Williams may have the better handle.
My biased self would go for Bibby because #1 she's a bit older and has more experience and #2 doesn't have the shadow of attitude problems trailing her. Bibby reportedly got a guaranteed contract.
Michelle Greco may figure into discussions but she's not really a point guard either and I view her more as a...
Shooting guard
Betty's got the starting spot nailed down but the fight for backup should be a dogfight. Michelle Greco is the incumbent but has some good competition in Adrienne Johnson and Iziane Castro-Marques and Greco's chances do not look good (though she could make it as 11th player/IR). Adrienne Johnson is (was?) a decent backup who had one brilliant year in 2000. She had a year off in 2004 but if she can even return to 2003 form, that's better than Greco. Greco does have the advantage of being cheaper but then there's Iziane Castro-Marques. Iziane is an offensive powerhouse: she can slash to the hoop, knock down pull-jumpers and drain the trey. Her defence is substandard but she has a vast wealth of international experience and is most likely to be on the same salary level as Greco. If it's a choice between Izzy and Greco, I'd easily go with Izzy.
Small forward
If you could splice Alicia Thompson and Adia Barnes into one player, you'd have a pretty decent small forward. As it is, both of them have a specialty but lack a good all-round game. Thompson can shoot the lights out, rebound a bit but is lacking on the defensive end. Barnes is a versatile defender but isn't much of an offensive threat. Both are more ideally suited to a backup role.
An interesting newcomer has come onto the scene in the form of Natalia Vodapyanova. She's not a 6'5 post like the Seattle Times says but is in fact a 6'3 forward who can shoot and rebound. She's a bit like Alicia Thompson I guess but has #1 international experience (Russian NT) and #2 is probably cheaper. Perhaps Thompson should be wary. I'd also think this would make the drafting of somebody like Kristen Mann or Cathrine Kraayeveld unlikely (unless Anne likes to load up on the players who all play the same).
Power forward
LJ is apparently fine and raring to go. Backups? There's Trina Frierson who is a wide body with a nifty mid-range jumper. Batkovic and Vodapyanova could also see time here. Power forward is fine for Seattle.
Centre (or center)
Janell Burse has a golden opportunity here - she'll be in better shape than 2004 and she'll have the chance for big minutes. Hopefully she'll find that 2003 form again, perhaps even better. What I like about Burse is the way her defensive presence complements LJ's offensive firepower. Batkovic also has a golden opportunity - to prove herself on the bigger stage. I don't expect big things from her straight away but she will be a useful backup and I think Anne will be able to bring the best out of her. Suzy has a wonderful offensive skillset (she could teach LJ some moves) and her size is something Seattle could use.
Eva Montesdeoca has underwhelming stats and is probably Anne's pet project (she's 6'6). Simone Edwards has sentimental value but unless she's the 11th player, I think she's gone.
What Seattle needs
#1 Small forward
This one is kind of obvious. They probably won't be able to get one through the draft and I don't think they'll get one through a trade with what they have at the moment (a couple of starters and unproven bench material) but they need a decent small forward with a solid all-round game. It's possible they'll get by for the moment with the patchwork of wings they have and finding a small forward isn't that hard in the long run. The fact this is probably the only thing they really need is a scary thought...
If Sheri Sam had stayed, I'd still have the same opinion. Sam's productivity was disappointing last year and her work ethic is dubious.
#2 Perimeter D
Sue's average, Betty's too short and Tully's gone. Tanisha Wright or Chelsea Newton would be good picks for this - big, versatile guards who are hard-nosed on D.
#3 Backup point guard
Way down on the list of needs. I don't think Bibby or Shaq Williams could ever be a good backup POINT guard. This need could also be gotten through the draft - there could be some backup material left in the second round (Paige? Wheeler? Carey?).
Comments
I still can't understand why no one is commenting on the absolute farce that is Anne signing Jessica Bibby. At best she's an inconsistent/streaky outside shooter, at worst she has no defensive ability and hogs the ball. She's not a Tully replacement and has no hope of being so. It just makes you wonder how Bibby gets a run with the big guns and the vastly superior Erin Phillips is cooling her heels somewhere. There's something really wrong with the talent scouting at Seattle.
Posted by: NancyAmazon | Wednesday 13 April 2005
My understanding is that Erin Phillips has a minor back injury and the WNBA is pretty intense. I think we'll see her in the WNBA in a year or two.
I agree that she is superior to Bibby but I think Bibby deserves a bench role in the WNBA. Seattle does need more offensive punch off the bench. She does have to improve the other aspects of her game but I think that could come with exposure to the higher level.
Posted by: Insane Platypus | Wednesday 13 April 2005
When one weighs the issue at hand, i have to agree with your conclusions. You distinctly show knowledge about this matter and i have much to discover after reading your article.Lot's of greetings and i will come back for any further updates.
Posted by: Rey Macinnis | Wednesday 23 December 2009
great article :) I'm totally looking forward to reading more.
Posted by: high speed internet test | Saturday 16 January 2010
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. A SMILE is the lightning system of the FACE, cooling system of HEAD and heating system of HEART. So keep SMILING all day
Posted by: quick bridging loans | Monday 22 February 2010
You will find that many of the Bernina sewing machine versions are very light and also portable. In fact, several machines include cases for carrying the sewing machines from one area to another safely. Many machines weigh less than ten pounds, making them best for transporting.
Posted by: Sewing Craft | Tuesday 23 February 2010
There are gears that power Sewing machines needle up and down, the feed dogs to feed the fabric through, and the bobbin to form the lock stitch. There's also a lever that pulls the thread tight. The gears keep everything synchronized.
Posted by: Sewing Machines | Tuesday 23 February 2010
How are you. Thanks for all the great information. Help me! Help to find sites on the: Geico download commercials. I found only this - geico com. Geico, allstate has disordered a skilled exterior in indian pips over its $1400. Though there are saturdays on each electricity of the work, quotes and cross-your-fingers can just lose the large insurance, geico. With love :mad:, Blair from Barbados.
Posted by: Blair | Tuesday 02 March 2010
Me and my friend were arguing about an issue similar to this! Now I know that I was right. lol! Thanks for the information you post.
Posted by: Anne michelle shoes | Wednesday 24 March 2010
Thank you for writing this great blogposting. I really much like the model which you use to create about things. It absolutely was very informative and I would like to thank you you for thaking the time to write about it. A lot of people would explain this stuff so additional complex, but along with your statements I definitely realize now everything. I'm sure I'll check back again your site and my rss reader will like your stuff as well.
Posted by: Erotikshop | Saturday 15 May 2010
For a really BIG piece, I went to A.C.Moore and got a "roller" stretcher frame -- it stretches out the piece in a small area in the center, the rest of it rolls up around the ends of the frame. For smaller pieces, I just buy a properly sized plain wooden frame, cheap, remove the glass & backing, and staple the fabric across the back with a staple gun, stretching it as I put it on. If you do this right, you can then use the frame afterwards to frame the finished piece!!
Posted by: Timmy Zunich | Friday 11 June 2010
Great post!
Posted by: home insurance | Wednesday 23 June 2010
Some time before, I really needed to buy a car for my organization but I did not earn enough money and couldn't buy anything. Thank heaven my father proposed to take the loan at trustworthy creditors. Thence, I did so and used to be happy with my short term loan.
Posted by: loans | Wednesday 23 June 2010
What is the meaning of the previous comment? I think it is important.
Posted by: Carleen Etier | Thursday 24 June 2010
Great post with lots of useful details. My fitness routine comprises mainly of high intense interval training. I discover that I am most productive I exercise within the morning.
Posted by: abercrombie uk | Tuesday 13 July 2010
Thanks For This Blog, was added to my bookmarks.
Posted by: Kredyty | Tuesday 20 July 2010
Thanks For This Post, was added to my bookmarks.
Posted by: Kosmetyki Naturalne | Tuesday 20 July 2010
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Posted by: Gry Online | Thursday 22 July 2010
Thanks For This Post, was added to my bookmarks.
Posted by: Wycieczki | Friday 23 July 2010
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Blog!
Posted by: Sok Noni | Saturday 24 July 2010
Wedges are the absolute warm weather heel shoes for the high heel freaks, who go crazy wearing heels. And this article has brought you the most fabulous wedges in trend and that are having good sales in the market.
Posted by: Kumfer Fashion Rings | Saturday 24 July 2010
everyone should be involved.
Posted by: nike shoes sale | Saturday 24 July 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: Sok Noni | Saturday 24 July 2010
You certainly have some agreeable opinions and views. Your blog provides a fresh look at the subject.
Posted by: Noni | Sunday 25 July 2010
Hi, I just thought I'd post and let you know your blog layout is messed up on the Samsung Mobile phone browser. Anyhow keep up the good work.
Posted by: BigAss Dolls | Sunday 25 July 2010
Should I buy steel golf clubs or graphite ?
Posted by: Tahitian Noni | Monday 26 July 2010
Sandals are a great all rounder as a summer ladies shoe. If you buy a pair of stylish sandals they'll last for seasons, especially a pair of Birkenstocks or such. If you want your sandals to be a fashion statement you've always got an excellent choice.
Posted by: Mohammed Fashion Dresses | Monday 26 July 2010
Very Interesting Information! Thank You For Thi Blog!
Posted by: Tahitian Noni | Monday 26 July 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: Scuba Diving | Tuesday 27 July 2010
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Love Calculator | Wednesday 28 July 2010
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Posted by: Love Calculator | Wednesday 28 July 2010
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Ateny | Sunday 01 August 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: Odchudzanie | Sunday 01 August 2010
Well said, such a person should be a good sentence, or the future will be more rampant.
Posted by: tiffany outlet | Monday 02 August 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: big mouthfuls | Wednesday 04 August 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: FacialFest | Wednesday 04 August 2010
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Kredyty | Thursday 05 August 2010
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For Thi Blog!
Posted by: Noni | Thursday 05 August 2010
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
Posted by: Gry Online | Wednesday 11 August 2010
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Posted by: Odchudzanie | Thursday 12 August 2010
I can not believe that a number of of the web sites My spouse and i have been brought to by stumblupon (only just today this specific web page) I was seeking to pass a couple of obnoxiously boring 60 minutes away, when stumbleupon brought me right here. What a magnificent internet page you have I am so thrilled to have seen it I have just spent the previous 20 mins going through a number of of your articles and reviews, and have in addition bookmarked some of them. I will defiantly be back in order to learn a tiny bit more when i have alittle more time.
Posted by: Delilah Gunia | Sunday 15 August 2010
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gry Java | Tuesday 17 August 2010
You should really moderate the comments here
Posted by: Ab Circle | Thursday 19 August 2010
I just book marked your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I enjoy reading your commentaries.
Posted by: Szablony | Friday 20 August 2010
Excellent job.
Posted by: insurance quotes | Sunday 22 August 2010
Thanks for your visiting this www.glamour-watch.com/replica-pen online store.
Posted by: replica watches | Tuesday 24 August 2010
Which golf clubs will be the best for beginner ?
Posted by: Suplementy Diety | Wednesday 25 August 2010
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Posted by: Zdrowie | Wednesday 25 August 2010
great info thanks
Posted by: Used Stationary Bikes | Friday 27 August 2010
Yikes this definitely takes me back, where are your contact details hmm?
Posted by: forum avatars | Thursday 02 September 2010
Just found this site in Yahoo this week. Been following it for a few days now. Great blog. Bookmarked! :) I will be back!
Posted by: Big | Thursday 02 September 2010