Eastern Conference predictions

Sunday 22 May 2005

Unlike last season, I think things will be a bit clearer in the East this year. All six teams can make the playoffs but I think the first two will show that they are the class of the East this year.

#1 Connecticut

All the key players return and Connecticut also adds Margo Dydek to their roster. Margo has gotten an unfair rap over the years - yes she could be better but she's still good for defensive rebounding, blocked shots, passing and the occasional jumper and with Connecticut's post rotation, there isn't as much pressure on her to produce than at San Antonio. I think Connecticut will separate themselves a bit more from the pack this year.

#2 Detroit

Detroit got the bulk of championship predictions in this thread but I'm not sure why. This is essentially the same team as last year that flamed out of the first round of playoffs. Kara Braxton may be a steal but I don't think she'll make much of an impact this season. They will contend, especially with Ford being healthy, but runaway favourites? I don't think so. I still like Connecticut over them because I think Thibault's coaching is better and Connecticut has better balance in their lineup.

#3 New York

The same old story for New York - bad draft, coaching is dubious, team has obvious weaknesses (point guard and soft posts), the fans bitch but yet they play with heart and usually make the playoffs. I don't think they're Connecticut or Detroit-calibre (though it must be noted that they really weren't THAT far behind Conn in the playoffs last year) but you can be sure the Libs will make a good run of it.

#4 Indiana

This year is make or break for Indiana - they've been continually disappointing in the last couple of years and even though they ripped off San Antonio in the Natalie Williams trade, they haven't yet made the playoffs with her. Indiana's perimeter depth is impressive but their post play will determine how far they'll go. They need Schumacher and Hoffman to step up their games because I think playing Catch at the 4 exposes her to un-necessary wear and tear.

#5 Charlotte

Charlotte got some people excited in the offseason with their moves but it's really nothing special. Sam and Tangela Smith are a pair of overrated and overpaid veterans and it looks like Trudi is going to "Nicole Powell" McCarville, who was a questionable #1 pick anyways. None of these players are going to make Trudi's coaching better - Charlotte needs a new coach if they want to escape the cycle of mediocrity. Dawn Staley is still the best point guard in the WNBA, but you can't do much with very little.

#6 Washington

After the loss of Holdsclaw, the Mystics made an improbable run at the playoffs but I think that was mainly on the back of emotion. The Mystics have a couple of great players in Alana Beard and Delisha Milton-Jones but outside of that, it's all a blur of power forwards, 2 guards and a couple of other players. A couple of these players are going to have to step up (I'm looking at you Chas Melvin). I also think there is a style mismatch problem - Richie has his book of a million plays but the Mystics are built to run.

The Mystics haven't addressed their biggest issue of all either - a clueless front office.