The Los Angeles Sparks have named head Coach Derek Fisher as their official General Manager. Fisher who joined the franchise in 2019 has a 37-19 record over the course of two seasons. Fisher who has been met with some scrutiny from WNBA media and fans will have to start strongly; as the core of the LA Sparks Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Chelsea Gray will all hit the free agency market.
Re-sign CP3
Going into his third season, Fisher will have many things to figure out within this Sparks team.
The first thing Fisher must do in his appointed position is re-signing veteran Candace Parker. The two-time MVP and WNBA Champion will go into her 14th season as the face of the LA Sparks. And as a sought after free agent. Fisher will have to do everything in his power to keep her as a Spark for the rest of her career. Fisher was quoted in an article saying, “He has texted or spoken to Candace Parker over 30 times since their season ended and it will be his main priority to bring back the 2020 DPOY.”
Developing Talent
Derek Fisher will also need to keep doing what makes him great; developing new talent within the WNBA players like Te’a Cooper and Sydney Wiese; who had the luxury to learn from the five-time champion. With the cap space issues plaguing Los Angeles in free agency; they may just have to bring a bunch of young talent with inexpensive contracts. And Fisher is just the coach to develop them.
Create a Stable Bench Rotation
As Derek Fisher heads into his third year, he must improve on his substitutions and rotations. Outside of the starting lineup, LA bench rotations have been quite unpredictable. Fisher must establish a rotation and be deemed a sixth for his second unit to be successful.
Working with a Revamped Front Office
Los Angeles will also be on the hunt for a new team President and COO as Danita Johnson; who has served in that position for the LA Sparks; was hired by MLS team DC United to serve as their President of Business and Operations. This will be the first time a person of the African American community will hold this title in the MLS.
LA will promote Michael Fischer, who has been the Sparks assistant GM since 2018 to Vice President of Player Personnel.
As free agency looms in the WNBA; all eyes will be on Los Angeles, and we are confident that Fisher will be up for the task. This is precisely what Derek Fisher must do in his first days as General Manager.
Follow me on Twitter @WNBAUncut and check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport. Also, check out Liz Cambage Secures Her Second WNBL Championship article.
Make sure to shop all things WNBA and Soccer merch here.
