The Los Angeles Sparks once again saw their championship hopes cut short by the Connecticut Sun. With uncertainties surrounding their roster for the 2021 season. Here are five issues the Sparks must address heading into next year.
Can The Big Three Stay Together?
The Los Angeles Sparks limited cap space will pose an issue for them this upcoming free agency period as Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, and Chelsea Gray will all hit the free agency market. As it stands now LA will have about 790,900 to sign the Big Three along with other players like Riquna Williams, and Seimone Augustus. With their limited cap space; you have to wonder if 2020 was the last time you will see Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, or Chelsea Gray in a Sparks uniform.
Find The Right Player Not The Star Player
Los Angeles have always been known for its star players. But sometimes the star player is not always the right player. LA needs to figure out the correct players to coexist alongside Parker, Gray, and Ogwumike. Starting at the SF position; LA’s inability to consistently hit the three-point shot from the 3 position has been a nagging issue for them for some time especially in the playoffs. If LA wants to hold up that 2021 championship they must find a way to land three-point shooting starting forward. An unrestricted free agent like Aerial Powers could possibly fit the bill.
Whose Running The Show
Since the firing of Penny Toler in 2019 Los Angeles has not named a General Manager. Assistant General Manager Michael Fischer, Head Coach Derek Fisher, and LA Sparks Managing Partner Eric Holoman have been calling the shots. Los Angeles needs to elect someone to be the face of their front office so their fans can have a better understanding of where their franchise is heading.
From Russia With Love
In 2018 the Sparks drafted Maria Vadeeva an upcoming superstar from Russia. Since joining the Sparks Vadeeva has not received much playing time as she’s in a frontcourt rotation that contains Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike. Maria Vadeeva has shown on many occasions that she belongs in this league. For example, her 24 points and 5 rebounds career-high against the Las Vegas Aces in 2019.
In her two seasons with Los Angeles Maria Vadeeva has shot the ball over 50% from the floor while averaging only nine minutes per game. With both Parker and Ogwumike as seasoned vets in the league; the Sparks need to find a way to develop this young prospect fast.
Who Will Run the Offense?
To most fans, and analyst the Point Guard position is the most important position in basketball. And since 2017 Chelsea Gray has been that for the Sparks. But with former point guard Kristi Toliver rejoining the squad in LA; the Sparks must decide who will lead their offense in 2021. Toliver is a three-point threat and slasher along with her high basketball IQ who can hurt you multiple ways. Chelsea who is probably one of the best (iso) ballplayers and passers in the WNBA.
Choosing between Chelsea and Kristi to run your offense is a good problem to have. And whoever Los Angeles decides; has to step up to the plate to lead this offense back to a WNBA Championship.
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