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TotalCardinalMove
Joined: 13 Oct 2013 Posts: 1466
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Posted: 04/15/19 3:46 pm ::: |
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Richyyy wrote: |
They re-signed Lyttle this offseason, though. That suggests to me that they're expecting her to be healthy enough to be on the roster, and contribute at some point this season. I don't know why you'd re-sign her otherwise. Also they actively made a move to get B.Turner, which usually gives you a leg up towards making the roster. GMs don't want to look like they gave something away for nothing. |
Perhaps, but it was Gulich they gave up. A player that didn’t do much for them at all last season. So they essentially gave nothing away. If they are expecting Lyttle, that makes Turner even more expendable considering Bonner can play PF, and I think Talbot played some at that spot as well. I just don’t see why Cunningham wouldn’t make this roster, but if she doesn’t she’d be quickly snatched up by someone else.
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WNBA 09
Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 12541 Location: Dallas , Texas
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TotalCardinalMove
Joined: 13 Oct 2013 Posts: 1466
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sportsfan48
Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1228
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Posted: 04/15/19 10:39 pm ::: |
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It is going to be interesting to see what direction Phoenix goes. I would like to see them keep Cunningham, Smith, and Turner. I disagree that Sandy doesn't like to develop or play younger players. She just hasn't had many of them. But both V Young and Talbot are young (at least in WNBA experience and they have seen playing time at critical times). Emma Cannon was given a chance to prove herself as well. There are many teams out there who do play their youth over vets unless the youth is really, really good or there aren't much vets. There are only so many minutes.
Camille did do some things for us last year but not very consistently. She is still a better defender than people give her credit for. She held Stewie to next to nothing for a half when she ran out of gas and Stewie decided to play.
I was baffled about Lyttle's signing too. And I was pleasantly surprised at Bonner as our PF. She played some of the best basketball she has played for Phoenix. It will be interesting to see if that holds up once teams have a chance to figure out how to defend her at that position.
All of this gives Phoenix some flexibility.
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stever
Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 6918 Location: https://womensbasketballdaily.net
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potd41
Joined: 27 Nov 2004 Posts: 2683 Location: Mesa,AZ
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Posted: 04/16/19 4:47 pm ::: |
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Cunningham is no "cream puff". Like her a lot.
_________________ "The beast with the bun".
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Michelle89
Joined: 17 Nov 2010 Posts: 16464 Location: Holland
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toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 22477 Location: NJ
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Posted: 04/16/19 5:04 pm ::: |
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Hof has the potential to make the final roster. The Mercury should try and dump Little (not easy).
PostPosted: 04/15/19 11:12 am :::
And halfway through the season when Brondello hasn't played Cunningham and the Mercury give up and trade her for a bag of balls, maybe we'll find out just how good she can be. Wink
Mitchell/January
Taurasi/Y.Turner/Cunningham
Bonner/Carson/Talbot
Lyttle/Turner/Smith
Griner/Hof
Last spot between Talbot and Cunningham.
_________________ LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
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Richyyy
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 24368 Location: London
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Posted: 04/16/19 5:34 pm ::: |
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toad455 wrote: |
Hof has the potential to make the final roster. |
Only in the same way that everyone around here always talks themselves into all these random training camp signings this time of year. |
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CamrnCrz1974
Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 18371 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: 04/16/19 6:44 pm ::: |
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toad455 wrote: |
Hof has the potential to make the final roster. The Mercury should try and dump Little (not easy).
Mitchell/January
Taurasi/Y.Turner/Cunningham
Bonner/Carson/Talbot
Lyttle/Turner/Smith
Griner/Hof
Last spot between Talbot and Cunningham. |
This proposed roster already has 13 players, one more than the maximum.
Below is my proposed roster, assuming one of the Little/Lyttle contracts is not guaranteed:
PG: January/Mitchell
SG: Taurasi/Y.Turner/Cunningham
W: Bonner/Carson/Talbot
PF: Lyttle/Smith
C: Griner/Turner
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myrtle
Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 32336
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Posted: 04/16/19 7:44 pm ::: |
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I 've always liked Essence, but when you look at their roster, I'm wondering why they signed her. Looks like it will just prevent a younger up and coming player from making the team. I guess she provides a bit of comfort level for the coaches, knowing exactly what she can/can't do coming off the bench.
_________________ For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman
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sportsfan48
Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1228
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Posted: 04/17/19 1:12 am ::: |
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I received my season ticket packet today along with the requisite letter that explains how wonderful the Mercury will be this year. The letter summarized our season end playoff experience with Seattle and reaffirmed that feeling that the Mercury are right on the cusp of winning their 4 championship.
After a reminder of how wonderful our "Big Three" are and were last year, BG, DT, and DB, Pitman (Executive Vice President) discussed January, Lyttle, Carson, and Vonnie Turner. He stated that January had off season surgery on her shoulder that apparently nagged her all last season. He said she is fully healed now. He stated that Sancho "worked her way back to health". So we can expect her to be on the court.
They added Carson due to her ability to play multiple positions, her versatile defense, and her ability to shoot 3 pointers. They like the contributions of Vonnie in the playoffs and there was the unsaid message that they expect more of the same.
Last but not least he stated they expected to a add at least one impactful draft pick.
His comments on Lyttle definitely answered some questions. When Lyttle and Little were brought in together, I could see them being an effective "tag team" at the four and being able to spell each other off so they would not have to play lots of minutes. It worked pretty well as we were in first place when Lyttle went down. However, the rest of our season was, IMO, an example of how ineffective Little was overall.
This is my wish, currently, for our final roster:
January/Mitchell
DT/V.Turner/Cunningham
Bonner/Carson/Talbot
Lyttle/Smith
Griner/Turner
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pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 66944 Location: Where the action is
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Posted: 04/17/19 5:20 am ::: |
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sportsfan48 wrote: |
I received my season ticket packet today along with the requisite letter that explains how wonderful the Mercury will be this year. The letter summarized our season end playoff experience with Seattle and reaffirmed that feeling that the Mercury are right on the cusp of winning their 4 championship. |
With the injuries to Stewart and McCoughtry, the Merc are probably the favorites
_________________ I'm a lonely frog
I ain't got a home
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Rock Hard
Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 5385 Location: Chocolate Paradise
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Posted: 04/17/19 6:16 am ::: |
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pilight wrote: |
sportsfan48 wrote: |
I received my season ticket packet today along with the requisite letter that explains how wonderful the Mercury will be this year. The letter summarized our season end playoff experience with Seattle and reaffirmed that feeling that the Mercury are right on the cusp of winning their 4 championship. |
With the injuries to Stewart and McCoughtry, the Merc are probably the favorites |
True.
_________________ You can win, as long as you keep your head to the SKY! Be OPTIMISTIC!
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root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 7365 Location: Underground
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Posted: 04/17/19 8:43 am ::: |
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Washington made it to the finals last year. They add back Meesseman, have Powers for the whole season, and Atkins can be expected to improve. I like what Phoenix did in the draft, but I would still make Washington the favorite. And with Dan Hughes winning a championship last year, it just feels like Mike Thibault is due.
_________________ You can always do something else.
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Richyyy
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 24368 Location: London
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Posted: 04/17/19 9:14 am ::: |
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Also, Taurasi's about to turn 37. She had a bounce-back year last season after a couple of years where it looked like she was sliding down towards the end of her career, but can she be that good again? And if so, for how long? Griner's obviously a star but this team hasn't looked like any kind of title threat without Taurasi playing dominant basketball. If she drops off they're probably a playoff team but not much more. |
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Randy
Joined: 08 Oct 2011 Posts: 10911
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Posted: 04/17/19 9:35 am ::: |
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Agree DC is also a contender and don't forget LA either. Unless they pay a Queen's ransom for Lizilla.
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toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 22477 Location: NJ
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Posted: 04/17/19 9:58 am ::: |
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I'd have Washington, Phoenix and Atlanta as the top favorites. Los Angeles could be the dark horse.
_________________ LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
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pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 66944 Location: Where the action is
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Posted: 04/17/19 10:22 am ::: |
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root_thing wrote: |
Washington made it to the finals last year. They add back Meesseman, have Powers for the whole season, and Atkins can be expected to improve. I like what Phoenix did in the draft, but I would still make Washington the favorite. And with Dan Hughes winning a championship last year, it just feels like Mike Thibault is due. |
Yeah, but they're the Mystics. The one constant in the WNBA universe is that Washington will find a way to screw things up.
_________________ I'm a lonely frog
I ain't got a home
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Aladyyn
Joined: 23 Jul 2017 Posts: 1560 Location: Czech Republic
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Posted: 04/17/19 11:21 am ::: |
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I'd say Mystics are the favorites to take the #1 seed in the regular season but the Mercury are the favorites for the title.
I'm not so sure about LA. Connecticut might finally make waves.
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root_thing
Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 7365 Location: Underground
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Rock Hard
Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 5385 Location: Chocolate Paradise
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Posted: 04/17/19 4:47 pm ::: |
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Randy wrote: |
Agree DC is also a contender and don't forget LA either. Unless they pay a Queen's ransom for Lizilla. |
True.
_________________ You can win, as long as you keep your head to the SKY! Be OPTIMISTIC!
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miller40
Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 1334
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Posted: 04/24/19 6:29 am ::: |
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So what’s the status of Dupree and Bonner saying last season was the last summer they’d spend on different teams, even if it meant doing something drastic, because their family is more important to them than basketball?
Last edited by miller40 on 04/24/19 4:17 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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mercfan3
Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Posts: 19768
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Posted: 04/24/19 3:00 pm ::: |
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Richyyy wrote: |
Also, Taurasi's about to turn 37. She had a bounce-back year last season after a couple of years where it looked like she was sliding down towards the end of her career, but can she be that good again? And if so, for how long? Griner's obviously a star but this team hasn't looked like any kind of title threat without Taurasi playing dominant basketball. If she drops off they're probably a playoff team but not much more. |
I think not playing overseas last year did a lot for her, and it’s likely to be beneficial again. Bird had a similar trajectory.
Obviously Father Time will get them both eventually, but they are now playing on well rested and bodies - that have been taken care of.
Griner takes pressure off of her too.
So if there is a dip, I don’t think it will be a big one.
_________________ “Anyone point out that a Donald Trump anagram is ‘Lord Dampnut’”- Colin Mochrie
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WNBA 09
Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 12541 Location: Dallas , Texas
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Posted: 04/24/19 3:23 pm ::: |
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https://www.google.com/amp/s/highposthoops.com/2019/04/24/phoenix-mercury-gm-jim-pitman-on-why-his-team-can-win-the-2019-wnba-championship/amp/
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Are the Mercury planning to make any additions to the coaching staff for this season to replace Todd Troxel (who was dismissed in January following assault charges stemming from a domestic dispute with fiancee) or supplement what you have in place?
“We are and we’re very close to announcing that, we’re just not quite there yet, we’re just hammering out some final details and there will be an announcement on that in the coming days |
.”
_________________ 3-Time WNBA Champion-3-Time National Champion-4-Time Olympic Champion....And Yes DT "We Got Confeti" lol
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