Over the past few season, the Mercury made some roster changes. The Mercury traded a first-round pick from the Los Angeles Sparks for Cappie Pondexter in 2010. Cappie Pondexter has been a late threat of winning the WNBA MVP. The team also added Candice Dupree, an off-ball threat to their already formidable duo. They are now trying to bring Griner home safely.
Griner's friends are trying to get Griner home safely.
Griner's colleagues are working hard to secure Griner’s safe return, even though there isn’t much information. They are trying to reach Griner's relatives to inform them. Griner is in good physical and mental health, but the situation is far from ideal.
Griner was returned to the United States by the American government, who has been fighting a long, drawn-out fight. Griner's privacy was a major concern for many lawmakers.
Mercury traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2010.
In 2010, the Phoenix Mercury traded with the Los Angeles Sparks for Temeka John and Kara Braxton. Johnson was taken in the first round by the New York Liberty during the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson ended up playing for the Mercury, the Minnesota Lynx and other teams. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. Johnson and Braxton were also acquired by the Mercury. The Mercury also signed Ticha Penicheiro and LaToya Pringle from the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sparks were seeking a center. In exchange they received Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defender who averages 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. She will turn 35 next year and was named the WNBA’s Defensive Play of the Year in 2017.
Diggins Smith has been a late push towards the WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith has been one the most consistent players in league for many years. She has also been a late contender for the MVP Award. She is the league leader for minutes played, assists, and scoring. Her team has also been kept in several games this season. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her outstanding play earned her MVP votes, and she was named to the All-Star first team.
Diggins Smith is currently the league's leader in minutes played. However, she did request a rest during a recent fixture. This is a sign that her team needs all of her energy to reach the playoffs. Her age is only 32 so there's plenty of good basketball in her.
Cunningham has been an excellent off-ball threat
This season, Cunningham has been a strong off-ball threat to the Mercury. Cunningham is a skilled defender and offensive rebounder. The Mercury have a poor defensive rebound rate (only grabbing 62% of missed shots in their past 10 games), so Cunningham has helped juice their offense.
Since Charles' departure, The Mercury haven't had a scoring option. However, Cunningham has stepped up in his absence, and Curt Miller was complimentary of Cunningham's defensive effort against the Sun. The team has used zone defense to compensate for its lack of size. They used bodies in paint to defend Jones' frontcourt.