The Mercury has made several roster changes over the past few years. In 2010, they traded a top-round pick to Los Angeles Sparks for Cappiepondexter. Cappie is a late contender to win WNBA MVP. Candice dupree was added in the offseason to the team's already formidable off-ball threat. Griner is now on the team's return journey.
Griner's friends are trying to get Griner home safely.
Griner's friends are trying to get her back safely, despite a lack information. They are trying to reach Griner's relatives to inform them. Griner is in good physical, mental, and emotional health. However, the situation is far from ideal.
The American government has been fighting for Griner's return since the beginning of the long-running battle. Griner's privacy has been a concern for many lawmakers.
Mercury sold a pick in the first round to the Los Angeles Sparks for a 2010 draft
In 2010, the Phoenix Mercury traded with the Los Angeles Sparks for Temeka John and Kara Braxton. Johnson was drafted by the New York Liberty, in the first round, of the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson went on to play for the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. Johnson and Braxton were traded by the Mercury for Rafaella Masciadri, who was also acquired from the Los Angeles Sparks. LaToya Princegle and Ticha Pericheiro were also signed.
The Sparks were looking to acquire a center. They received Candace Parker. Parker is a solid defender, averaging 1.6 blocks per game and 1.3 steals. She will be 35 years old in 2020. Last season, Parker was named the WNBA Defensive Player-of-the Year.
Diggins-Smith was a late contender for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith is a reliable player in the league and has been pushing for the MVP award. She leads the league in minutes played, assists, and scoring per game and has kept her team in several games this season. She is a well-respected franchise player who is also well-known off and on the court. Her outstanding play earned her MVP votes, and she was named to the All-Star first team.
Diggins Smith leads the league by minutes played. She did, however, request a break for a game. It's clear that her team needs her all the energy she can muster to make the playoffs. Her age is only 32 so there's plenty of good basketball in her.
Cunningham has been a good off-ball threat
This season, Cunningham has been a strong off-ball threat to the Mercury. In addition to scoring, he is an effective defender and a good offensive rebounder. Cunningham has contributed to the growth of their offense.
Since Charles' departure, The Mercury haven't had a scoring option. Cunningham is stepping up and Curt was complimentary of Cunningham’s defensive effort against Sun. The team has been using zone defence to make up the difference for their smaller size. When Jones' frontcourt was a touch too big, they used bodies in the paint.