Over the past few seasons, the Mercury have made 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. 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 team is trying to get her safely home.
Griner's colleagues are working hard to secure Griner’s safe return, even though there isn’t much information. They are trying get in touch her family to tell them. Griner is in good health physically and mentally, but it is not ideal.
Griner was returned to the United States by the American government, who has been fighting a long, drawn-out fight. Griner's privacy has been a concern for many lawmakers.
Mercury traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2010.
In a 2010 trade, the Phoenix Mercury acquired Temeka and Kara Johnson from the Los Angeles Sparks. 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 traded for a first round pick in the 2010 draft. 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 for a center, and in exchange, they received Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defender who averages 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. She will be 35 years old in 2020. Last season, Parker was named the WNBA Defensive Player-of-the Year.
Diggins Smith is a late candidate for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith has been a consistent player in the league over the past few years and has recently challenged for the MVP award. She is the league leader in minutes, assists, scoring, and per-game. This season, she has kept her team alive in multiple games. She is a renowned franchise player and is well-known on and off court. Her stellar play earned her MVP nominations and made her an All-Star team member.
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 was a great off-ball threat
Cunningham has been a solid Off-ball threat for Mercury this Season. Cunningham has a high scoring record and is a strong defender. He also excels at offensive rebounding. Cunningham has been a great help to their offense, as they have had a low defensive rebound rate (62% of their 10 previous games).
Since Charles' departure the Mercury have been without a scoring option. Cunningham is stepping up and Curt was complimentary of Cunningham’s defensive effort against Sun. To compensate for their small size, they have been using zone defense. They also used bodies on the court when Jones's frontcourt needed a little more.