Over the past few seasons, the Mercury have made roster changes. They traded a first round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010 to acquire Cappie Pondexter. Cappie has been a late threat for winning the WNBA MVP. The team also added Candice Dupree, an off-ball threat to their already formidable duo. Griner is currently on his way home.
Griner's colleagues are trying her to return home safely
Griner's fellow teammates are doing all they can to ensure Griner is safe. They are trying to get in touch with Griner's family to let them know about the situation. Griner is in good physical, mental, and emotional health. However, the situation is far from ideal.
Griner is being returned home by the American government. This has taken a long and tedious effort. Griner's privacy concerns have prompted many lawmakers to withdraw their support.
Mercury traded a first round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010
In a deal with the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2010, Temeka Johnson was acquired by the Phoenix Mercury and Kara Braxton were traded to them. Johnson was selected by the New York Liberty at the first round in 2005 WNBA Draft. He ended up playing for both the Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. Johnson, Braxton, and LaToya Pergle were signed by the Mercury.
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. Parker will turn 35 in 2020. She was the WNBA's Defensive player of the Year last year.
Diggins Smith has been a late push towards the WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith is a reliable player in the league and has been pushing for the MVP award. She is leading the league in assists, minutes played and scoring per match and has kept her team in many games this year. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her stellar play has earned her MVP votes and made her an All-Star first team member.
Diggins Smith is currently the league's leader in minutes played. However, she did request a rest during a recent fixture. That's an indication that her team needs her every ounce of energy to make the playoffs. She is still 32 years old and has lots of talent in basketball.
Cunningham is a solid off-ball threat
Cunningham has been a solid Off-ball threat for Mercury this Season. Cunningham is a skilled defender and offensive rebounder. Cunningham has helped to boost their offense by helping them rebound defensively. The Mercury only managed 62% of their missed shots over the past 10 games.
Since Charles' departure the Mercury have been without a scoring option. Cunningham, however, has taken the lead in his absence and Curt Miller was a fan of Cunningham's defense effort against Sun. The team has been using zone defence to make up the difference for their smaller size. They also used bodies in the paint when Jones' frontcourt got a touch.