Another Euroleague player who I think will be interesting to follow is Lauren Cox. After hitting 5 threes in her initial stint of 40 WNBA games, she is now averaging 2 made threes A GAME in Euroleague at 47% and 1.5 made threes a game in Spanish league at 36%. Valencia runs some really nice pick and pop plays for her. If she is now a floor spacing 4, she becomes a lot more valuable to a WNBA team. I would keep an eye out for her in training camp signings.
And what a coincidence, Mavunga and Cox were both drafted by a Fever franchise that was knee-deep in the middle of its 'Lost Soul' era as it turned out
It may be that Mavunga just can't be effective as an undersized true 5 – she isn't all that young anymore either – but I've maintained that I think Cox still deserves another chance on a functional team
Happy New Year, y’all! I decided to take a crack at predicting the salary ranges I think each free agent will fall in this year, just for fun. I had the time, so why not. Where would you disagree?
This assumes any given player doesn’t sit out the 2023 season
Salary figures are as they show up in salary cap charts (doesn't take into account bonuses/flat rates & all that)
Salary figures are just for 2023 season, even if multiyear deals are signed
Tiers are divided taking into account both player (realized) talent level and predicted salary range
Tries to take into account historical trends with player – has claimed to have been willing to take and/or has actually taken hometown discounts, tends to sign for above/below (a certain) value, etc
Any other free agent not listed I don't foresee signing anything above a Training Camp contract
Does not include Reserved or 'SuspCE' players
2023 Supermax: $234k ($228k in 2022) 2023 Max: $202k ($196k in 2022) 2023 Vet Min: $74k ($72k in 2022)
Salary in parenthesis ( ) at the end is their 2022 Salary
I get a hunch that Harrison wants to go elsewhere. Then they'd have to offer McCowan a contract to stay in Dallas. Otherwise, they're stuck with Collier inside with either Kuier or an injury-prone Sabally as their posts.
Thinking there's a potential for an Aussie influx this season. Maley's giving MVP-level numbers in the WNBL. I think Stephanie Reid is worth a look, too. Shyla Heal could probably land somewhere(New York? Seattle). Shaneice Swain is draft eligible. Chloe Bibby? Lauren Scherf? Does Jade Melbourne show up for Seattle?
Thinking there's a potential for an Aussie influx this season. Maley's giving MVP-level numbers in the WNBL. I think Stephanie Reid is worth a look, too. Shyla Heal could probably land somewhere(New York? Seattle). Shaneice Swain is draft eligible. Chloe Bibby? Lauren Scherf? Does Jade Melbourne show up for Seattle?
Jade Melbourne indicated last year that she would turn up in Seattle this year but haven't heard any recent news around possible WNBA attendance. She's still a bit raw but it might be a good time to come over to start developing her game further.
Yeah the WNBL has some interesting prospects that could give the WNBA a go:
Stephanie Reid is a point guard who can get to the rim well and is a plus passer but she's undersized (5'6) and doesn't have an outside shot.
Chloe Bibby is having a great WNBL 'rookie' season and can really score but a 6'1 stretch 4 may have limited demand in the WNBA.
Lauren Scherf has some interesting skills for a 6'5 center - great passer (she's perpetually on triple double watch in the WNBL), streaky outside shooter and a good rebounder and defender around the rim. On the downside, her inside finishing is *really* poor and it will have to improve if she wants to play outside Australia and for the Opals.
Lauren Nicholson is a 6' wing who can shoot and defend. She's a bit older than the above players, but if Rebekah Gardner can make the WNBA at 32...
Bibby has been at a WNBA training camp (the Lynx in 2022?) but I don't have any idea if the other three (or indeed, any other WNBL players beside Maley and other recent draftees) have any interest in playing in the WNBA.
I expect Maley will have another go at a training camp and have a decent chance at making a WNBA roster. Her offensive skills have improved, including a better outside shot. I think Indiana and Los Angeles may be good landing spots, given their need for a wing.
My impression is that WNBL success is not a particularly good predictor of WNBA success -- but I don't really have any data. Does anyone know how many Australians have used the WNBL (as opposed to the Opals) as a springboard to the WNBA?