Post by wbbfan2020 on Sept 14, 2022 8:40:16 GMT -5
I doubt Team USA would want 6 more players in Australia. If the Aces get the sweep tomorrow, then I could see them having Wilson & Gray go. Plum sticks with 3x3. No need for Bri Jones, A Thomas or Young.
Maybe Atkins gets grandfathered in since she was already on the Tokyo 2020 team? Even without that experience, I think she's an excellent glue player in this setting. Her defensive versatility and shooting ability makes her valuable because she can complement pretty much any lineup USA might put on the floor. No shade to Laney, but her skillset isn't quite as easy to plug into a lineup. Other wing options might be Nalyssa Smith and Rhyne Howard depending on their development next season.
I also loved the trio of Atkins, Copper, and AT wreaking havoc on the perimeter in the early games. After the Aces rejoined the team we sadly didn't see that as much.
In my opinion Austin was a weak link, which is understandable given her youth. She had some big games stats wise but I honestly thought she looked pretty lost on the floor. Whether Boston is a viable candidate to replace her will entirely depend on how successful she is in her rookie WNBA season. Dolson was also one of the last posts to get cut this round but I don't see her being seriously considered again.
In terms of a young PG/CG, it will be interesting to see if Bueckers or even Caitlin Clark will be playing their rookie WNBA seasons in 2024. Both could opt to take their COVID years. (Bueckers even has a medical redshirt now if she wanted to use it but that would be a bit excessive.)
Post by libertyfan2020 on Oct 1, 2022 19:46:39 GMT -5
Ionescu needs to be part of Team USA for the long-term future. I'd have Boston over Austin. Delle Done is probably done with Team USA. Bring in Bueckers for Atkins as insurance at the PG position. I'd take Clark over Laney.