Rec’ing on…Thoughts on the Upcoming 2006 WNBA Season (east)

Sorry for being late with this. Life happens. At least the WNBA season hasn’t tipped off, yet, so I think I’m OK. This edition focuses on the eastern conference teams…so let’s get to it.

DETROIT – On paper, this team shouldn’t lose. They’re overloaded with all-stars, they are tall, they are strong, and they have drive. I think that with Swin Cash back healthy, Detroit is poised to make their run. Cash is their catalyst player–the Shock play with more swagger when she’s on the court…if she’s playing well, so much the better.

Shock WinCraft WNBA Wall ClockA key will be their inside play. This team has a forest of inside players, and they could clean up the boards all season long if they decide that’s what they want to do. With the shortened shot clock, and the likely rash of bad shots that will ensue, the posts might be key.

CONNECTICUT – After some initial struggles early in the season due to the after effects of Whalen’s recovery from her ankle repair, I think the Sun will be a strong contender. So much depends on Whalen’s health. Despite the talents of Sales and Douglas, history has shown that as Lindsay goes, so goes the Sun. If she comes back too early and pushes too hard, it could be a long and frustrating season for these nutmeggers.

CHICAGO – This call would almost be a no-brainer…expansion teams have a nasty habit of finishing in last place in their first year. All too reasonable in this case, as well. The Sky will find themselves in the cellar…if not in last place, then close enough that they’ll be in next year’s draft lottery. Why? While the WNBA has enough depth now to funnel decent players into an expansion team, the fact is that none of these players are the best of their teams. The key will be if Stacey Dales is improved from her days in Washington. If so, then the Sky might rise.

WASHINGTON – This is a confusing team for me. They have talent. From trades, they are sort of like the Sparks redux. Beard is a star, but not quite the standout as I think others profess (but hey, she played for Duke and I’m a Terp…it could be lingering bias). The thing that makes them a contender will likely be the veterans: not just Milton-Jones and Teasley, but also Crystal Robinson. The Mystics lost a lot of experience when Bullet retired; these players should be able to bring Washington into the post season.

INDIANA – Catchings. No way do you discount any team that has Tamika Catchings. This lady has G-A-M-E. But she can’t do it alone. Having Bevilaqua helps a lot.
Sun Northwest WNBA Jaquard BlanketBetween those two, the Fever might possess the most heart in the league. Still, this team has Whitmore. To me, she’s always been a sort of anchor (in a bad way) of any team she’s been on. A lot of promise, but an awful lot of coming up short in the clutch.

Indiana might limp into the playoffs, but I don’t think they can get past the first round.

NEW YORK – My initial feeling is that the only way the Liberty make it into the post-season is if they bond as a team and come at the league as the bluest of blue-collar teams. This is clearly a team that is rebuilding, and, aside from Hammon, is sorely lacking in marque talent. No playoffs this year.

CHARLOTTE – I’ve always liked Mugsy Bogues. Can he bring the Sting back from their seemingly permanent spot at the bottom of the East? I’m thinking that it’s possible. Still, no matter who the coach is, the players still have to come through. The fact of the matter is that the Sting don’t exactly have the strongest roster in the league. Even so, I think this could be a breakout year. They might just be able to surprise everyone and slip into the last playoff spot at season’s end.

For me, I think a key in the Eastern Conference is that once you get past the Shock and the Sun, the spread between the rest of the teams isn’t as obvious as it is in the West. That will translate to more competition for the last one or two playoff spots.

Can the East win its second championship? I wouldn’t be surprised…Shocked, maybe :-)