On the draft, recommendations, and predictions.
by Ben York / @bjyork
It’s been quite sometime since we had our last WNBA Mailbag here at SLAMonline and I take full responsibility for dropping the ball. I’ve been working diligently on season previews, player interviews, and other miscellaneous “work” assignments.
Nevertheless, the (e)mail keeps on coming.
As always, I answer each message as they come in and get permission from the author to use a few of them for the Mailbag. The question and responses are below.
If you would like to be a part of the WNBA Mailbag, please feel free to send me an email.
Q: What did you think of the draft? I’ve seen a lot of articles that say it wasn’t very good or very deep. – Jillian, Santa Ana, CA
A: Thank you for your question, Jillian. It really is all relative. Some will say that it wasn’t very deep and others will defend the type of player that each team drafted.
I think there are a lot of draftees that will make an impact on their team in 2010, but the magnitude of that impact is nearly impossible to measure. Although I will admit there isn’t a Diana Taurasi or Candace Parker who will be an immediate go-to player from the start, I think certain players will have a DeWanna Bonner-type impact for their respective squad. Tina Charles is, in my opinion, the most WNBA ready player but there always will be a learning curve (especially for the young Sun team).
In all, I think the majority of teams drafted smart; whether they addressed a need on the court or simply the need for a lesser salary is an entirely different story.
Q: You suck. The WNBA sucks. Get a life. – Antonio, Yonkers, NY
A: Awesome. Thanks.
Q: I read every article you write and enjoy them all. I’m kind of a new fan to the game. What are some other blogs or sites that have good WNBA coverage? – Cynthia, Phoenix, AZ
A: Ah, a great question! I know several. In fact, I strongly feel that the WNBA has some of the best and most creative writers/bloggers of any sport. I’ve listed a few of my favorites below. If you would like any others, let me know.
• Swish Appeal
• Women’s Hoops Blog
• Dishin’ and Swishin’
• Rebkell
• Pleasant Dreams (Atlanta Dream Blog)
• They’re Playing Basketball
• StormTracker (Kevin Pelton)
• SLAM Women’s Section (I’m biased, but Clay and Stephen are fantastic)
Q: Who do you think will lead the WNBA in scoring in 2010? – Shawn, Indianapolis, IN
A: No doubt in my mind – Diana Taurasi. She is absolutely on a roll. It doesn’t matter where she is (America, Europe, Russia, etc.) she just dominates. With Cappie Pondexter now on the Liberty, Taurasi will need to increase her scoring output for the Mercury. I’m thinking it will be over 25 a game for Taurasi in 2010.
Q: Why do you like the WNBA? Seriously. I’ve tried watching it and I’d rather hang myself. I don’t even really want a response. – Phil, Seattle, WA
A: Phil, although it was a bit morbid, thanks for your message. I won’t elaborate in this column, but you can read why I love the WNBA here. It’s too bad you don’t like it, because you’re missing a pretty darn good team in your hometown.
Q: Are you doing any season previews for the teams? – Liz, Tulsa, OK
A: Thanks for your message, Liz, and congrats on your new team in Tulsa! To answer your question, yes, there will be previews for each team in the coming weeks before the start of the season on May 15. So please, check back often.
Q: Do you only write about the WNBA? – J.J., Tempe, AZ
A: Hi, J.J. I would say that 95 percent of the time I do. I wrote a couple pieces for SLAMonline last year on Nash and the last second shots of last year’s playoffs. But, my focus is on the WNBA and proud of it.
Q: You are such a pretentious prick. You sit on your highhorse and defend the WNBA but bash anyone that criticizes it. The WNBA isn’t worth anyone’s time. – TB, Orlando, FL
A: Yet, you managed to set aside a few minutes to send me this email…
Q: Who is your pick to win it all in 2010? – Ashley, Chandler, AZ
A: Pick up the next issue of SLAM in May to find out…
If you want your email to be featured in the WNBA Weekly Mailbag, send an email to Ben at bjyork15@gmail.com.
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