By Adrienne Goodson
Summer is officially here in Virginia cause it’s hotter than a mofo, but I love it. I especially love it because there are plenty of games on TV. The men’s playoffs has returned us all to the old dayz when Magic Johnson, Kareem, Micheal Cooper and Kurt Rambis went up against Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Danny Ainge. I was never a Boston Celtic fan being from Jersey and all, but I like the fact that basketball has returned to their city. They are a legacy and deserve greatness, even today.
Looking at the divas on the flip side, I must say some have come to play ball for real. I had to revisit my last post and give a few updates, well really my non-political insight.
There are 14 teams in the league. As of right now, here’s who have given themselves the best possible chance of making the playoffs in 2008:
Detroit Shock (6 -1) – Damn what else can be said about Bill and Co! Swin Cash came into to town averaging 14 and finished up with 10 along with a 77-67 loss. Katie Smith torched somebody for 33 big ones. Please believe she’s back with a full metal jacket locked and loaded. Plenette Pierson (14), Deanna Nolan (13), Kara Braxton (8), and Cheryl Ford (8) all have strong numbers. Deanna has stepped her game up considerably in the assist department, Ford will eventually average a double-double, and Kara Braxton will improve her rebounding. Expect surprises from Bill Laimbeer people.
Connecticut (5-1) – Lindsay Whalen (15) is accustomed to getting hers. She’s a tough-minded baller like John Stockton. Tamika Whitmore (15) has yet to prove she can remain consistent throughout the season, especially in the playoffs and Asjha Jones (12) is improving with each year. They will need two other players besides Barbara Turner to produce some numbers come crunch time. They are doing big things without big names.
Indiana (3-2) – It seems like the Katie Douglas Show featuring Tan White (15). Where is everybody else? The roster leaves a lot to be worked on without Tamika Catchings. It is nice to see Tan getting her chance this season although, Tammy-Sutton-Brown should be in a better place at this time of her career. The team should expect more from her and Ebony Hoffman. The fight for the third and fourth playoff spot will go down to the wire in the east. Preparation is key for this team.
New York (2-3) – New York has a tendency to catch fire 10 or more games into the season. Shamika Christon (15) needs some veteran help and fast. Tiffany Jackson (9) is a diamond and will play big for them this season. Maybe the next home games against Houston and Sacramento will be just the spark they all need to get it crackin in Time Square.
Minnesota (5-0) – Who knew? I did predict Seimone Augustus (20) to win the scoring title but now she has to be considered for MVP as well. Candace Wiggins (14), Nicky Anosike (12), and Charde Houston (11) are just what Seimone needed to get loose – a team full of divas ready to hoop and take names. This team will shine. Right now it’s looking like a Minnesota-Detroit match-up for the 2008 crown. Minnesota hasn’t been this good since the Brian Agler and Katie Smith days. Sweet…
Los Angeles (4-1) – LA is on fire. “The Furious Five”, Candace Parker (17), Lisa Leslie (17), Delisha Milton-Jones (14), Marie Ferdinand (9), and Tameka Johnson are now in sync while legendary Marianne Stanley is assisting Micheal Cooper on the bench. Oh my! This could be a championship bound season for the Sparks.
Seattle (5-3) – Lauren Jackson (19), Swin Cash (14), and Sue Bird (11) are carrying most of the load for the team right now. Sheryl Swoopes is comfortable in her role but needs to get warmed up and quickly. They will need her three’s and Yolanda Griffith’s rebounding to get past LA in the playoffs. I predicted an LA-Seattle playoff series but Minnesota is on a rampage and will have something to say about that.
San Antonio (2-3) – The Stars have Sophia Young (19), Becky Hammon (13), Erin Buescher and Ann Wauters averaging 10, but just don’t get enough stops on defense to win. Someone will need to step into the 6th man spot in a big way in order for them to seal the fourth playoff spot. Sacramento is tough against San Antonio and will be ready for the battle when it comes – and it is sure to come…
The predictions are just that and will constantly change as injury has already claimed Slyvia Fowles. The other teams not mentioned are all showing signs of desperately needing change. We need more veterans in the league to keep it competitive during these times of transition. For example, here are a few players (according to age) that should still be in the league Merlakia Jones, Traci Reid, La’keisha Frett, Kate Starbird, Michelle Van Gorp, Chamique Holdsclaw, Nykesha Sales, Nicky McCrimmon, Helen Luz, Kedra Holland-Corn, Brandy Reed, and Tonya Edwards. The players from ages 29-35 are non-existent. This is the age that most female players are at their best. How can we expect great without greatness leading the way? I’m just saying….
