The Mercury has made several roster changes over the past few years. They traded a first round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010 to acquire Cappie Pondexter. Cappie has been a late threat for winning the WNBA MVP. Candice dupree was added in the offseason to the team's already formidable off-ball threat. Griner is now on the team's return journey.
Griner's colleagues are trying her to return home safely
Griner's fellow teammates are doing all they can to ensure Griner is safe. They are trying to reach Griner's relatives to inform them. Griner is in good health physically and mentally, but it is not ideal.
In the meantime, the American government has started a long and drawn-out battle to bring Griner home. Griner's privacy concerns have prompted many lawmakers to withdraw their support.
Mercury traded a Los Angeles Sparks pick in the first round for Mercury in 2010.
The Phoenix Mercury acquired Temeka Johnson and Kara Braxton in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010. Johnson was selected by the New York Liberty at the first round in 2005 WNBA Draft. He ended up playing for both the Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. In addition to Johnson and Braxton, the Mercury also acquired Rafaella Masciadri from the Los Angeles Sparks and signed LaToya Pringle and Ticha Penicheiro.
The Sparks were searching for a center and received Candace Parker in exchange. Parker is a strong defender and averages 1.6 block and 1.3 steals each game. In 2020, Parker will be turning 35. She was also named the WNBA’s Defensive Player Award winner last season.
Diggins-Smith was a late contender for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins-Smith has been one of the most consistent players in the league in recent years, and she has made a late push for the MVP award. She is leading the league in assists, minutes played and scoring per match and has kept her team in many games this year. She is a well-respected franchise player who is also well-known off and on the court. Her brilliant play earned her MVP votes. She was also named an All-Star member of the first team.
Diggins-Smith is currently leading the league in minutes played, but she did ask for a rest during a recent game. This is a sign that her team needs all of her energy to reach the playoffs. She's only 32, so she still has a lot of great basketball to come.
Cunningham has been an excellent off-ball threat
Cunningham has been a solid Off-ball threat for Mercury this Season. Cunningham has a high scoring record and is a strong defender. He also excels at offensive rebounding. The Mercury have a poor defensive rebound rate (only grabbing 62% of missed shots in their past 10 games), so Cunningham has helped juice their offense.
Since Charles' departure, The Mercury haven't had a scoring option. Cunningham, however, has taken the lead in his absence and Curt Miller was a fan of Cunningham's defense effort against Sun. The team has used zone defense to compensate for its lack of size. When Jones' frontcourt was a touch too big, they used bodies in the paint.