2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread

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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#161 » by sikma42 » Wed May 29, 2024 3:05 pm

cupcakesnake wrote:
sikma42 wrote:As of now, this Caitlin Clark "offense" is a gimmick. It's just spamming a high screen and roll with a turnover-prone point guard. She is supremely talented but this isn't winning basketball. Also, there are several other players who can put up numbers in an offense like this (think Mike D'Antoni and [insert pg]). It's just that nobody gets this opportunity for good reason.

Another hot take. I don't think this Fever team is bad. It's looks about middle of the pack.


I think any analysis of the Fever has to acknowledge their schedule to start the season. I've said it before but it bears repeating.

Besides the 2 games against the Sparks (which they split), the Fever have only played the projected top 4 teams in the league. New York twice, Conneticut twice, Las Vegas and Seattle. I think even a huge Fever optimist could have only hoped for beating the Sparks twice and stealing 1 game from the contenders. Them being 1-7 isn't a disapointment, it was always the most likely outcome of their first 8 games. They still have to play Seattle and New York over their next 3 games (the other is against Chicago and they've got to go hard for that one!).]

I think we'll learn more about the Fever in the middle part of the season. Right now they're simply losing games they're supposed to lose against teams that are simply WAY better than them. It makes your offense look worse when you go up against elite defense, and you defense is worse for going up against elite offense. That's almost all we've seen them do so far.


That makes sense, but by winning basketball I wasn't commenting on their record (i made no mention of the record). But more the style of play and her current skill level. There seem to be some skill gaps and people seem to want to blame everyone else. But correct, we will see as they play more games.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#162 » by TheSuzerain » Wed May 29, 2024 3:23 pm

[quote="cupcakesnake"] They've now lost to some bad teams as well as the murderers row of the 3 contenders.

They've lost one game to the Sparks. Every other game they've played has been Liberty, Sun, Aces, Storm.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#163 » by sikma42 » Wed May 29, 2024 3:51 pm

TheSuzerain wrote:
cupcakesnake wrote:
sikma42 wrote:As of now, this Caitlin Clark "offense" is a gimmick. It's just spamming a high screen and roll with a turnover-prone point guard. She is supremely talented but this isn't winning basketball. Also, there are several other players who can put up numbers in an offense like this (think Mike D'Antoni and [insert pg]). It's just that nobody gets this opportunity for good reason.

Another hot take. I don't think this Fever team is bad. It's looks about middle of the pack.


I think any analysis of the Fever has to acknowledge their schedule to start the season. I've said it before but it bears repeating.

Besides the 2 games against the Sparks (which they split), the Fever have only played the projected top 4 teams in the league. New York twice, Conneticut twice, Las Vegas and Seattle. I think even a huge Fever optimist could have only hoped for beating the Sparks twice and stealing 1 game from the contenders. Them being 1-7 isn't a disapointment, it was always the most likely outcome of their first 8 games. They still have to play Seattle and New York over their next 3 games (the other is against Chicago and they've got to go hard for that one!).]

I think we'll learn more about the Fever in the middle part of the season. Right now they're simply losing games they're supposed to lose against teams that are simply WAY better than them. It makes your offense look worse when you go up against elite defense, and you defense is worse for going up against elite offense. That's almost all we've seen them do so far.

I think they're legit very bad even aside from the schedule. They've now lost to some bad teams as well as the murderers row of the 3 contenders.


2023 (13-27)
Boston | 15.5/8/2 on 58/40/74 - All Star
Mitchell | 18/3/1.5 on 44/40/82 - All Star
Smith | 16/9/1 on 48/28/68 - Apparently Smith had a very strong showing overseas and many expected a big improvement.

2024 (1-7 but very hard schedule)
Boston | 11/6/2 on 44/40/83
Mitchell |14/2/1 on 37/34/73
Smith | 9/6/1 on 49/44/67

Looks like the team has 3 All Stars right now, including Clark. I don't see how that is very bad.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#164 » by TheSuzerain » Wed May 29, 2024 4:09 pm

sikma42 wrote:
TheSuzerain wrote:
cupcakesnake wrote:
I think any analysis of the Fever has to acknowledge their schedule to start the season. I've said it before but it bears repeating.

Besides the 2 games against the Sparks (which they split), the Fever have only played the projected top 4 teams in the league. New York twice, Conneticut twice, Las Vegas and Seattle. I think even a huge Fever optimist could have only hoped for beating the Sparks twice and stealing 1 game from the contenders. Them being 1-7 isn't a disapointment, it was always the most likely outcome of their first 8 games. They still have to play Seattle and New York over their next 3 games (the other is against Chicago and they've got to go hard for that one!).]

I think we'll learn more about the Fever in the middle part of the season. Right now they're simply losing games they're supposed to lose against teams that are simply WAY better than them. It makes your offense look worse when you go up against elite defense, and you defense is worse for going up against elite offense. That's almost all we've seen them do so far.

I think they're legit very bad even aside from the schedule. They've now lost to some bad teams as well as the murderers row of the 3 contenders.


2023 (13-27)
Boston | 15.5/8/2 on 58/40/74 - All Star
Mitchell | 18/3/1.5 on 44/40/82 - All Star
Smith | 16/9/1 on 48/28/68 - Apparently Smith had a very strong showing overseas and many expected a big improvement.

2024 (1-7 but very hard schedule)
Boston | 11/6/2 on 44/40/83
Mitchell |14/2/1 on 37/34/73
Smith | 9/6/1 on 49/44/67

Looks like the team has 3 All Stars right now, including Clark. I don't see how that is very bad.

It looked promising on paper, but the team is a mess.

They are visibly very bad at basketball right now.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#165 » by MrDollarBills » Wed May 29, 2024 10:28 pm

There have been plenty of times where I found the Fever to look disjointed on both ends of the floor. Is it coaching? Personnel? Strength of schedule? Inexperience?

Probably a mix of all 4 things. But I'm not shocked that the Fever suck because again, they were a 13 win team last season. The media hyped idea that CC was gonna come in and turn them into world beaters 8 games in was a bit unreasonable and frankly, disrespectful of the high level of competition. That being said, they have a lot to clean up.

Let's see how they look in July after the Commissioner’s Cup wraps up, but the story of this season was always going to be revolving around the veteran clubs. CC, Angel, Cam, Rickea, etc are all kids and their teams are below .500....which is not shocking. Everyone needs time, everyone is learning. Nika Muhl can't even get off the bench in Seattle right now. This is a normal process for rookie players no matter how hyped they are. Candace Parker is the exception, not the norm, which should tell you how great she was.

The Sun are 6-0. They do not play around, as Alyssa Thomas showed everyone the other night, and they are gunning for The Aces' heads. The young pups across the league are gonna take their lumps.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#166 » by TerrenceClarke » Thu May 30, 2024 10:29 am

My favorite rookie this year so far is Kate Martin considering where she got drafted at.

To make an imprint on such a loaded team as a rookie has to be crazy for wnba standards. She is a solid member of rotation and playing very well.

Again…she is getting mad burn on the Aces. That’s speaks volumes on how good she is.

Prob the best story out of the draft considering she was not expecting to get drafted like that in the first place.

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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#167 » by ellobo » Thu May 30, 2024 11:18 am

TerrenceClarke wrote:My favorite rookie this year so far is Kate Martin considering where she got drafted at.

To make an imprint on such a loaded team as a rookie has to be crazy for wnba standards. She is a solid member of rotation and playing very well.

Again…she is getting mad burn on the Aces. That’s speaks volumes on how good she is.

Prob the best story out of the draft considering she was not expecting to get drafted like that in the first place.

Read on Twitter
?s=46&t=2wbcsPRwZY1HbKGKtKtJ8Q


Yeah, Kate is playing great. She's moved into the Alysha Clark role with Clark having to start in place of Chelsea Gray, and she's been holding it down with versatile defense, a high motor, high IQ, and knocking down open shots. She's got good size for a wing and can guard up or down.

Even though she supposedly didn't expect to get drafted, I wasn't really surprised. Seeing her play in college, I thought she was a safer bet to translate than a lot of players who were higher scorers and played more of a star role. But going to the Aces, I wasn't sure she would make the team, much less get immediate playing time, because that team is looking to win championships now, not develop young players for the future. So she's had to earn trust and show she can contribute right away, and she obviously has.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#168 » by MrDollarBills » Thu May 30, 2024 2:01 pm

ellobo wrote:
TerrenceClarke wrote:My favorite rookie this year so far is Kate Martin considering where she got drafted at.

To make an imprint on such a loaded team as a rookie has to be crazy for wnba standards. She is a solid member of rotation and playing very well.

Again…she is getting mad burn on the Aces. That’s speaks volumes on how good she is.

Prob the best story out of the draft considering she was not expecting to get drafted like that in the first place.

Read on Twitter
?s=46&t=2wbcsPRwZY1HbKGKtKtJ8Q


Yeah, Kate is playing great. She's moved into the Alysha Clark role with Clark having to start in place of Chelsea Gray, and she's been holding it down with versatile defense, a high motor, high IQ, and knocking down open shots. She's got good size for a wing and can guard up or down.

Even though she supposedly didn't expect to get drafted, I wasn't really surprised. Seeing her play in college, I thought she was a safer bet to translate than a lot of players who were higher scorers and played more of a star role. But going to the Aces, I wasn't sure she would make the team, much less get immediate playing time, because that team is looking to win championships now, not develop young players for the future. So she's had to earn trust and show she can contribute right away, and she obviously has.


Her basketball IQ and ability to make reads is off the charts too for a rookie. She processes things quickly. That plays a huge part as to why Becky trusts her so much, that situational awareness is a critically underrated part of the sport.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#169 » by MrDollarBills » Thu May 30, 2024 4:12 pm



Cam talks about her relationship with Steph. Great stuff, she really is like the 3rd Curry sibling in hoops
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#170 » by MrDollarBills » Thu May 30, 2024 11:14 pm



Stewie was on Pat McAfee today, fantastic stuff.

The 3 v 3 league idea sounds awesome. All players get equity and six figures. Let's go!!!! Keep our players safe and at home in America during the offseasons
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#171 » by MrDollarBills » Fri May 31, 2024 2:50 am

The Fever got smacked by the Storm. Not a shock
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#172 » by Wingy » Fri May 31, 2024 3:56 am

MrDollarBills wrote:The Fever got smacked by the Storm. Not a shock


IT’s aLL InTENtioNaL to align with the Cornspiracy!!

The league wants the Fever to be bad so they can pair Clark and Bueckers!!

(NGL, I hope it actually happens)
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#173 » by wojoaderge » Fri May 31, 2024 4:38 am

I very much enjoyed my first in-person WNBA experience. When Angel made that sky hook over Cameron Brink, I though "I must be in basketball heaven." I wish she would incorporate that move into her repertoire.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#174 » by Braggins » Fri May 31, 2024 5:23 am

Weird game for the Fever. They **** the bed in the 3rd quarter and were going to lose because of that anyways, but the refs were comically bad. They still don't have much of an identity or cohesion on offense, but they still created a decent amount of open looks and just couldn't capitalize on them. Their defense was atrocious, especially in the 2nd half.

Nalyssa Smith had a good offensive game and her defense was reasonable in the first half, but her defense fell off in the 2nd half (with the rest of the team tbf). She has the physical tools to be a good defender. Shes a good rebounder and will make plays with her athleticism at times, but her awareness and reaction time are so bad on that end and her effort isn't consistent either. Shes too productive offensively to not have a big role, so hopefully she can eventually clean up her defensive issues somewhat.

Kristy Wallace doesn't look quite right to me. She doesn't look quite as quick or coordinated as she did last season. I wouldn't be surprised if the knee is still bothering her. I wouldn't be opposed to them giving her some time to rehab if thats the case. Regardless, I think when they start Smith at the 4 they need to have Lexie Hull start over Wallace at the 3. Wallace is decent on defense, but she isn't really good and she is undersized as a 3. They just give up too much defense/size with Wallace/Smith as their starting forwards. Healthy Wallace seems viable as a starter when they have Temi at the 4 and they can lean on Temi/Boston more to prop up their defense.

I think one big issue for them is that they have been unnecessarily handicapped a lot of the time defensively with the lineups Sides plays. They are a bad defensive roster regardless, but they play smaller than they have to way too often and under utilize some of their better defensive players. Wheeler shouldn't play and Berger should be getting her minutes (Berger only positive +/- on team tonight). Hull needs to play more and specifically with the starters. They could probably try deploying Celeste Taylor for short stretches every now and then. Also KLS is too slow to play the 3 right now and needs to play as a 4 mostly (shes solid at the 4).

They aren't even getting any offensive benefit from managing the rotation the way they have and are often just playing smaller or worse players than they need to for little to no benefit imo. I think they have enough talent offensively to figure things out on that end, but the problem right now is more execution/cohesion/identity, and not that they are lacking talent and need to skew their lineups more towards offense like they have been.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#175 » by Braggins » Fri May 31, 2024 5:54 am

The Fever schedule to start this season has been downright cruel lol. Someone on whatever committee handles that stuff must really hate them.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#176 » by MrDollarBills » Fri May 31, 2024 7:10 am

Wingy wrote:
MrDollarBills wrote:The Fever got smacked by the Storm. Not a shock


IT’s aLL InTENtioNaL to align with the Cornspiracy!!

The league wants the Fever to be bad so they can pair Clark and Bueckers!!

(NGL, I hope it actually happens)


Don't hold me to this but I'm assuming Paige will be going to Golden State next year.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#177 » by MrDollarBills » Fri May 31, 2024 9:02 am

Braggins wrote:The Fever schedule to start this season has been downright cruel lol. Someone on whatever committee handles that stuff must really hate them.


Money is the reason why the Fever have been thrown into the meat grinder :lol:
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#178 » by MrDollarBills » Fri May 31, 2024 2:08 pm



So yeah Skylar is really good.
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#179 » by MrDollarBills » Sat Jun 1, 2024 1:02 am

Kayla Thornton needs to start on the wing for New York, I have the utmost respect for Vandersloot but Jones/Stewie/Laney-Hamilton/Thornton/Sabrina could become a solid starting 5
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Re: 2024 WNBA Season Discussion Thread 

Post#180 » by MrDollarBills » Sat Jun 1, 2024 5:04 pm

T-Spoon is so hype oh my god. I would have loved to play for a coach like that!!!!
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