Over the past few seasons, the Mercury have made roster changes. In 2010, they traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks to get Cappie Pondexter, who has been a late threat to win WNBA MVP. Candice Dupree was added to the already impressive off-ball threat duo. Griner is currently on his way home.
Griner's fellow teammates are working together to bring her home safely
Griner's friends are trying to get her back safely, despite a lack information. They are trying to get in touch with Griner's family to let them know about the situation. Griner is in good physical and mental health, but the situation is far from ideal.
Griner was returned to the United States by the American government, who has been fighting a long, drawn-out fight. Griner's privacy is a concern to many lawmakers. Many lawmakers have not supported Griner.
Mercury traded a Los Angeles Sparks first round pick to 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. Johnson, Braxton, and LaToya Pergle were signed by the Mercury.
The Sparks were in search of a center, so they exchanged Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defender who averages 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Parker will turn 35 in 2020. She was the WNBA's Defensive player of the Year last year.
Diggins-Smith was a late contender for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith is a reliable player in the league and has been pushing for the MVP award. She leads the league in minutes played, assists, and scoring per game and has kept her team in several games this season. She is a renowned franchise player and is well-known on and off court. Her stellar play has earned her MVP votes and made her an All-Star first team member.
Diggins Smith is currently the league's leader in minutes played. However, she did request a rest during a recent fixture. It's clear that her team needs her all the energy she can muster to make the playoffs. She's only 32, so she still has a lot of great basketball to come.
Cunningham is a solid off-ball threat
Cunningham has been a solid Off-ball threat for Mercury this Season. He is not only a great scorer, but he's also a solid defender and an excellent offensive rebounder. Cunningham's offensive rebounding has helped boost the Mercury's offense. They have only gotten 62% of their missed shots in their last 10 games.
The Mercury have been missing a scoring option since Charles left the team. Cunningham, however, has taken the lead in his absence and Curt Miller was a fan of Cunningham's defense effort against Sun. To make up for their lack of size, the team has been using zone defense. When Jones' frontcourt was a touch too big, they used bodies in the paint.