Over the past few season, the Mercury made some 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. Now, though, they are attempting to get Griner home safely.
Griner's fellow teammates are working together to bring her 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 physical, mental, and emotional health. However, the situation is far from ideal.
Griner is being returned home by the American government. This has taken a long and tedious effort. Many lawmakers, however, have been muted in their support, citing concerns about Griner's privacy.
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 taken in the first round by the New York Liberty during the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson ended up playing for the Mercury, the Minnesota Lynx and other teams. The Sparks traded for a first round pick in the 2010 draft. Johnson and Braxton were traded by the Mercury for Rafaella Masciadri, who was also acquired from the Los Angeles Sparks. LaToya Princegle and Ticha Pericheiro were also signed.
The Sparks were looking to acquire a center. They received Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defensive player who averages 1.6 blocks as well as 1.3 steals per match. She will be 35 years old in 2020. Last season, Parker was named the WNBA Defensive Player-of-the Year.
Diggins-Smith was a late contender for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith has been a consistent player in the league over the past few years and has recently challenged 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-known franchise player on and off the court. Her brilliant play earned her MVP votes. She was also named an All-Star member of the first team.
Diggins Smith currently leads the league for minutes played. But she did request a rest after a recent game. It's a sign her team needs her full energy to make it to the playoffs. She is still 32 years old and has lots of talent in basketball.
Cunningham was a great off-ball threat
Cunningham has been a solid Off-ball threat for Mercury this Season. Cunningham is a skilled defender and offensive rebounder. 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 has shown great leadership in Charles' absence. Curt Meller was pleased with Cunningham’s defensive efforts against the Sun. The team has been using zone defence to make up the difference for their smaller size. They used bodies in paint to defend Jones' frontcourt.