The Mercury has made several roster changes over the past few years. In 2010, the Mercury traded a pick in the first round to Los Angeles Sparks to acquire Cappie Pendexter. Pondexter is a late threat to be named WNBA MVP. The team also added Candice Dupree, an off-ball threat to their already formidable duo. Griner is still at risk, so they are trying to return her safely.
Griner's team is trying to get her safely home.
Griner's colleagues are working hard to secure Griner’s safe return, even though there isn’t much information. They are trying contact Griner's family in order to inform them about the situation. Griner is in good physical and mental health, but the situation is far from ideal.
Griner is being returned home by the American government. This has taken a long and tedious effort. Griner's privacy concerns have prompted many lawmakers to withdraw their support.
Mercury traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2010.
In a 2010 trade, the Phoenix Mercury acquired Temeka and Kara Johnson from the Los Angeles Sparks. Johnson was drafted by the New York Liberty, in the first round, of the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson went on to play for the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx. In 2010, the Sparks traded for a pick in their first round. Johnson, Braxton, and LaToya Pergle were signed by the Mercury.
The Sparks were seeking a center. In exchange they received Candace Parker. Parker is an excellent defender with an average of 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. She will turn 35 next year and was named the WNBA’s Defensive Play of the Year in 2017.
Diggins-Smith was a late contender for WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith, who has been an outstanding player in the league's recent years has been the MVP candidate. She is the league's leader in scoring, minutes played, assists and scoring per game. Her team has been in many games this season. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her outstanding play earned her MVP votes, and she was named to the All-Star first team.
Diggins Smith currently leads the league for minutes played. But she did request a rest after a recent game. It is clear that Diggins-Smith's team needs every ounce her energy in order to make the playoffs. Her age is only 32 so there's plenty of good basketball in her.
Cunningham has been a good off-ball threat
This season, Cunningham has been a strong off-ball threat to the Mercury. In addition to scoring, he is an effective defender and a good offensive rebounder. Cunningham has helped to boost their offense by helping them rebound defensively. The Mercury only managed 62% of their missed shots over the past 10 games.
Since Charles left, the Mercury has been without 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 mixing in zone defense to make up for the lack of size. When Jones' frontcourt became a touch more threatening, the team also used bodies to protect the paint.