Sparks May Fly In the Wild West

A Western Conference Breakdown

Houston Comets
Under Karleen Thompson, Comets fans have had little to cheer about. Coming off of a tough season, Houston's offseason has brought a lot of new changes to the team. The biggest may be the loss of Swoopes. Sheryl Swoopes is like the poster child for the Houston Comets. She's been there forever and have led them to several wins. Still, without Swoopes, the Comets have a lot of experience. They resigned Tina Thompson and Michelle Snow, who should both hold it down in the paint. Then they brought on veterans Mwadi Mabika and Shannon Johnson, as well as resigning Tamecka Dixon. The experience is going to be important to this team, but this is also an organization that could use some new bodies. With the draft, Houston can do just that.

The Houston Comets need a back-up post player who can score inside. Tina Thompson isn't getting any younger. There have been rumors flying around that she is getting close to retirement. With her possible retirement, as well as Michelle Snow's inconsistencies, the Comets may need a new post player to hold down the fort. The Comets could also use an explosive guard who can score. We don't know if Mabika, Johnson and Dixon can produce high numbers. They all seem to be far past their prime. If the Comets can an explosive guard in the second around after the posts are all taken in the first round, they should be set.

Players to keep an eye on: Laura Harper, Crystal Langhorne, Amber Holt.

Los Angeles Sparks
Last year, people thought the Sparks would play in their worst season ever. With Lisa Leslie gone, many thought the Sparks wouldn't be very competitive. While they didn't make the playoffs, LA still gave some teams some scares. After bringing on Taj McWilliams-Franklin and drafting rookie surprise Sidney Spencer, the Sparks had a lot to build on. With Leslie, Temeka Johnson, and Marie Ferdinand on board, the Sparks are a team that seem destined for a playoff spot.

The Los Angeles Sparks need a post player that can score to counter their starting center. Of course, with the first pick in the draft, the Sparks are going to take Candace Parker. Not only is she a star, but she's something this team could use. Her versatility will not only make her tough to guard, but will make Lisa Leslie even tougher to check. They also need a back up point guard who can run the offense behind Temeka Johnson. Johnson is small and tends to be injury prone, so they need some insurance.

Players to keep an eye on: Candace Parker, Kimberly Beck, Sharnee Zoll.

Minnesota Lynx
Last year, the Lynx had another dismal season capped off with losing streaks and injuries. They were thin in the post and even thinner in experience. There was one key high point, though. Noelle Quinn was surprisinly efficient in distributing as starting point guard after Lindsey Harding went down. Very few people expected her to do so well. In the offseason, the Lynx have made a couple key moves, including signing veteran guard Anna DeForge. Also, Vanessa Hayden should be back and early returns say she's in pretty good shape coming off of a pregnancy. At the end of the day, things can only go up for Minnesota. Or let's hope so.

The Minnesota Lynx need a post player who can score, defend, and rebound against either post positions. Flat out, the Lynx need posts. It's no lie. It seems like the Lynx have always needed posts. In a draft full of posts, the Lynx are bound to find someone. The Lynx could also use a perimeter threat who is an explosive scorer. I think without a doubt, this is where Candice Wiggins comes in. I think Wiggins could have a brilliant WNBA career and I think she will help Minnesota a lot.

Players to keep an eye on: Candice Wiggins, Crystal Kelly, Natalie Doma.

Phoenix Mercury
Coming off of their first title in franchise history, it's not news to anyone that the Phoenix Mercury should have a lot of confidence heading into 2008. Last year, they were one of the better teams in the regular season and even better in the playoffs. No one scores the ball like Phoenix, but don't let their scoring totals fool you. This is a team that can also defend. With Taurasi, Pondexter, and Miller outside, and Smith in Taylor down low, the Mercury are a pretty good defensive unit. They should possibly return their entire starting lineup, hoping for the same magic that brought them a title in 2007.

The Phoenix Mercury need the best player available. No one is going to beat out anyone on this team for a starting role. All of the starting players for Phoenix could be All-Stars. To expect rookies to come in an star ahead of bonafide stars would be laughable. However, with Taylor's status up in the air, the Mercury might want to look inside when they look for possible draft picks. When you play in Phoenix, you run, you run, and you...um...run some more. Expect them to go after physical, fast, athletes.

Players to keep an eye on: Crystal Kelly, Khadijah Whittington, Jackie McFarland.

Sacramento Monarchs
If Sacramento were a person, it would be suffering from narcolepsy. The Monarchs have fallen behind this offseason, but it's still great time for them to make strong moves in the draft. Without key additions, the Monarchs still bring back a core group that has seemed to excel at playing together. Still, the playoffs aren't the playoffs without the Monarchs. If you think the Monarchs are going to roll over and play dead, you're sadly mistaken.

The Sacramento Monarchs need a back-up post player who can rebound and score. With Griffith gone, Sacramento's post situation is looking scary. Sure, they have Brunson and Walker, but after that, it gets shallow. Look for them to take a post or two. They could also a back up point guard. Penicheiro is getting older and could retire soon. Haynie has shipped off to Atlanta, so they definitely need a point guard.

Players to keep an eye on: Crystal Langhorne, LaToya Pringle, Sharnee Zoll.

San Antonio Silver Stars
2007 was a season to remember for the Silver Stars. Having been absent from the playoffs since their move from Utah, San Antonio finally reached their goal - making the playoffs. The trade for Becky Hammon not only handed them a star, but it helped them gain an identity. When Hammon came aboard, she was their leader. Everyone around her played well, too. Sophia Young, Erin Buescher and Ruth Riley all had steller campaigns last year in the Lone Star state. I have a feeling that San Antonio's emergence is not a fluke. And somehow, I think I'm not the only one.

The San Antonio Silver Stars need a tall guard who can slash and defend Western Conference guards. Last year, Camille Little played a key role defensivelly on the wing. With Marie Ferdinand gone, they will need a new guard to play a similar role to Little's. San Antonio doesn't have a first round draft pick, but they should still be able to get a quality player.

Players to keep an eye on: Amber Holt, Allie Quigley, Morenike Atunrase.

Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm wasted little time in picking up there potential starters. After losing Lennox and Castro-Marques to Atlanta, the Storm were looking for answers. They were also looking for a new coach. When Brian Agler came on, he sounded positive about Seattle's future, and deservingly so. So far, the Storm traded for Swin Cash and sign both Sheryl Swoopes and Yolanda Griffith. The Storm are one of the more talented, experienced teams in the league. How these players will mesh together will be the biggest thing to watch.

The Seattle Storm need a power forward who can score with their back to the basket. Jackson will miss time for the Olympics and Griffith's effectiveness is still in question. They could use another post. Also, they need a back up point guard. Seattle fans long for the days of Tully Bevilaqua. Sue Bird is good, but she needs a back up and hopefully they will get one for her in the second round.

Players to keep an eye on: Leilani Mitchell, Erica White, Kimberly Beck.