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2017 WNBA Preview: New legacy for Los Angeles Sparks, defending WNBA crown

By Mike Peden

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: The Los Angeles Sparks pose for a photo with NBA Legend, Magic Johnson after the WNBA Finals Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx on October 20, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 20: The Los Angeles Sparks pose for a photo with NBA Legend, Magic Johnson after the WNBA Finals Game 5 against the Minnesota Lynx on October 20, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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KEY GAINS

The Sparks made some significant changes in the off-season. In February, they traded a first and second-round draft pick to Dallas for Odyssey Sims. The left-handed guard has struggled somewhat since she turned pro in 2014, especially from three-point range. Last season, Sims had career lows in scoring, field goal percentage and efficiency rating. Based on data, the trade is a puzzling one for the Sparks, but there are examples of players who overcame slow starts to thrive with new teams.

Sims should recognize at least one of her new teammates, as Riquna Williams returns from a ruptured Achilles tendon that kept her from playing in 2016. Like Sims, Williams started her career with the Shock/Wings organization and earned an All-Star appearance in 2015. Although she has the appearance of a volume shooter, Williams is remarkably efficient when healthy.

“We hope the two veteran guards can give us a punch at the offensive end. They’ll have to learn our system at both ends of the floor. They’re good players and they’re good athletes,” Sparks head coach Brian Agler told The Summitt.

SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 05: Oregon State Beavers Sydney Wiese drives the baseline during the women’s Pac 12 college tournament championship game between the Oregon State Beavers and the Stanford Cardinal on March 5th, 2017, at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Aric Becker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 05: Oregon State Beavers Sydney Wiese drives the baseline during the women’s Pac 12 college tournament championship game between the Oregon State Beavers and the Stanford Cardinal on March 5th, 2017, at the Key Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Aric Becker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The trade for Sims also gave the Sparks the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, which they used on Sydney Wiese of Oregon State. Although Los Angeles can function without a traditional point guard, Wiese offers those skills and more. She holds the Pac-12 record for most career three-pointers, and her IQ is exceptionally high. Conversations with Wiese are akin to conversations with basketball analysts or coaches. The more she learns about the Sparks and Agler’s system, the more respect she has.

“The preparation that he puts into the defensive system, the foundation that he lays and the discipline he provides every day has matched up with what a championship culture is like,” she said. “I feel like there’s no drama, and if there is drama, you handle it.”

Finding space for all three pickups could prove tricky, but Los Angeles won’t be lacking in firepower among their guards.

“Sometimes it seems like a dream team to think we acquired Odyssey, Sydney, and Riquna. I’m excited to get them on board,” Ogwumike told The Summitt.

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