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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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OUTLOOK

Three-point shooting isn’t the only conundrum facing the Sparks. Most of their primary rotation is still wrapping up overseas play. In Wednesday’s preseason game against New York, the starters for Los Angeles included Tiffany Jackson-Jones, Karlie Samuelson and Saicha Grant-Allen. As a result, the newcomers have yet to simulate what they learned with top Sparks players.

“We’re just trying to learn the system, and then on top of that, adjusting to the pace, adjusting to the physicality. Once the returners come back, hopefully we have that foundation set. It’s fun to learn that and become immersed in it,” Wiese said.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 14: Forward Nneka Ogwumike
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 14: Forward Nneka Ogwumike /

Fortunately, the wealth of experience Los Angeles has attained can counter any early hazards. Last year, they won 20 of their first 21 games en route to the title. Along the way, the Sparks led the league in field goal percentage and assists. Ogwumike set a WNBA record for most consecutive field goal makes, hitting 23 in a row, and she posted the highest true shooting percentage of any player in league history. Despite this elite level already reached, the Sparks are motivated to aim even higher.

“I know I will continue working like I always have before my MVP season. I want to leave every person I encounter, on and off the court, with a wonderful and memorable impression of me as a teammate and a person. This is what I play for and won’t change for anything,” Ogwumike said.

As strong as Los Angeles was, they hope to be consistently better at rebounding. Although Ogwumike and Parker finished in the top 10 in rebounds for 2016, the Sparks as a whole ranked 10th in the league. They were also last in offensive rebounds. Los Angeles corrected those deficiencies in the Finals, and parlaying that effort into 2017 can only make their interior more ferocious.

“We’ve got some really good players right in their prime. If they come back and they have that collective hunger, I think that we’ll have our opportunities,” Agler said.

League historians remember the Sparks as the last team to win consecutive titles, doing so in 2001 and 2002. Los Angeles could update that footnote at the end of this season. Ogwumike and Parker represent the most dynamic post tandem in the league, and they’re complemented by the durable Jantel Lavender. Even without Toliver, the influx of guards should deepen the Los Angeles bench. Finally, the Sparks have stability with the coaching staff, an intangible they struggled with until Agler’s arrival.

With a great balance of talent, youth and experience, Los Angeles enters 2017 as a preseason favorite to hoist the championship trophy again.

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