WNBA Previews: Connecticut Sun aim to burn even brighter in 2018

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UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 7: Lexie Brown #4 of the Connecticut Sun drives to the basket defended by Sydney Wiese #24 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the Connecticut Sun Vs Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA pre season game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 7, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Connecticut Newcomers

In the 2018 draft, the Connecticut Sun drafted Lexie Brown as the ninth overall pick. Additionally, Leticia Romero, a 2017 Sun Draft Pick enters her first WNBA training camp after taking last summer to play for her national team (Spain).

Australian center Cayla George joins the Sun in camp after two seasons with Phoenix. Betnijah Laney and Nikki Greene are also competing for one of the twelve roster spots. Laney spent two seasons with Chicago and Greene played 12 seasons with the Sun in 2015.

First Impressions

Miller is a bit concerned about the depth of his team, particularly when it comes to the power forward position. “We don’t have a [Karima Christmas-Kelly] or an Essence Carson, that has historically played a lot of [the three position] and can play [the four].” Overall, Miller is being thoughtful about depth, especially considering it is unclear if either Tuck or Ogwumike will be able to play extended minutes. This may impact how he arranges the 12-player roster.

Additionally, transition basketball alone isn’t enough. “A big part of our identity is running, and playing fast, and getting out in transition,” said Miller after the preseason win over Dallas. “Ultimately, you have to win the half court. In playoff basketball, you have to be a good execution team.” As the team comes together, this appears to be one of his barometers for success in 2018.

Jonquel Jones will likely be the main fixture of the team again in 2018. She is a true rebounder and can pull the defense out with an effective shot from the perimeter.

Her tall, slender frame allows her to move well underneath. She is also perhaps deceptively strong for her body type. Brionna Jones showed she can defend this preseason and can be a solid choice to give Jonquel and Ogwumike rest. Calya Barnes is another post player in Miller’s arsenal, one that may be depleted for the start of the season.

Predictions for 2018

Teams like the Connecticut Sun continue to close the gap between the Los Angeles Spark, Minnesota Lynx, and the rest of the field. This team has the talent to finish top four again this season. My early estimate is that Connecticut will be fighting against Washington, New York, and perhaps Dallas for the top spots. The conferences may not mean much for playoff positioning, but the Eastern Conference appears to have more parity, and likely the more heated rivalries.

The Sun will open the 2018 campaign at home against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, May 20.

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