Connecticut Sun claim Natisha Hiedeman, waive Bridget Carleton

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 25: Marquette Golden Eagles guard Natisha Hiedeman (5) shoots a layup during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Xavier Musketeers on January 25th, 2019 at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)(Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 25: Marquette Golden Eagles guard Natisha Hiedeman (5) shoots a layup during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Xavier Musketeers on January 25th, 2019 at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)(Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sun make a roster move in the middle of their week off

The Connecticut Sun claimed Natisha Hiedeman off waivers and waived Bridget Carleton to make room on their roster.

Hiedeman is back in Connecticut after being traded there by the Minnesota Lynx after being drafted in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. She was waived by the Sun on May 23 after seeing action in three preseason games in which she had a total of 15 points, five points and four assists in 29 total minutes.

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She was later picked up by the Atlanta Dream and spent three games on their roster. Hiedeman was waived prior to seeing any regular season minutes.

Carleton played in four games for the Sun this season after being drafted 21st overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft and had three rebounds and one assist in 29 total minutes.

The Sun likely signed Hiedeman to add depth at the guard position and because of her three-point shooting abilities. She left Marquette as the all-time leader in made three-pointers and Connecticut needs a consistent three-point threat to maximize their potential this season.

Since Layshia Clarendon’s ankle injury in June the Sun have seemed disjointed on the offensive end, lacking a reliable backup behind Jasmine Thomas. While Hiedeman may not be able to assume that role immediately, her presence may allow the bench to find some stability. Having a solidified bench should lead to the quality bench production that the Sun have had earlier in the season. While the starters certainly can score, how successful Connecticut will be as the season goes on and fatigue sets in, will be reliant on how much the bench can contribute.

The Sun who have the second-best record in the league, 9-4, look to end their three-game losing streak July 6 at home against the Lynx at 2 p.m.

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