Despite the unprecedented success of the Golden State Valkyries last season, plenty of people were still skeptical about the Portland Fire this year. And, sure, maybe all expansion teams can't be judged by the success of one, and the Fire is definitely doing things differently. Despite the low expectations many placed on the team, they're pulling off win after win (including a big 100-84 victory over the Indiana Fever Saturday night).
Part of that success is due to the talent of the roster and their willingness to buy into Alex Sarama's system, but another part has to do with something a lot more human. As Megan Gustafson told reporters last night after the team's game, the Fire is the first team that's believed in her — and the first she's felt respected by.
Gustafson was drafted as the 17th overall pick by the Dallas Wings in 2019. She spent two seasons with the team and also played for the Mystics, Mercury, and Aces before she signed a two-year, $1.025 million contract with the Fire this season.
The move to the Fire has been a good one so far. Gustafson started for the team for the first time this season against the Fever, and capped the night with 22 points and 8-for-8 shooting in 28 minutes on the floor. While speaking to reporters after the game, Gustafson said the quiet part out loud.
"I mean, we're a bunch of overlooked players, and I think we all have a chip on our shoulder. I've really never been respected as a basketball player until I've gotten here, so I'm really thankful for this team, this organization. They really belive in me," she said of the Fire.
Megan Gustafson's Fire experience mirrors what happened last season
What Gustafson and her teammates are experiencing with the Fire mirrors the experience a lot of the Golden State Valkyries had last season. As she pointed out, a lot of the members of the team are feeling genuinely respected and valued for the first time, and they're pouring themselves into producing for their coach and for each other as a result.
While it's easy to assume an expansion team won't be successful because they generally don't attract marquee-name players, it's starting to sound like the reality is they are successful for exactly that reason. The Fire is proving that when it comes to basketball, teams can find a lot of success by celebrating and uplifting the players they have.
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