Over the past few season, the Mercury made some roster changes. In 2010, they traded a top-round pick to Los Angeles Sparks for Cappiepondexter. Cappie is a late contender to win WNBA MVP. Candice dupree was added in the offseason to the team's already formidable off-ball threat. Now, though, they are attempting to get Griner home safely.
Griner's fellow teammates are working together to bring her home safely
Despite a lack of information, Griner's teammates are doing their best to ensure her safe return. They are trying get in touch her family to tell them. Griner is in good physical, mental, and emotional health. However, the situation is far from ideal.
The American government has been fighting for Griner's return since the beginning of the long-running battle. Many lawmakers, however, have been muted in their support, citing concerns about Griner's privacy.
Mercury traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks, in 2010.
In 2010, the Phoenix Mercury traded with the Los Angeles Sparks for Temeka John and Kara Braxton. Johnson was selected by the New York Liberty at the first round in 2005 WNBA Draft. He ended up playing for both the Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. In addition to Johnson and Braxton, the Mercury also acquired Rafaella Masciadri from the Los Angeles Sparks and signed LaToya Pringle and Ticha Penicheiro.
The Sparks were looking to acquire a center. They received Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defender and averages 1.6 block and 1.3 steals each game. She will turn 35 next year and was named the WNBA’s Defensive Play of the Year in 2017.
Diggins Smith has been a late push towards the WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins Smith has been a consistent player in the league over the past few years and has recently challenged for the MVP award. She is the league's leader in scoring, minutes played, assists and scoring per game. Her team has been in many games this season. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her outstanding play earned her MVP votes, and she was named to the All-Star first team.
Diggins Smith leads the league by minutes played. She did, however, request a break for a game. That's an indication that her team needs her every ounce of energy to make the playoffs. She's still only 32 years old so she has plenty of basketball skills.
Cunningham has been a good off-ball threat
This season, Cunningham has been a strong off-ball threat to the Mercury. Cunningham can not only score but is also an efficient defender as well as a skilled offensive rebounder. The Mercury have a poor defensive rebound rate (only grabbing 62% of missed shots in their past 10 games), so Cunningham has helped juice their offense.
The Mercury have been missing a scoring option since Charles left the team. Cunningham is stepping up and Curt was complimentary of Cunningham’s defensive effort against Sun. To make up for their lack of size, the team has been using zone defense. They used bodies in paint to defend Jones' frontcourt.