After Candice Parker decided she would sit out at the start of the season so that she could give her body a chance to rest and get 100% healthy after years of playing year round many were worried how the Sparks would turn out. Those worries were valid as the Sparks started out the season 3-14. Many thought they didn’t stand a chance to make the playoffs and were already looking forward to the 2016 season. With a new coach at the helm in Brian Agler who has proven success during his tenure in the WNBA the Sparks never counted themselves out. The team turned their season around after winning 11 of their last 17 games and securing the fourth and final seed in the playoff race. This resurgence can definitely be credited to the return of Parker and a healthy Alana Beard. The Sparks finally showed signs of being one of the best teams in the Western conference.
In free agency the Sparks need a good sized three player. Although Parker switches between the 3 and the 4 position, I believe she’s best when playing the four. Look for the Sparks to maybe find one in free agency, through the draft, or possibly a trade. The unrestricted free agents on the team are point guard Temeka Johnson and center Michelle Snow who the Sparks signed after losing Marianna Tolo to an acl injury towards the end of the season. Toliver can play both the 1 and the 2 positions. Not sure which spot she’s more comfortable playing but she’s definitely more of a threat when she doesn’t have to handle the ball as much. The Sparks need a point guard who can run Brian’s offense and distribute the ball to their scorers. Will they be able to find another during the off season?
The only unrestricted free agent on the Sparks is Nneka Ogwumike. Expect them to sign her to a multi year contract this offseason. She has been the most consistent of any of the players on the team throughout her career. She continues to be dominant on the boards and her effort is not easy to match. The Sparks have a very good front court with Parker, Lavender, and Ogwumike. They need to work on upgrading their backcourt. Another shooter besides Toliver and a three player who can match the size of the other threes in the Western Conference. The Sparks may look a lot different than they did this past season. What do you think the Sparks need to do to be a better team in 2016?