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Shake Up in the WNBA’s Eastern Conference!

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January 31, 2017

The Washington Mystics, New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm were involved in a three team trade yesterday. The Mystics traded Kia Vaughn and Bria Hartley to the New York Liberty in exchange for Seattle’s #6 pick in the first round of the 2017 WNBA Draft. In return, the Storm received Liberty center Carolyn Swords. Washington also exchanged this year’s second round pick (15 th overall) for Seattle’s second round selection (18th overall). The blockbuster trade didn’t go down until later in the evening when it was announced that Chicago Sky forward Elena Delle Donne had been traded to the Mystics! Delle Donne expressed her desire to part ways with the Chicago Sky to be closer to home (Delaware) and even suggested she would be willing to sit out if a deal didn’t get done. Chicago’s hand was forced and in exchange for their superstar the Sky will receive the 2015 All-Star center Stefanie Dolson; last season’s seventh overall pick, Kahleah Copper; and the second overall selection in this year’s draft.

The acquisition of one of the best players in the WNBA immediately makes the Mystics a championship contender. The Mystics finished 10th in the standings last season with a dismal 13-21 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2012 season. Elena Delle Donne who was the league MVP for the 2015 season will team up with All-Star forward Emma Messeman who continues to improve every year. Messeman was selected to her first All-Star game in 2015 and in 2016 she led her team in scoring with 15.6 points per game. She also lead the entire WNBA in three-point shooting percentage at 45.5%. Tayler Hill had a breakout season for the Mystics where she finished second in voting for Most Improved Player in 2016. Hill’s scoring average increased from 7.5 ppg in 2015 to 15.4 ppg in 2016. Delle Donne, Messeman, and Hill are a pretty dangerous big three in the Eastern Conference. The Mystics  are now the team to beat. Although the Liberty had the best record in the EC and the third best record overall last season, Delle Donne changes the game. If head coach Mike Thibault can smoothly insert the talent of Delle Donne into his fast paced offense, they will be an exciting team to watch. Maybe old Mystics fans will come back and support their team this coming season. They certainly will have a lot to cheer for! 

 

 

Swin Cash Tribute Video

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August 2, 2016

On September 7th the New York Liberty will honor Swin Cash with a retirement ceremony. Following the game against the Seattle Storm, a team in which she won one of three WNBA championships with, the Liberty will celebrate the career of one of the most decorated women’s basketball players in the history of the game. Cash, who announced her retirement earlier in the season, was recently named WNBA’s Top20@20 presented by Verizon where the league recognized the 20 greatest and most influential players in its history. Cash has won three WNBA championships during her career; two with Detroit in 2003 and 2006 and one with Seattle in 2010. In addition, she has won two Olympic Gold medals, two NCAA championships and appeared in several WNBA All-Star games. New York Liberty’s President Isiah Thomas sung praises when speaking about Cash and what she has done for the game.

“Swin Cash is a legend of the game, and it is a tremendous honor for our franchise that she will be ending her storied career wearing a New York Liberty uniform. Role model, leader, champion – Swin’s remarkable impact and accomplishments transcend basketball, and we look forward to celebrating everything she has meant to the game, the community, and her fans.”

One of her greatest accomplishments is her charitable foundation Cash for Kids which she founded in 2005. With the mission to “motivate, educate & elevate” kids Swin has had a huge impact on kids not only in her hometown of McKeesport, Pennsylvania but all over the country. Check out this video posted by the WNBA honoring Swin Cash and her many accomplishments.