Over the past few seasons, the Mercury have made roster changes. The Mercury traded a first-round pick from the Los Angeles Sparks for Cappie Pondexter in 2010. Cappie Pondexter has been a late threat of winning the WNBA MVP. Candice Dupree was added to the already impressive off-ball threat duo. They are now trying to bring Griner home safely.
Griner's friends are trying to get Griner home safely.
Griner's friends are trying to get her back safely, despite a lack information. They are trying to get in touch with Griner's family to let them know about the situation. Griner is in good mental and physical health but the situation is not ideal.
Griner was returned to the United States by the American government, who has been fighting a long, drawn-out fight. Griner's privacy concerns have prompted many lawmakers to withdraw their support.
Mercury traded a first round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010
The Phoenix Mercury acquired Temeka Johnson and Kara Braxton in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010. Johnson was drafted by the New York Liberty, in the first round, of the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson went on to play for the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks also traded a first-round draft pick for Johnson in 2010. Johnson, Braxton, and LaToya Pergle were signed by the Mercury.
The Sparks were in search of a center, so they exchanged Candace Parker. Parker is a strong defender and averages 1.6 block and 1.3 steals each game. She will be 35 years old in 2020. Last season, Parker was named the WNBA Defensive Player-of-the Year.
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 leader in minutes, assists, scoring, and per-game. This season, she has kept her team alive in multiple games. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her exceptional play earned her MVP votes and made them an All-Star First Team member.
Diggins Smith leads the league by minutes played. She did, however, request a break for a game. It is clear that Diggins-Smith's team needs every ounce her energy in order to make the playoffs. She is still 32 years old and has lots of talent in basketball.
Cunningham is a solid off-ball threat
Cunningham is a solid off-ball player for the Mercury this year. In addition to scoring, he is an effective defender and a good offensive rebounder. Cunningham has been a great help to their offense, as they have had a low defensive rebound rate (62% of their 10 previous games).
The Mercury have been missing a scoring option since Charles left the team. Cunningham has shown great leadership in Charles' absence. Curt Meller was pleased with Cunningham’s defensive efforts against the Sun. The team has been using zone defence to make up the difference for their smaller size. They used bodies in paint to defend Jones' frontcourt.