WNBA: What You Need to Know For 2009 Season
League Tips Off 13th Season June 6
POSTED: 10:25 am CDT June 2,
2009
UPDATED: 1:14 pm CDT June 2,
2009
The WNBA tips off its 13th season on June 6. Learn about what you may have missed and need to know about the 13-team league.Houston Comets, 1997-2008
The lowlight of the offseason came in December when the league announced it was shutting down the Houston Comets. Once the WNBA's signature franchise, it was the Comets -- led by Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson -- who won its first four championships from 1997-2000.Houston's troubles began in 2007 when their NBA parent franchise, the Rockets, sold the team to Houston businessman Hilton Koch. A year later, Koch had some financial difficulties and put the team up for sale. When no buyers were found, the league eventually took over its management before deciding to disband the franchise.Less Is More
In addition to the Comets folding, the economic recession caused the league to reduce the roster maximum from 13 to 11 players. That meant a loss of 39 jobs. Add the 15 to 20 rookies entering the league and you are left with about 55 to 60 veterans out of work. While that was unfortunate for the players involved, it could be good news for fans. The competition level of the WNBA should be at an all-time high in 2009.LA In Gear
It was a busy offseason in Los Angeles: Reigning Rookie of the Year and MVP Candace Parker gave birth to a baby girl on May 13 and is expected to return to the court in late June. Parker's early absence will be eased by the acquisition of perennial All-Star and L.A. native, Tina Thompson, who signed as a free agent on March 12. Finally, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie announced the 2009 season will be her last. The three-time MVP is expected to receive a farewell tribute in all of the league's cities.Rookie Roundup
The Atlanta Dream held the No.1 overall pick in April's draft and chose Louisville forward Angel McCoughtry. Maryland's Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver were chosen second and third overall by the Mystics and Sky. Minnesota nabbed Connecticut point guard Renee Montgomery at No. 4 and Phoenix took DeWanna Bonner of Auburn to round out the top five.Comings And Goings
After a two-year absence, Chamique Holdsclaw is back in the game with Atlanta. Former MVP Yolanda Griffith signed with Indiana and the Lynx dealt 2007 No. 1 overall pick Lindsey Harding to Washington. The Miller twins also both have new homes, as Kelly was traded from Phoenix to her native Minnesota and Coco was released by Washington before catching on with Atlanta. After 12 seasons, four championships and three MVPs, it may be the end of the line for Sheryl Swoopes, who was waived by Seattle in February and has yet to find a team.And Finally…
The All-Star Game is back this season after a one-year, Olympic-induced absence. The exhibition will take place on July 25 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
The lowlight of the offseason came in December when the league announced it was shutting down the Houston Comets. Once the WNBA's signature franchise, it was the Comets -- led by Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson -- who won its first four championships from 1997-2000.Houston's troubles began in 2007 when their NBA parent franchise, the Rockets, sold the team to Houston businessman Hilton Koch. A year later, Koch had some financial difficulties and put the team up for sale. When no buyers were found, the league eventually took over its management before deciding to disband the franchise.Less Is More
In addition to the Comets folding, the economic recession caused the league to reduce the roster maximum from 13 to 11 players. That meant a loss of 39 jobs. Add the 15 to 20 rookies entering the league and you are left with about 55 to 60 veterans out of work. While that was unfortunate for the players involved, it could be good news for fans. The competition level of the WNBA should be at an all-time high in 2009.LA In Gear
It was a busy offseason in Los Angeles: Reigning Rookie of the Year and MVP Candace Parker gave birth to a baby girl on May 13 and is expected to return to the court in late June. Parker's early absence will be eased by the acquisition of perennial All-Star and L.A. native, Tina Thompson, who signed as a free agent on March 12. Finally, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie announced the 2009 season will be her last. The three-time MVP is expected to receive a farewell tribute in all of the league's cities.Rookie Roundup
The Atlanta Dream held the No.1 overall pick in April's draft and chose Louisville forward Angel McCoughtry. Maryland's Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver were chosen second and third overall by the Mystics and Sky. Minnesota nabbed Connecticut point guard Renee Montgomery at No. 4 and Phoenix took DeWanna Bonner of Auburn to round out the top five.Comings And Goings
After a two-year absence, Chamique Holdsclaw is back in the game with Atlanta. Former MVP Yolanda Griffith signed with Indiana and the Lynx dealt 2007 No. 1 overall pick Lindsey Harding to Washington. The Miller twins also both have new homes, as Kelly was traded from Phoenix to her native Minnesota and Coco was released by Washington before catching on with Atlanta. After 12 seasons, four championships and three MVPs, it may be the end of the line for Sheryl Swoopes, who was waived by Seattle in February and has yet to find a team.And Finally…
The All-Star Game is back this season after a one-year, Olympic-induced absence. The exhibition will take place on July 25 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
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