Los Angeles Sparks

2009 Finish

18-16, 3rd in the Western Conference. Lost in the Western Conference Finals.

Departures

  • Lisa Leslie, C

    • Arrivals

  • Ticha Penicheiro, G
  • LaToya Pringle, F-C

    • Returning Players

  • Shannon Bobbitt, G
  • Marie Ferdinand-Harris, G
  • Vanessa Hayden, C
  • Betty Lennox, G
  • DeLisha Milton-Jones, F
  • Candace Parker, F
  • Noelle Quinn, G
  • Tina Thompson, F
  • Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton, F

    • Free Agents

  • Kristi Harrower, G (UFA)
  • Ha Eun Joo, C (RFA)
  • Emmeline Ndongue, C (RFA)

    • Needs

  • Scoring
  • Bench Depth
  • Interior Defense

    • Analysis

    Don’t be fooled by the fact that the Sparks made it to the Western Conference Finals last season; there’s definitely some holes to be filled, starting with a scorer. Despite having one of the sport’s top players in former WNBA MVP Candace Parker, they can definitely use help to fix the fact that they were the league’s second-lowest scoring (74.5) team. The Sparks were particularly bad from three-point range, as their 29.7 percentage was worst among all 13 teams. Taking these points into consideration, a two-guard would be the logical choice.

    Future Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie’s retirement after a storied career leaves a gaping hole in the paint. Currently, the Sparks have Vanessa Hayden and LaToya Pringle, who was signed as a free agent this off-season, penciled in at the spot. Leslie’s offense – she led the team with 15.9 ppg -- will certainly be missed, as will her defense, which helped the Sparks hold opposing teams to the second lowest points-per-game average (73.5).

    Los Angeles’ bench could use a few more key additions, as well. First-year head coach Jennifer Gillom, who came over from the Minnesota Lynx, needs some new names to play with that she can say she brought in.

    2010 Selections

  • No. 8 (R1)
  • No. 20 (R2)
  • No. 32 (R3)

    • Recent Draft History

    200920082007
    13. Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton 1. Candace Parker25. Sidney Spencer
    22. Ashley Paris 15. Shannon Bobbitt38. Amanda Brown
    35. Britney Jordan 29. Sharnee’ Zoll