Basketball Hall-of-Famer and ESPN analyst Nancy Lieberman answers your questions and e-mails throughout the year. Click here to submit a question of your own.

Do you think the 5-0 New York Liberty are a playoff team now? I said they would be a .500 team, but after watching the first five games of the season, I see a balanced team with plenty of weapons. I think they'll earn a playoff spot. What do you think?
-Earl, Somerset, N.J.

Boy, New York sure looked good Tuesday night. I was waiting to see how they would play against a contender. And they answered every question. I left Patty Coyle a message saying, "We're not worthy! I am so proud of you and your team!" They're very disciplined, they're in unbelievable condition, they run their offense and they defend. They are the real deal right now, and they look like they're having a great time.

Hi, Ms. Lieberman! How do you think DeMya Walker's injury will affect the Monarchs this year? Who could step up as a starter and improve (since we've lost Erin Buescher) and carry some of Walker's load? What do you think this tragedy will mean to the team? How do you think they'll do this year with her out of the lineup? Thanks, you're a phenomenal broadcaster!
-Pete, San Francisco

I was really sorry to hear about DeMya. She's a really wonderful person and she's a terrific player. I know she's going to be missed in Sacramento. Her injury, though, opens up opportunities for some other players. Maybe Adrian Williams will show she's still at that level and can play significant minutes. Yolanda (Griffith) had some troubles early on as well, so maybe it's a chance for Rebekkah Brunson to step up and bring her game to the next level. As a team, though, they all have to make up for the numbers lost with DeMya being out. They'll miss her skill and experience, but all they have to do is look at New York. Cathrine Kraayeveld has gotten an opportunity there. We knew she was a good player, but who knew she could play at this level? We just didn't see her play enough. It won't be easy for the Monarchs, but if they're the team I think they are, they'll be fine.

Do you think Tamika Catchings is the best player in the league? Isn't it about time for her to win the MVP?
-Lois, Camden, N.Y.

I do think she's the best player in the WNBA. And I do think it's about time for her to win an MVP. She has every opportunity to do that. When she's had great years in the past, Lisa Leslie always had a great year or Swoopes or Lauren Jackson had a great season. With Swoopes and Leslie out, maybe this is the year Tamika can separate herself.

I have been a long-suffering Mystics fan from the beginning, but I am losing faith. No matter who is in charge, be it draft picks, trades or coaching calls, it seems to be one bad decision after another. What is up with my Mystics?
-Amy, Annandale, Va.

Well, you might be suffering a little bit longer. Take three Advils and write me next week. I don't mean to prey upon your pain, but despite the Mystics' talent, they obviously have to work on their chemistry, they have to defend, they have to box out, because they're just not doing the things they need to do to win at this level. I also have some questions about the trade of Chasity Melvin. I'm not sure I would have traded her, because they need a big body in Washington.

Since she was playing basketball in France when her team was unceremoniously dumped by the Charlotte Bobcat powers that be, what has become of Allison Feaster?
-Mickey, Columbia, S.C.

She and her husband had a baby a little while ago. Allison is an intelligent woman and is very much a family person. She's a diversified young woman. You don't go to Harvard because you want to work for ESPN (laughs).

I have three questions: 1.) Do you think you will get back into coaching? 2.) Will Carolyn Peck get another coaching job? 3.) Why is there not a WNBA team in Tennessee?
-PJ, Columbia, Tenn.

1.) There are always opportunities, and I'm asked pretty regularly if I'm interested in jobs at the collegiate level. But I'm very happy doing what I'm doing now in my life and in my career. Still, I love coaching and I love teaching, so it's always an option.

2.) Carolyn should get another coaching job. She's funny and talented in many areas. If Carolyn wants to coach again, I'm sure she'll have that opportunity.

3.) All the money in Tennessee went to Pat Summitt's contract (laughs). No, seriously, they had an NWBL team that had Becky Hammon and some other pretty talented players and the community didn't support it. I don't know the answer to your question, but the team they did have there wasn't well supported. In fact, the Fury eventually moved to Dallas and that was the team I coached.

Nancy, where is Tamecka Dixon? I know she was waived by the Comets, but I was sure she would get picked up by another team. She was one of the few players left from the inaugural season. Please tell me she's on another team and I am just overlooking her name!
-Kenya, Detroit

I think Tamecka might be done for now, or until there's expansion. She had a lot of injuries the last few years. But she's a terrific talent and a great person. I hope she still wants to play because I think she still has something left.

What would you say is the best way to improve your basketball skills in the offseason… especially if all you have is a ball and a basket?
-K, Seattle

I'd work on individual skills and drills. I'd work on balance, footwork and attack angles. I'd also play one-on-one or small-sided games as much as you possibly can. That's the best way to improve.