"I think it's very important. Our coach does a very good job with that. Some coaches don't emphasize it as much as he does. We go to different places to practice and get away, we have team dinners and little events together. I think we really enjoy each other off the court, so it makes it better on the court." — Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun

"So-so. You have to like your teammates… bottom line. But you don't have to do everything they do, always be on the same page and be part of the same scene. But if you have respect for your teammates and what they're all doing at work, then it's OK. You just have to understand and be OK with who the other players are. That's the key. Just come to work and let's play and when we are together, let's have a good time. But off the court, you don't necessarily have to be having team dinners every night to be successful." — Katie Smith, Detroit Shock

"I think it varies. (Being close) can be very helpful, but if you have a team where people understand each other... people who know that it is their business to be professional and take their job seriously when you step on the floor, then you can still be successful. Not everyone is going to like everyone and become best friends, but as soon as you step on that floor, there has to be a collective unity and togetherness." — Temeka Johnson, Los Angeles Sparks

"I don't think that it's very important now. I think when you are at a college level, it's pretty important, but at the professional level, everyone's lives are different. Some players have kids and other responsibilities, but I think everyone at this level has the same common goal. Once you come to the court and once you come together everything will fall into place." — Tina Thompson, Houston Comets

"Very important. Most of the teams you look at that have been successful and have won championships, those teams have players who get along off the court as well as on the court." — Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever (with teammate Tully Bevilaqua)

"I think it is very important. In college, my teammates and I were very close off the court and our team in San Antonio is probably unique in that we really have a family atmosphere. That starts all the way at the top with our coaches and carries through to the players and video staff and cheerleaders and managers. That is something that as we continue to play together as a core group of people, for the next couple of years, we will build off of that." — Kendra Wecker, San Antonio Silver Stars

"At a professional level, it's a little different, because of the age ranges, but I don't think it's as important as the collegiate level where you are together all the time." — Candice Dupree, Chicago Sky

"It is very important because whenever you are struggling on the court, you have an outlet for communication. Having someone to listen to you and talk with is a great source of help for athletes. Communication is so important." — Swin Cash, Detroit Shock

All photos: NBAE/Getty Images