The team that Tulsa thought it was getting from Detroit did not resemble the team that took the court in 2010. There seemed to be confusion over contractual obligations. Three essential players did not relocate for reasons that included free agency, injury, fatigue, inviting European paydays and apparent disinterest. The absences were vital: Katie Smith, a productive scorer and seven-time All-Star; Cheryl Ford, a two-time WNBA rebounding leader; and Deanna Nolan, a versatile guard and five-time All-Star. ----- I think this is what people tend to forget when looking at the nearly expansion team that the Shock has been for the past two seasons. Regardless of the players that did come to Tulsa that are no longer here yet thriving elsewhere (Braxton, Pierson, Hornbuckle, Zellous), just for a moment imagine a Shock team led by Ford, Nolan and Smith. -JL