Quick Analysis: Seattle Storm Trade Ashley Robinson To Washington Mystics For Promising Forward Victoria Dunlap

by Nate Parham on Feb 14, 2012 1:03 PM EST in WNBA

Ashley Robinson endeared herself to Seattle fans with big blocks, major improvement when opportunity knocked, and a colorful personality. Photo by Kailas Images.

The Seattle Storm moved forward in their quest to get younger with the trade of eight-year veteran Ashley Robinson to the Washington Mystics for promising second-year forward Victoria Dunlap.

Although it might be hard for Storm fans to let go of a clear 2011 Most Improved Player candidate who they were just starting to embrace, Dunlap is the type of player who could very well make the separation process a bit easier.

During the final two months of play last season (from July 17 on), Dunlap played more than 4 minutes in a game only once. And when you think about the number of blowout losses that the Mystics took late in that span with nothing to play for, that's somewhat stunning.

Early on in her rookie season, Dunlap was among the most efficient rookies in the league in inconsistent minutes and perhaps it's no coincidence that one of the biggest games of the first month of her career came against the Storm. Although she wasn't necessarily the most talented rookie in her class, games like the one against the Storm showed off what she does best: make plays on both ends of the court. Storm coach Brian Agler's defensive schemes can take some time for players to pick up, but it's clear that she could be a huge asset defensively.

Of course, the Storm lose a defensive presence in Robinson, who really seemed to turn a corner last season in star Lauren Jackson's absence. Kevin Pelton of StormBasketball.com summed up the feeling about her departure perfectly.

Players, coaches and those who watched practice on a regular basis knew what Robinson was capable of doing when she got enough minutes to build her confidence, and I’m thankful the whole world had a chance to see Robinson’s skills during her breakout 2011 season.

At the same time, there’s no question that Robinson was more valuable to the Storm than her stat line would ever indicate because she is such a great person to be around. Ashley has always been accessible to fans, especially after joining Twitter, and her support for her teammates grew into an important leadership role as she gained perspective as a WNBA veteran.

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Comments

You kinda knew I was gonna say something on this trade.

For Seattle, this is a good move. Considering that the Storm just signed Ann Wauters, it wasn’t likely that it was going to keep both LJ and Robinson who are both 30 or older. Given that the Storm declared Jackson untouchable, Robinson of course was the one who had to be traded for younger assets.

As you said, Dunlap showed some promise when she was given minutes, but for whatever reason, Lacey didn’t like her. Dunlap has more upside than Robinson as well from age alone and the Storm has promised to get younger. It’s now up to Agler to actually play Dunlap consistent minutes, especially while LJ is gone.

For the Mystics, on one front the front court now looks deep with Robinson, Snow, and of course Lang if the Mystics match her deal. Anosike could still be re-signed, though I think that it’s likely that she will walk now that it looks like Robinson will be the starting center for the Mystics, at least on paper.

So far, I am very disappointed with the signings this offseason with the Mystics. They are doing everything I don’t want them to. Unless they can trade for Cappie Pondexter or Diana Taurasi with the 2013 first round pick, I really don’t see this team making the playoffs, even with the frontcourt depth. We saw what happened last year, and I expect the same this year. I’m apoplectic to be honest.

by thewiz06 on Feb 14, 2012 2:49 PM EST reply actions

"...but for whatever reason, Lacey didn’t like her."

This is something I never really figured out last season. We probably won’t find out now, but that’s a huge blow to give up a young talent like that when you struggled to win even 20% of your games with the team you had.

With this trade as well as the Quinn trade (and Beard leaving, which made sense) it’s just not yet clear what direction the Mystics are headed in.

Twitter: @NateP_SBN.

by Nate Parham on Feb 14, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

I know what the Mystics want to do.

Lacey is set on trying to get the team back to the playoffs.

Again, unless there’s a trade in the works to bring in a big star to DC, no move except letting Beard walk has made any sense. Even if a big star was traded to Washington, we will probably have to sign and trade Langhorne and the 2013 draft pick and/or Currie to the other team….

by thewiz06 on Feb 14, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

I'm just not sure how much trading youth for veteran reserves will help them get there

They haven’t really addressed their major weaknesses, which were many: they had the lowest ortg and dtrg last season.

Twitter: @NateP_SBN.

by Nate Parham on Feb 14, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

Well anything goes with the Mystics

I guess Mystics fans have probably been among the most critical of the team of all the critics, but there is no hope..

As of right now, here is the starting lineup for the Mystics:

G – Thomas
G – Ajavon
F – Quinn
F – Snow
C – Robinson

by thewiz06 on Feb 14, 2012 10:11 PM EST up reply actions

The most frustrating thing is that Mo and Lang aren't re-signed yet.

I think they both are trying to get out of town, and I don’t blame them. That’s the only conclusion I have when Lang and Mo haven’t re-signed with DC yet, and everyone else’s top stars, like Tamika and Sue have been re-signed by their old teams. Lacey must be trying to get back a legit WNBA star in return in a Mo and/or Lang trade, and if this is the case, Lacey is going to go after any star who can excite the fans. Then these moves don’t look quite as bad though I don’t think a Top 10 player with this team can make the playoffs either. However, if all this fails, this offseason may be even worse than last year’s.

by thewiz06 on Feb 14, 2012 10:15 PM EST up reply actions