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Every WNBA team’s to-do list prior to the 2021 season
After a thrilling and unprecedented bubble season in 2020, Swish Appeal examined the No. 1 thing each WNBA team needs to fix in time for a hopefully more normal 2021 WNBA season.
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October 31, 2020
Washington Mystics’ No. 1 offseason goal: Reintegrate star players
The Washington Mystics never got a chance to defend their 2019 title, losing a significant part of their roster before even arriving at the Bradenton bubble. Theoretically, they’ll be able to bring most of those players back for 2021, but it won’t be easy.
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October 30, 2020
Seattle Storm’s No. 1 offseason goal: Dynasty now vs. down payment on the future?
Two championships in three seasons is an achievement for any sport. For the 2020 WNBA champion Seattle Storm, a quest for a third title in four seasons — a franchise fifth overall — comes with downsides. Will Seattle plan for the future in 2021 or cement its legacy of the past?
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October 29, 2020
Phoenix Mercury’s No. 1 offseason goal: Install a new operating system
For the second season in a row, the Phoenix Mercury failed to meet expectations. How can the organization ensure that 2021 has a better outcome? The "Big Three" of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins-Smith remains a solid foundation, but their talents must be better optimized.
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October 28, 2020
New York Liberty’s No. 1 offseason goal: Adjust 3-point strategy
Sabrina Ionescu, Asia Durr and Rebecca Allen all can shoot the three and the New York Liberty could have all of them back in 2021. But can these talents support the analytics-driven strategy of high-volume 3-point shooting imposed by head coach Walt Hopkins?
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October 27, 2020
Minnesota Lynx’s No. 1 offseason goal: Find another versatile scorer
If Maya Moore returns to the WNBA, watch out for the Lynx. If she doesn’t, Minnesota can still compete for a championship if it can develop or sign another do-it-all offensive player. A young player already on the roster who could be part of the solution: Bridget Carleton.
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October 26, 2020
Los Angeles Sparks’ No. 1 offseason goal: Move beyond the memory of 2016
After another disappointing playoff exit, the Los Angeles Sparks enter a critical 2021 offseason. Nine players are up for new contracts, including Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Chelsea Gray. How should LA navigate an offseason full of difficult decisions?
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October 25, 2020
Aces’ No. 1 offseason goal: Do well in free agency
The Las Vegas Aces will have six players under contract when free agency starts. Will Liz Cambage and Kayla McBride still be a part of their core group? Will they make any big changes to their bench?
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October 24, 2020
Indiana Fever’s No. 1 offseason goal: More energy on defense
The Indiana Fever were the worst defensive team in the WNBA based on points allowed and opponent field-goal percentage. As they continue to rebuild under Marianne Stanley, Indiana must coax more defense from its young core of Teaira McCowan, Kelsey Mitchell and Julie Allemand as well as Erica Wheeler.
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October 23, 2020
Dallas Wings’ No. 1 offseason goal: Establish a stable foundation
Over the last few seasons, the only constant for the Dallas Wings has been change. What does Dallas need to do to establish the stability needed to become a playoff team and, soon thereafter, a title contender?
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October 22, 2020
Connecticut Sun’s No. 1 offseason goal: Develop offensive system for their new ‘Big Three’
Jonquel Jones, DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun could form one of the best star trios in the WNBA in 2021 if Thomas re-signs. Can they find a way to complement each other and elevate Connecticut’s offense?
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October 21, 2020
Chicago Sky’s No. 1 offseason goal: Stabilize frontcourt
Though the Chicago Sky continue to get world-class play from their starting guards and can push the envelope with their perimeter players, the team’s frontcourt must have a stronger presence in 2021 if Chicago is to reach its ceiling.
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October 20, 2020
Atlanta Dream’s No. 1 offseason goal: Improve team defense
With Chennedy Carter’s offense likely to be the focal point for the Atlanta Dream moving forward, the team needs their two All-Defensive honorees, Betnijah Laney and Elizabeth Williams, to translate their individual successes into better all-around team defense.