Here are my Off- Season Moves
Okay Looking at the FA list there are a couple of names that would be nice.
Tully Bevilaqua- Probably a hard hit against the cap maybe even 93k against the Cap. But she is very good defender, can shoot, attacks the basket and great mentor. Was very instrumental in developing Sue Bird up in Seattle, and you wouldn’t lose a lot going to her in a crunch situation. She has a calming influence in the locker-room, very personable. Not a long term solution but is close to the end of her career and knows how to win and would but very good for Haynie and/or Kara Lawson. If you have the space for it I say why not.
Marie Ferdinand- Do I really need to explain that one? And she may actually be available. And you could bet your sweet Bippy that she would come to the Monarchs. Of course we are gonna have to open a Day Care Center pretty soon. Lots of Beautiful Babies running about. Why not add one more.
Janell Burse- She has a level of athleticism that is really good for a Center. She is a bit dainty for my taste. But she is solid. I personally think she would be too expensive to land. With the Post game that we have to commit more than 60k to her is counter productive, especially with Kara needing more money and Nicole and Bekkahs going into contract years. Besides I am thinking we can land a post player in the draft.
I have a few Sentimental Favs…
I love me some Svet… But she doesn’t really fit into the system. DAMMIT!!!
Dominique Canty- I just like her. But she is older and Injury prone. Something we just do not need. But it could be a possibility, and she is use to handling the ball. So she shouldn’t be absolutely ruled out.
Everyone else is someone that would likely be cored by there own team or not worth looking at seriously.
Restricted FREE AGENT
Anna DeForge- Been wanting her for years. The price would be right. She gives nice offensive punch and she is a decent defender. In the White Line she could be very good. Or maybe that is my wishful thinking. She stated she wanted to be a Monarchs, I would like to see her become one. The Downside is that we may see far more of Nancy Lieberman than we would want but it would be a small price to pay.
Plenette Pierson- Ohhh Boy did I want her. I remember how tough she played us when she was with Phoenix. Again the price would be right. She is very tough. I am pretty sure SFO will match an offer given to her, but I sure would like to see that girl in the Purple.
Erin Thorn- You know… I like her. She is getting a very raw deal in New York and the Liberty fans are basically trying to run her out of town. But in Becky Hammons absence she really filled up the basket. Including against us. Again a player who is Hungry for some success, and I can’t see how she wouldn’t be aching for some new scenery. She wasn’t bad on the Defensive end either. Best part she could be acquired for a very reasonable price.
So with that information available…
What are the needs that have to be addressed?
We desperately Need an experienced Wing player that knows how to score, so if we are active in the FA market that is what I would look for.
If we go with PR’s group, (Which I like) I am not sure Haynie is ready to be a full time Starter. So I think Kara moves to the point. Which is fine. Tully is a great Choice to help run the point. Marie would give us enormous speed and penetrating skills at the 2 guard. She would be great for Sho to learn from. Both have those skills and quickness to dominate from that position. Needless to say landing Marie would be huge. So would getting DeForge. Another player use to handling the ball and extending the Defense. Erin Thorn, Not so Big of a signing. But she can extend the defenses and bargain at that.
IMO I think getting Anna DeForge is a priority.
While Marie is Explosive and Tully is a solid point, Anna has size. At 6’0 she can match up with the bigger guards without giving up offense. Marie is only 5’9 and would get pushed around by the likes of Katie Smith and DT. Anna should be able to hold her own with them and what she gives up on Defense she can get it back. More important, she can also offer an additional 3 guard if necessary, without having to give up Maiga in the process. So if the goal is to try to keep this team in tact, I think that DeForge is a good move. Then again I have been lobbying for her for years.
The Post is not as pressing. And while I do Love Pierson in the paint, I think we have enough post to be able to draft and develop a post player.
Erin Buescher is not a Center. She is a Forward. DeMya will inherit the Center Duties, and Bekkah will slide into the Post when Yo retires.
Personally in picking in the 11 spot I have fallen in love with Kristen Newlin at Stanford.
I mean Hell she is 6’5, long, athletic, runs the floor well, Nasty as she wants to be and she can hit the 3. She flies under the radar because she plays with Brook Smith. I personally think she is better. But she should be around for the 11th pick.
I didn’t think she was 1st round potential but if some one can show me an impact player that will fall that low I would be happen to entertain them. Otherwise, Why not take Newlin in the first round.
This movement doesn’t bode well for our current batch of Rookies. Which totally sucks cause I like them. But Kim is not the answer, Scotty will have a fight on her hands, and Brittany may be in street clothes again if she makes the team. Sho is the only one of that bunch that has some security.
Those are my thoughts… Sure I will add some more.
