Good luck, Houston Comets...and Watch Out!

February 1, 2005

The WNBA prepares to begin its 9th season later this year. The mere fact the league has existed eight plus years is an accomplishment and quite remarkable. However, while still in its pre-teen years, the league does not have a business feel to it. A clear-cut example is the reactions of fans I've seen and read regarding a possible trade involving Houston Comets (and WNBA) star Sheryl Swoopes. I'm not a "fan" (re: fanatic) of the WNBA; but, I do enjoy covering the league; the players; and the coaches. As a result of my media tag, I don't see trades (or rumors of trades) the way fans do. I was amazed at the outcry; anger; and resentment people have voiced over this trade scenario! If the Comets go through with trading Swoopes, I say this to the organization: "Good luck and Watch out!"

Sheryl Swoopes has been one of the marquee names and faces of the WNBA since the league's inception in 1997. Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo, and Lisa Leslie were the three players the WNBA chose to market to the basketball public with the "We Got Next" campaign. Swoopes is a Texas basketball legend. She led Texas Tech to the national championship in 1993. Swoopes scored a record 47 points in the NCAA title game. She's been a part of four world championships with the Houston Comets. She's won three Olympic gold medals playing on the USA Women's Olympic Team. Her basketball accomplishments are as impressive as they are numerous. Heck, I saw Swoopes set a Dallas Reunion Arena scoring record -- on my birthday no less -- in a Southwest Conference Tournament game while she was at Texas Tech. However, I don't have any problem with the Comets trading her. Why not? Because the WNBA is a business. And, in business, unpopular and risky moves are made all the time for the sake of the company.

Unfortunately, for the Comets, trading Sheryl Swoopes is a monumental risk. In the relatively small message board community, I've read numerous posts from people who are angry; hurt; and disappointed by the mere suggestion of Swoopes being dealt -- regardless of the her future destination. People have said they will demand their money back for season tickets from the Comets organization the instant a Swoopes trade is announced. (Keep in mind: Swoopes being traded is just a rumor.)

Les Alexander, Comets (and Rockets) team owner, is a businessman. He like most owners wants to make money. Will Les okay a trade involving Swoopes if the organization is going to lose thousands of dollars from ticket refunds and non ticket purchases?

Chances are remote the Comets would be able to acquire equal value for Swoopes in a trade; as a result, the team could have a worse record than last season's record (13 - 21) for years to come which could possibly turn off any fans who decide to support the Comets sans Swoopes. Swoopes will turn 34 before the 2005 WNBA season begins; and, her body has begun to break down from nagging injuries the last year or two. Those factors don't enhance her trade value to the twelve other WNBA teams.

Despite all of the success the Comets have earned in its eight year history, the local media has exhibited a "Don't care or Don't know" policy regarding this rumored mega deal and perhaps that's a good thing because the news of this deal could cause serious damage to the Comets from a public relations, let alone a basketball, standpoint.

I don't know everything; but, I do know if Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul - Jabbar, and, Houston's own, Hakeem Olajuwon can be traded, then, Sheryl Swoopes can be traded. However, those three players were not selected by the league to market from its inception like Swoopes'. I also know if a popularity contest between Sheryl Swoopes and Comets head coach Van Chancellor were held, Swoopes' vote total would trounce Van's total. A decision will be made in the near future. The decision could have lasting ramifications for the entire organization. Good luck, Houston Comets, and, Watch out, too!