The Houston Roundball Review's Archived WNBA Notebook: August 22, 2000

The WNBA notebook was updated throughout the 2000 season.

2000 WNBA Notebook: thru August 22nd

Charlotte - Minnesota | New York - Washington

Charlotte Sting: 8 - 24. Summary: A dismal season mercifully came to an end. Injuries to key players started in the pre season and continued throughout the season. It’s amazing that T.R. Dunn was not fired as head coach at some point during the season. The voters of Charlotte vote on a new arena in November; so, if the voters say “no”, the Sting could have played their last game in Charlotte.

Cleveland Rockers: 17 - 15. Summary: The Rockers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals; but, they lost to the Liberty 2 - 1 which means star point guard Susie McConnell - Serio retires without a shot at the championship. The Rockers exceeded many people’s expectations; however, those people underestimated the importance of McConnell - Serio. Fortunately, the Rockers have a very good replacement for Susie in point guard Helen Darling.

Detroit Shock: 14 - 18. Summary: Head Coach / GM Nancy Lieberman - Cline is rumored to be on shaky ground in Detroit. Her coaching style apparently didn’t mesh with her very young squad; and, the front office people questioned some of her personnel moves. Combine Lieberman - Cline’s shaky status with very poor attendance and the Shock may not be long for Detroit.

Houston Comets: 27 - 5. Summary: Despite losing to the LA Sparks 3 times in the regular season, the Comets showed everyone why they are the only champion the WNBA has known. Houston has an uncanny ability to put aside any off the court differences and focus on the task at hand which is winning ball games. They face New York for the third time in four seasons for the championship. Cynthia Cooper continues to stick with her plans to retire at the end of this season. We shall say about that.

Indiana Fever: 8 - 24. Summary: The Fever had a very disappointing season; but, their fans continued to support them. When current U.S. Olympic coach, Nell Fortner, takes over her head coaching duties next season, she’ll have to decide the best role for Purdue legend Stephanie McCarty to maximize her talents.

Los Angeles Sparks: 28 - 4. Summary: Despite setting a league record for most wins, the Sparks did not accomplish their goal of winning a championship. LA has a very good team; but, they ran into a Houston Comets squad that relies on experience and execution to eliminate the Sparks 2 games to none. However, the Sparks have all the pieces in place (including Coach of the Year Michael Cooper) to be in the hunt for a title for many years to come.

Miami Sol: 13 - 19. Summary: Head Coach Ron Rothstein deserves a lot of credit. It was believed Miami had the least talent of the 4 expansion teams; but, Rothstein coached the Sol to the best record of the 4. Sheri Sam is their best player; and, if Elena Baranova can recover from her serious knee injury, Miami could have a better club next season.

Minnesota Lynx: 15 - 17. Summary: Once Andrea Lloyd - Curry went down with a torn ACL, the season was over. The Lynx went into a severe tailspin and never recovered. They finished the season winning only 5 of their last 17 games. One big positive was the great play of Rookie of the Year guard Betty Lennox.

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New York Liberty: 20 - 12. Summary: The Liberty have a tremendous will to win. Becky Hammon has been a big factor in New York’s success; however, Tari Phillips is the reason New York is in league finals. Her acquisition was the best move a team has made in the league’s 4 year history.

Orlando Miracle: 16 - 16. Summary: Orlando lost 8 of their last 11 and as a result lost their hold on first place in the East. They finished third and lost to Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. Their post season failure made it crystal clear the Miracle needs to improve their bench production.

Phoenix Mercury: 20 - 12. Summary: Despite a club best 20 wins, injuries to key players ruined the Mercury’s chances of making any noise in the playoffs. They were simply overwhelmed by LA in the first round.

Portland Fire: 10 - 22. Summary: Portland played tough, close games all season. Coach Linda Hargrove has the Fire headed in the right direction. Sophia Witherspoon was Portland’s best player; but, she’s needs some scoring help from the wing.

Sacramento Monarchs: 21 - 11. Summary: Sacramento may be the third best team in the league; but, that’s not good enough to get out of the West. Sonny Allen has probably coached his last game as coach of the Monarchs. Assistant coach Maura McHugh is who the players would like to see named head coach.

Seattle Storm: 6 - 26. Summary: Worst record in the league means top pick in the Draft. Coach Lin Dunn has plenty of time to decide what to do with the pick: use it and select a young star or trade it for an established veteran or two.

Utah Starzz: 18 - 14. Summary: Star forward Natalie Williams does not care for Coach Fred Williams’ coaching philosophy. One of them will probably be gone before next season. Utah finished with their best record; but, they are still the only team from the original 8 who has not made the playoffs.

Washington Mystics: 14 - 18. Summary: The Mystics tried to full court their way through the playoffs; but, New York disposed of them in 2 straight. The Mystics are just like the Wizards—talented; but, not a good team.

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