The LA Sparks are a long way from the golden standard they once were. Legends like Candace Parker leading the way, three championships in the bag, most successful franchise in the league– the picture, though true, seems distant. More so after the 8-32 record last season. But can we just get our hopes up? Kelsey Plum is here. Plus, the 2024 rookie class of Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson has been called one of the best frontcourts. The training camp roster is looking good, too. Well, we’d say yes. But the front court office has a massive task to make that definite.
“I was brought here for a reason. It’s the turn of a new leaf in a lot of different ways, in leadership and investment in the franchise. That’s why I decided to come here,” said Kelsey Plum, sparking new hopes. But before they can get on with it, the Sparks need to get through the training camp, and if you ask the analysts on Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast, that is no easy job.
On paper, pairing Kelsey Plum with a core of Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Dearica Hamby sounds exciting. But there are still issues beyond the starting five that need attention. Right now, the Sparks aren’t dealing with a lack of talent — it’s more a problem of figuring out how to fit all the pieces together.
“Yeah, the Sparks are very confusing, I think a lot of people would agree. Not that their roster doesn’t make sense or have talent — it certainly does,” Tony East started on the podcast. No lie there.
The Sparks have currently listed 18 on their training camp roster, with 9 forming the core. That leaves 4 draftees and 5 on training camp contracts fighting for those last spots. That’s where the trouble lies. This set includes rookies like Sarah Ashlee Barker, Sania Feagin, and Liatu King.
Baker gives the team a sharp perimeter defense, having limited the opposition to 23 percent in college. Feagin, on the other hand, has posted a 144-7 record after five years under Dawn Staley. King then comes in as one of the most efficient scorers with an average of 18.7 points on 52.3 percent shooting from the floor. If the rookies weren’t enough, those on the training camp contracts make a pretty good case, too. While Alyssa Ustby is coming off as the top rebounder for North Carolina, Emma Cannon carries 6 years of experience and with a reputation for making impressive mid-range shots.
So East did not hold back from saying, “Their priorities are going to be fascinating. I think they’re a playoff team right now. They probably should be focusing on these young players, but they probably can’t keep both of their top two picks.”
It’s the harsh reality of the W. When final rosters are announced in May, only about half of the players drafted actually make a team. Sparks stand to face a similar situation. They currently have a little over $200,000 in cap space after allocating $1.2 million among 9 players. With the minimum rookie contract at $66,000, the franchise is going to have to choose well. That’s a pressure head coach Lynne Roberts is willing to handle. She’s come in with a win now mentality and she is determined to get it right.
“I want to win now. I know that’s easier said than done, but I’m up for the challenge… as someone who thrives in pressure, being in this market, being in LA, it sounds like heaven to me,” she had expressed. The coach comes with a winning record, has curated a different strategy for the team, and is happy with the core team. But while her and the team gets started, and say they make all the right picks, there’s more concern that is expected to linger.
Jackie Powell pointed out that Cameron Brink likely won’t be ready until midseason as she recovers from her ACL injury. “I think Cameron Brink probably won’t be ready to step on the court until midseason at least,” she said. “And so I don’t know if they get into a hardship situation where they have some players that were with them in camp that come back. We’ll also see what other injuries happen –we do not know. But yes, that is a very tricky roster.”
It’ll be fascinating to see which direction the Sparks choose moving forward. Will they hold on to young talents like Sarah Ashlee Barker and Sania Feagin? Or will they prioritize experience and keep veterans like Emma Cannon on the roster? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, Cameron Brink is already doing a little recruiting of her own — trying to get Paige Bueckers to join her.
Cameron Brink tries to recruit Paige Bueckers
Earlier this month, Paige Bueckers signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled, making her one of the highest-earning athletes in the league. Reports suggest she’ll earn around $350K in her first year alone. Interestingly, Paige isn’t the only star who missed the inaugural season but is gearing up for next year. Cameron Brink, who was part of the Lunar Owls but sidelined due to an ACL injury, is already back at it –and she’s trying to recruit Paige to join the Lunar Owls for next season!
During Monday’s episode of her “Straight 2 Cam” show with Sydel Curry-Lee, Cameron Brink shared her excitement about the possibility of playing alongside Paige Bueckers in Unrivaled. “We want Paige, we call Paige… ’cause she likes Purple… Paige is an owl,” Brink said.
It will be interesting to see the duo play together. But those plans will have to wait for now. We are just weeks away from the new W season to begin, and one can’t wait to watch the new storylines take shape. The tickets are already selling out and new arenas are filling up. Another historic season?
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