The 2008 WNBA season starts May 17th. The first game of the year: a nationally televised affair between the L.A. Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. Here's how teams may fare this year:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Sparks (28-6)
Candace Parker. Lisa Leslie. Delisha Milton-Jones is back. Temeka Johnson is back from injury. Last year's fruitful rookies like Sidney Spencer should flourish. L.A. is set to dominate.
San Antonio Silver Stars (21-13)
Their already stellar roster has improved with additions like Ann Wauters. Hammon, Young, Riley, and Buescher and Crossley off the bench will keep the Stars shining brightly.
Seattle Storm (20-14)
They finally put talent around Bird and Jackson! Swin Cash's collegiate-era chemistry with Bird will help, and Yolanda Griffith likely has one exceptional year left in her.
Phoenix Mercury (19-15)
If only Penny Taylor could play the pre-Olympics part of the year! Nevertheless, Taurasi, Pondexter, Smith and Miller will make coach Corey Gaines' first year memorable.
Sacramento Monarchs (13-21)
They're not getting any younger, and the greatest of their old-timers is now up the coast in Seattle. Lawson, Brunson and Penicheiro should all stay strong, but playoffs might be pushing it.
Minnesota Lynx (12-22)
They are slowly but surely getting back to playoff form. Deforge was a genius addition, but an injury to Harding and no noise-makers elsewhere will keep the Lynx below .500 at least one more season.
Houston Comets (9-25)
I cringe at putting them here, but the player transactions they've made are not eyebrow-raisers and Karleen Thompson just doesn't seem to have the magic Van Chancellor did. Maybe next year.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Indiana Fever (23-11)
Their best and biggest weapons are all coming back and Katie Douglas should fill Anna Deforge's shoes nicely. Lin Dunn's coaching experience will pick up right where Winters left off. This is a winner.
Washington Mystics (20-14)
They ended last year on an accelerating high, and now they've got Taj McWilliams-Franklin who's itching for a title while still playing. Beard and the other usual playmakers should help Washington soar.
Detroit Shock (19-15)
The nucleus of Katie Smith, Cheryl Ford, and Tweety will keep the Shock competitive. However, too many leaves have fallen off the tree for them to continue towering like a redwood over everyone else.
Chicago Sky (18-16)
The strength of Candice Dupree combined with the fact that recent draft picks like Armintie Price and Sylvia Fowles should pay off in spades for Chicago. The Sky will be the limit!
New York Liberty (17-17)
The Liberty will be in contention throughout much of the year. Carson was a great first pick. However no splashy moves trade-wise will keep them little changed, and may push NY out of the East's top-4.
Connecticut Sun (12-22)
Tamika Whitmore is a formidable player, just not to the departing Katie Douglas' extent. Also, with no Margo Dydek and a plethora of rookies on hand, the Sun may not rise to their usual peaks.
Atlanta Dream (8-26)
This upstart team will win some interesting games, and will certainly be fun to watch in their inaugural year. Watch for Katie Feenstra and Betty Lennox to be among their biggest playmakers.
