WNBA 2007 Forecast

The WNBA's 2007 Season Outlook, by Suite 101.com's Mark Fontes.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Los Angeles Sparks (22-12): Michael Cooper's return as coach will work wonders for L.A. Plus, the talent they've scouted to share in filling Lisa Leslie's temporarily vacated role will get the job done. Taj McWilliams-Franklin has one more exceptional year of points and rebounding left, and most of 2006's first place squad is returning.

Phoenix Mercury (21-13): Paul Westhead's pet project produces prolific prominence this year. Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Penny Taylor, and others are all returning, and all offer fine offense and defense. New recruits Kelly Schumacher and Tangela Smith should collect rebounds with ease, all of which will speed up the Mercury's already fast orbit.

San Antonio Silver Stars (21-13): Adding more veterans than beginners will pay off magnificently. Becky Hammon is reunited with NWBL teammate, center Ruth Riley, so the chemistry's already there. Plus, 2006 Most Improved Player Erin Buescher is also a major weapon, and 2007's most improved team will dazzle fans with more points and better defense.

Seattle Storm (17-17): Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird play all facets of basketball so well, especially together. The talent around them can sometimes be suspect, yet as long as Seattle stays together, they should remain a playoff contender.

Sacramento Monarchs (17-17): Yes, it's a leap to say that last year's conference champs will miss the playoffs. But with a brand new coach in Jenny Boucek, Yolanda Griffith passing her prime, and Sac proving even last year that they can get out of synch, the Monarchs may fall off the postseason throne this season.

Houston Comets (13-21): Again, new coach, same players, not much room for immediate re-invention. Their nucleus of Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson and Michelle Snow will help garner victories. But the idea of draft picks and other novices filling deep voids elsewhere isn't thrilling.

Minnesota Lynx (9-25): Number one draft pick Lindsey Harding will be a tremendous complement to Seimone Augustus. Yet with no other splashy moves this offseason it should be another quiet year for the big cats.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Shock (24-10): Cheryl Ford, Swin Cash, and '06 Finals MVP Deanna Nolan all pack an electric punch on the court. The two Katie's, returning Smith and the recently added Feenstra should provide the team with what they're best at. The Shock are a true powerhouse.

Connecticut Sun (23-11): This team may lose some steam without Taj McWilliams-Franklin. Yet with the copiously talented and versatile Lindsay Whalen, Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek and Nykesha Sales all still starving for the trophy they don't have, the Sun should bring their usual fight.

Indiana Fever (20-14): The Fever helped themselves the most from Charlotte's dispersal draft. Tammy Sutton-Brown will help those like Tamika Catchings and other greats possibly even pull off some playoff upsets.

Washington Mystics (18-16): "If it's not broke, don't fix it." The least-changed team from last year reached the playoffs anyway despite Delisha Milton-Jones and Alana Beard sidelined for several games each. If the rotation stays solid and the roster healthy, the Mystics will work their usual magic in 2007.

New York Liberty (9-25): Trading Becky Hammon decimated any hopes this team had to possibly make noise in 2007. And they chose a good (not outstanding) draft to acquire two of the top five picks. Maybe in a year or two.

Chicago Sky (7-27): They've added new faces and hired a new front man, but the Sky have some more bricks to lay before their foundation is complete. They won't win 100 games like the Arizona Diamondbacks did in their second season (1999).

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