The WNBA Engines
The Players that run the teams
As we just finished half the season of the WNBA I have notice some interesting trends. Each WNBA has an engine. If that engine is hurt the team seem broken and does not seem to operate the same. I will go over every team’s engine. This could also help bettors to know to avoid the team when the player is injured.
Lynx- The Lynx engine is Napheesa Collier. When she was injured the team some disjointed. Luckily the Lynx have other talented players but did not seem the same.
Mercury- The Mercury’s engine is obviously Alyssa Thomas. She is a player that changes any franchise. Although she is a big she also is the primary ball handler. A team is different without her.
Liberty- Surprisingly the engine of the Liberty is Jonquel Jones. Even with all the Liberty star power they struggles without the big woman in the center. They seem invincible with her and vulnerable without her.
Fever- The Fever’s if obviously Caitlin Clark. The Fever play faster with her on the court. She also draws a lot of attention from defenders to get other players open.
Dream- Surprisingly I think the Dream are pretty balanced and don’t have an engine. The closest thing might be Alisha Grey.
Storm- The Storm’s engine is Skylar Diggins. She just provides a presence and leadership that doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard (most times it does). The game she was out the storm were lost and got blown out by a mediocre team.
Valkyries- The Valkyries are also very balanced. Coach Nakase kind of built the team that way.
Mystics- Mystic’s engine is Britney Sykes. She is the primary vet that leads all the rookies. She provides leadership and is super scrappy as well.
Aces- The Aces is MVP Aja Wilson. She has been carrying the team. The team is very mediocre without her. She needs to be health for the team to doe well.
Sparks- The Sparks engine is Kelsey Plum. The newly acquired star is performing. She provides both offense and leadership.
Sky- The Sky at the moment might actually be Angel Reese. Without her the team is abysmal. With her, the team can actually compete. Her presence helps the team and she is improving on offense.
Wings- Wings don’t really have an engine yet. Arike has not been playing well but I could see Beukers becoming the engine in the future.
Sun- The engine is Marina Mabrey. The team is bottom tier without her on the field. Sun should be glad she is back.