Welcome Taj McWilliams-Franklin!The Mystics announced today that they have traded DeLisha Milton-Jones to the LA Sparks for six-time All-Star power forward, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, and the Sparks' 2009 first round draft pick.
While the BasketCases are thrilled to welcome Taj to the Mystics, we are also very pleased that the situation with DeLisha has been resolved. We're happy to know she'll be suiting up this season (even if she's not wearing Mystics blue), and we wish her all the best back at her old team!
At the moment, our two newest Mystics, Taj McWilliams-Franklin and rookie Crystal Langhorne, are getting acquainted as both are playing in Beijing on the USA Senior National Team. In case you're wondering how the veteran star feels about playing with a young talented player like Crystal Langhorne, here's what Taj told USA Basketball:
What do you think of some of the younger players on this
team?
I love them . . . . they play so hard every time they're on the floor. That gives us a good boost. There are no egos. They come out, whether they play three minutes or they play 15 minutes, they come out and play hard and give something every time they step on the court. Watching Crystal Langhorne, she's such a workhorse. Every time she steps in the game she gives you something good for the amount of time she's in there. She plays eight minutes, she's going to give you eight points, four rebounds, she's always doing something positive. She gets some good blocks, runs the floor well and has really impressed me with the crop of young bigs that we have.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of WNBA.com
posted by BasketCases @ 12:59 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Well, this news makes me feel TONS better about our front-court situation. I remember meeting her at All-Star weekend and I can't wait to see her again. Welcome back to DC, Taj!
Fantastic! Linda Hargrove gets major kudos for pulling this off. Now, let's see how long the front office takes to send out an email to the STH announcing this...
I just called UMD's Operations Dept and was told that the parking restrictions will be lifted on lots 4-b and 4-f for the Mystics' scrimage with DC 101 on Thursday. These lots are on the north side of Comcast Center. I'm actually going to arise early (retired people like to sleep in) and catch the fun. I hope the training camp roster comes through for the Mystics, otherwise these guys will continue to be buttheads about women's sports.
Good job Linda Hargrove. I perfer Taj over Delisha.
37 years old?
You two are kinder gentler sorts than I am. I am glad the situation is resolved but I cant help but believe that with so many "situations" surrounding this teams recent past, something is wrong. In this case I dont know whether it is DMJ or the team who is to blame for the bad feelings and the impasse so I dont actively wish anyone ill or have any hard feelings towards either party but I am left somewhat . . . disconcerted that there was another "situation" in the first place. I have no idea what we get out of an older player with limited career ahead of her and what will likely be a low first rounder but it is always a plus to get a "situation" resolved and behind you. But it just leaves this team again in a situation where it cant move forward because it is busy tripping over its own feet.
Delisha herself is not a spring chicken. Her value might erode quite a bit in the next year. Anyway, speaking of "situations," what could she make of her future with the Mystics - "Hey, Delisha, could you please mentor Lang this year so she can take your job next year?" Though Delisha definitely earned her All-Star status last season, let's not forget she got off to as bad a start as the team did and finished shooting -- what, 38% from the field. For the past few seasons I've regarded her as kind of a Mystic with a mystique -- her actual accomplishments weren't quite commensurate with her reputation.
Taj can still contribute, and she'll probably be a stabalizing force. The 'Stics' frontcourt seems solid, with potential stars in Lang and Currie, stalwarts in Sanford and Taj, and promising role players like GG and Bernice.
Now, aobut that PG situation...
C&OSpence
on draft day I was surprised the mystics did not pick up a point guard with 2nd or 3rd pick. Zoll (UVA) was available (LA took her in the 3rd round) Now I'm surprised mystics didn't get PG as part of DMJ trade. Seems Sparks have a few 1s: our ROOKIE OF THE YEAR first round 2006 pick T. Johnson, 2008 2nd round pick S. Bobbit, and Zoll. Hope Blue can be THE point guard and mystics don't try to push AB or another that is not a true PG into that spot.
From what I understand, Amber Jacobs is having a solid camp. She'll push Nikki Blue real hard for the starting point. But, you're right. I'd rather keep Alana at the shooting guard position instead of having to slide her over. I think she's more effective in that role.
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