Midseason assessments

ESPN gives each WNBA team a grade on their midseason report card, which I more or less agree with:

West

Minnesota: A

Tulsa: B

Phoenix: B-

San Antonio: C-

Seattle: C-

Los Angeles: D+

East

New York: A

Chicago: B

Washington: B-

Connecticut: B-

Indiana: C

Atlanta: C-

Since I give out plenty of report cards at my other job, I'm going to bestow some award show-type midseason awards.

Most Title Hungry: Minnesota

I haven't seen a team this active in transactions in one season in a long time. Every time something has happened to a player, the Lynx have responded with a trade or an acquisition within 24 hours. They want that trophy.

Highest potential to make a comeback: Tulsa

Since Odyssey Sims came back from injury, the Shock seem to be clicking again. Granted they are still missing Skylar Diggins, which is huge. But the momentum and positive attitude is there, and they are holding the line in the West. Playoffs look good for them.

Biggest question mark (West): Los Angeles

How much of an impact will Candace Parker make after she returns to play in two days? Will the team get healthy again? Will Crystal Bradford be able to help significantly now that she's healthy? The Sparks have a big hold to crawl out of; is it too big?

Biggest question mark (East): (tie) Washington and Indiana

Why are these two teams struggling? Both are healthy, and everyone is back. The Mystics, especially, started out strong and faltered. The Fever have a lightening rod in Tamika Catchings. What is the hold up? Will they get going the second half of the season?

Most exciting team to watch: New York

They play great defense, are quick and have awesome chemistry. Just flat-out fun to watch. If they stay healthy and work hard, they could take the East.

Transactions today:

Los Angeles Candace Parker Contract Signed
Chicago Sasha Goodlett Waived
Chicago Sylvia Fowles Signed by Chicago and traded to Minnesota along w/ a 2016 2nd round pick
Atlanta Erika De Souza Traded to Chicago
Minnesota Reshanda Gray Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Damiris Dantas
Minnesota Damiris Dantas Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Reshanda Gray
San Antonio Valeriane Ayayi Contract Signed

Lynx:

The Sylvia Fowles trade fit into Minnesota's championship goals.

Lindsay Whalen will be back for Wednesday's game.

Sparks:

Candace Parker will play in Wednesday's road game at Minnesota.

Parker has signed her contract, at last.

Liberty:

The Liberty are mirroring coach Bill Laimbeer on court.

Mercury:

Three strengths and three weaknesses of the team in the season's first half.

Dream:

"Mama D" Delisha Milton-Jones is closing in on games-played record.

College news:

South Carolina has turned up its offseason training.

Louisiana Tech is starting from scratch again with a new roster.

Trelanne Moore is Mercer's new assistant coach.

Weber State's new assistant coach is JD Gustin.

Karen Blair is a new assistant coach at Texas State.

International news:

Liz Cambage will petition the Basketball Australia Board to have her playing ban removed, after she skipped the first day of national team training camp for a concert.