Hi Mercury fans ... sorry for not having much on this front during a fairly busy week. I am up in Vegas covering the NBA Summer League, which is keeping me plenty busy.
You know by now about Diana's DUI and how ugly that looks. Bummer, huh? I checked with an Arizona lawyer who said by pleading not guilty, she, in theory, could drag this out 4 to 6 months, so I would not be surprised if there's no resolution on her case before the season ends. Being in Vegas for the NBA Summer League, I haven't had a chance to talk to her or the team about, it but you know where else to look for info on that subject.
Then there's the All-Star voting results surprise. No Cappie or Diana in the starting line-up. Some quick number crunching by a source who follows these things closely but asked to remain unnamed showed some interesting findings that might dispel any conspiracy theories about the W not letting Diana get voted in as a starter due to the incident. Here's the starting line ups:
Eastern Conference Starters:
Katie Douglas, Guard (Indiana Fever)
Alana Beard, Guard (Washington Mystics)
Sylvia Fowles, Center (Chicago Sky)
Candice Dupree, Forward (Chicago Sky)
Tamika Catchings, Forward (Indiana Fever)
Western Conference Starters:
Sue Bird, Guard (Seattle Storm)
Becky Hammon, Guard (San Antonio Silver Stars)
Lisa Leslie, Center (Los Angeles Sparks)
Swin Cash, Forward (Seattle Storm)
Lauren Jackson, Forward (Seattle Storm)
There's some question about how Mercury stars Pondexter and Taurasi didn't get voted in after leading in early polling results. The numbers show that the early lead in the voting by Mercury players was lost likely caused by the timing of home games. Here's a great break down of the theory.
Personally, I've never lost sleep over All-Star voting. There's way too many things about it that don't make sense (like why was Cappie listed as a forward and Diana guard or Tim Duncan a forward?)
Other good news this week for the Mercury:
Cappie Pondexter was named Player of the Week again and DeWanna Bonner was named Rookie of the Month for June!
That's happy stuff right there and well deserved by both players.
The Mercury have their day game today against the Monarchs which should be filled with screaming day camp kids. Sorry I am missing that! I will also miss the game Saturday against Detroit. But don't worry, Corey from our ASU site House of Sparky is covering both games, so expect a recap later today. Thanks, Corey!