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Another bucket in Katie Douglas. Katie Buck. Katie Bugless was a ducat. Katie Douglas was a bucket. This is Queens of the Court. What's up, everybody? Welcome to another episode of Queens of the Court, an Odyssey original podcast produced in partnership with the WNBA. I'm your girl, Cheryl Swoops. And I'm Jordan Robinson. And Court is in session.
I need a double gavel, baby. I feel like we need to just gavel all day long. I also just want, I want everyone, I want me and you, everyone listening right now, let's just do a couple deep breaths. I think we all need it. So let's do inhale, exhale. One more time. One more time, everybody. Inhale, exhale.
All right. I feel better. You know what? I know we're laughing, but that was so good. Before we even get into this episode, I want to say the same thing. Like to everybody that's listening, breathe, take some time. Like Whoopi Goldberg says on The View, take some time to enjoy The View.
like just enjoy life. It's so much negativity and ugliness going on right now. Like if you need to take a break from social media, just take the break. I tried y'all. And then I was like, what am I missing? Really? Nothing. It's too much. So I am really talking to myself right now, Jordan. I'm going to take a break. I got to take a break. It's,
Yeah, my head is really about to explode. But before we get into the episode, how was your weekend? What'd you do? It was great. Thanks for asking. My big highlight of my weekend,
is we are renovating our guest bathroom. I'm so excited. So we had someone come over and we like picked what the background was going to be and what the like finishes were going to be. And I just love all of that stuff. So it was so fun to see like mix and match. And it wasn't fun to see the price, but that's the point.
But we are going to have a nice, shiny bathroom for our guests. And it's my husband's bathroom because I feel like the key to a successful marriage is having separate bathrooms. You a lying about that. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. So I'm excited for him to get a little upgrade and then I'll do my bathroom next. And I'm all right. So so when is the when's the bathroom going to be done?
You know, they actually just called right now. I had to ignore the call to schedule it, but they're like three to four months out and then they'll do it in like three days though, or two days. Like they'll just knock it out, but it gives us something to look forward to. No doubt. I'm so excited. I can't wait. I've been telling everyone. So I'm excited. That's like the best. Great. It is. I had to do a PowerPoint presentation. Yes, you do.
You do have to come in well when it's done and I'm in LA. Okay, what was your PowerPoint presentation on? I had to do a PowerPoint presentation for my husband to give all of my ideas and just to have photos, examples, budget. Oh, I think I saw you posted something about that. Can I just tell you how much I love the two of you on social media?
Oh, so cute. So cute. Yay. How was your weekend? You sent me a video of your corn harvesting. Girl, my weekend was so crazy busy, but it was fun. First of all, if you can't tell, I spent 10 hours getting these braids done.
They look great. Hello. They look great. And I did tell her, when I call you to come take them down, don't ignore my call because I'm not taking these things down. For those of you who know, then you know. And if you don't know, it's a process. It's a process. Yeah, it was a great weekend. My husband and I spent time in the garden. We harvested our corn on the cob, which the corn is so delicious. So delicious. Got onion to do.
I just I spent time at home like I've been on the road so much. So I spent 10 hours getting here, and then just worked in the garden and was outside in the heat. And I just I didn't renovate. I cleaned. I did like a spring cleaning. My closets are all done and organized now. And I love that. Yeah, it's just exciting. And I have one of these for you. So I'm just going to show it to you. Oh, I can't read it because I have coffee in it. But it says
It's a beautiful day to be a black woman. I have one for you. It's coming. Okay. I think every day is, but today in particular, I just felt like I needed this in my life. So yeah. But yours is coming. It's coming.
Well, that was great. That put a smile on my face. I love that. I'm so happy you had a great weekend. And there was some news. There was some great basketball this weekend as well. I was glued to the television. But I want to start with maybe the biggest news story is...
we speculated who the Las Vegas Aces were going to sign. We knew that there was some news coming with the Asia Fair getting waved so late in the game that they had something up their sleeves. But I did not expect Tiffany Hayes came out of retirement
to sign with the Las Vegas Aces. She was playing with the Connecticut Sun last season. She started all 40 games, averaging 12 points. And she last season in December, she was retired. She was balling overseas in 3x3 with Azerbaijan. And now she is going to be on the West Coast in Las Vegas. What was your reaction? Because my mouth was on the floor. Oh my God. Was so not on my radar.
Was so not on my radar. I think my first reaction was, wow, that's really what I said when I read it. And I had to read it twice because I was like, no, yeah, okay. But you know what? As if the Aces, and I know they lost Southernite to Atlanta, but as if the Aces weren't already good enough, adding Tiffany Hayes might be that one piece.
that they're missing it was genius like just a really really smart front office move like I I just I like it and you know the thing is with Tiffany Hayes when she announced her retirement she wasn't saying that she was done playing basketball she felt like she was just done with the WNBA and and specifically so
Somehow the aces enticed her back, but I too would come out of retirement for the back to back champ. I'm sure it didn't take a lot. If the aces are calling you saying, Tiffany, we want you to come play. I'm there. Yes. And it's a chance for her to possibly win a championship. Like brilliant move. Like
Becky Hammond, Nikki Fargus, Jennifer Azee, Natalie Williams. I'm just giving all the former WNBA players a shout out right here. No, like I just, I just love that organization. I do. Me too. I love everything that they're doing in. Okay. So real quick, I actually was joking with myself and I said, Oh, here we go with another investigation. I,
You know, people were already saying it before the signing came. Like, how?
But they, you know, they did have some cap space and it would be, I think it would raise more red flags if they didn't waive a player. But the fact that they did kind of get rid of and made some room for Tiffany Hayes. But I think especially with Chelsea Gray out right now, this is a genius move. We saw some of the holes that they are missing in that Atlanta game.
And I think Tiffany Hayes just brings all of it. I love it. Good for her. Good for them. Yay. And you know what? I'm sorry. And like when she announced her retirement, my first thought was why? Like you have so much more game left in you. So I'm so happy to see her back in the league. Yeah, me too. 11 years in the league and she still could have kept cooking. And that's what she came back to do. So excited to see that.
Moving on to something that doesn't get me that excited, but we have to talk about it. On Sunday, the WNBA upgraded the Chicago Sky Guard Kennedy Carter's foul against Indiana Fever rookie Kaitlyn Clark to a flagrant one violation after reviewing the play. In the game, they just called it away from the play foul. Away from the play foul.
So it wasn't upgraded. It wasn't a flagrant in the game. Also to note, players accumulate points for flagrant fouls during the regular season and receive suspensions if they reach a certain number. I believe it is three points. And Kennedy Carter was only issued one point for that. So she will not be suspended. There has been...
So much. I don't even... So much discourse around this one singular play that it is kind of nauseating. But what I will say is that head coach Teresa Witherspoon released a statement this morning. We're recording this on Monday. And I want to read the statement if you guys haven't seen it yet. And I feel like it's a great bow on the whole situation. It says...
Physical play, intensity, and a competitive spirit are hallmarks of Chicago Sky basketball. Kennedy got caught up in the heat of the moment in an effort to win the game. She and I have discussed what happened and that it was not appropriate, nor is it what we do or who we are. Kennedy understands that
there are better ways to handle situations on the court. She will learn from this as we all will. As a team, we will grow together and continue to work hard to display strong leadership and set a positive example for our competitors, fans and partners." What's your reaction to the statement, Cheryl? To the statement, I think it's spot on.
it's exactly who spoon is she's a terrific leader regardless of all the ugly negativity that's been on social media um and if you watch the game um you saw when spoon or at least I did when spoon called Kennedy over right and she was shaking her head like
basically like, what are you doing? This is not what we do. So I saw all of that in that moment. Let me say this totally, totally against what Kennedy did. Right. Like, yeah, it wasn't a basketball play, but no, I won't even say, but right. Let me just end that. Like that wasn't a basketball play. Okay. But my thing is this, I don't think she did.
Just decided in that moment, I'm just going to go and hip check her. It wasn't a basketball play, but I also don't think it was as, as like egregious as everybody is making it out to be. It was a little flopping going on there.
No, it was. I would say Caitlyn flopped in the Angel Reese play when Angel Reese just tried to box her out. That was a flop. But Kennedy Carter hip checked the hell out of Caitlyn. I don't know if that was a flop. She hip checked her, but if you go back and look in slow motion, it wasn't like, "Bang." But regardless of how you feel about it. There was definitely something.
That led to that moment plays prior to where if you go back and look, Caitlin elbowed her and pushed her and then even got in her face and said something. I just, I think so much stuff right now though, is just being blown way out of proportion into me. That's what's tiring. And especially when you have people,
who've never watched a WNBA game, never cared about the WNBA, don't even know WNBA players are all of a sudden experts at the WNBA. That's the part that's just draining to me. But Spoon has always been, back to your original question about her statement, Spoon's always been a leader, even when she was a player.
So it doesn't surprise me that she put this statement out. I just want us to play basketball. Me too. And I just want to watch basketball without the extra commentary. But yes, I also saw that moment of right after, I think right after the free throw, Chicago called a timeout and away from everyone else, Spoon,
zeroed in on Kennedy. We don't know exactly what she said, but it was a very one-on-one moment. And just from, you know, being a player and being around those moments, it was probably along the lines of like, all right, let's get it out. You did that. Now let's get back to basketball and the task at hand is winning this game. And I do think she got caught in the moment and it was very much like,
We're going back, rewinding tape to see maybe this is when Caitlyn said something to her. It's basketball. It's basketball. Caitlyn Clark talks so much trash. Kennedy Carter talks trash. I talk trash in my rec league games. Everybody talks trash all the time. And it is such the double standard that us little ladies can't have...
trash talking can't have anything that is remotely on that level. It is a double standard. And especially as being a black woman, you are constantly in these spaces that it doesn't matter if you are in the corporate office, if you are on a basketball court, you have to never be the angry black woman, you can never show any type of emotion. And it is so
So, furiating and frustrating. I think that Teaspoon, we've said it multiple times on this podcast, she is the perfect coach for this team. She protected Kennedy in the post-game press conference when Kennedy said, I refuse to answer any questions about Kaitlyn Clark anymore.
Should Kennedy have said, yeah, I did it. You know, it was the heat of the moment. I own up to it. Maybe. But she did. And Teaspoon said that's enough when she was really being berated by a journalist to keep asking and answering a question. And I just will say that that is what we wanted Teaspoon to do is protect her players. And that is what I feel like she did.
Absolutely. And I would have done the same thing. Here's why I say no. And I just said it just because I wanted to say it. Here's the thing. Jordan, every player that plays against Indiana, Caitlin in particular, they all get asked questions about Caitlin. It's not questions about you or your performance or your team. It's all about her.
And so I understand Kennedy's point of I'm just not going to answer any questions because there's a thing. It's kind of like, damn, if you do, damn, if you don't. Right. So Angel gets fined for not being available. Chicago Sky gets fined for, I guess, not making all players available. But if you go and you say something that the press doesn't like, the media doesn't like, you're going to be fined for that, too.
So Angel Reese gets the fine because she refused to come out and do a one-on-one interview. She wasn't going to be on the podium per se. But I still think the idea that
I know what they're going to ask me. I know that it wasn't probably not going to be about this game. And it seemed like more of a protecting my peace type of deal. And she could have pulled a, you know, Marshawn Lynch. I'm just here. So I don't get by. No comment.
uh, just here. So I don't get fined, but you know, she didn't. And the, the players or the whole team got a fine and Angel Reese got a fine, but then you have someone like Kennedy Carter who is at the podium. So she doesn't get fined. And she just says, I don't want to ask, answer any questions about this specific topic, which I think, unfortunately it's, it's a part of the biz that, you know, they have to answer those questions. But anyway, um,
it is go listen to monica mcnutt on first take go listen to l duncan they have had their rants and we support them great their takes are great um the the last thing i want to say about it is when when you're talking about post-game interviews um you know as a player and there were moments when i played regardless of the outcome of the game whether we won whether we lost
Sometimes just the timing of it, right? It's just bad. Either you had a bad game or something happened in the game and then you're thrown right to the media. And I'm not sure the media at times takes into consideration, first of all, that these players are human.
Right? Like we have emotions, they have emotions like everybody else. And so sometimes as media, you're just like, oh, I can't wait to ask this question because I know it's gonna either be a heated question or somebody's gonna get upset about it. And I'm saying that because even the question that was asked to Camila Cardosa, like, oh, why were you nervous to play? And she looked like, I mean, it was my first WNBA game.
Like as a rookie, do you know what I mean? Like, of course I'm going to be nervous. I don't know. I just, the thing I'll say is you have to also be prepared for what's going to come when you do something like Kennedy did in that game. Yeah. But I will go back and say this. And I said this from day one when we were talking about
I am so excited, though, to see Kennedy Carter back in the league because she is a hell of a talent and deserves to be playing in this league. One of the best guards to play in this game, regardless of what you think, how you feel about her. You can't deny that she's talented.
For sure. And I don't want that to I don't want this situation to overshadow that she balled out. She played very, very well. And she's been playing so well. She said in a separate interview that she just all last season that she was out of the league. She just watched. She just watched games. And you can tell that she's not forcing a lot of things. Her spots are particular. Her shot selection is way better. And I'm I just really like what she's doing.
on the offensive end, on the defensive end, like she's really balling out. And I would hate for all of this discourse to overshadow that because she played really, really well. But the Fever won that game. It was a one point game. It was close. But they play each other three more times this year. So lucky us.
We're going to take a break. We will be talking legends of the game. And who would you call up this week? If you are the GM of each team, we're going to take a break. See you on the other side. And now a word from our sponsors at Betterment.
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Welcome back to Queens of the Court. That is done. The door is closed. Now for us for us it is for us it is now we're moving on to something fun. I had this idea. And I'm so excited that we're gonna play it out. As you always have ideas.
There's just a lot of things cooking up in this underneath this afro of mine. Okay, the question is, which legend would you bring back? If each franchise could bring back one player who was no longer with the team, they were traded, they retired, they lost them a free agency.
Who should they bring back? And how would that player fit what each team currently needs? That's the key part, because there are some gaps in some rosters right now. Per usual, no roster is perfect. But what is that player? Who is that player that could fit into there? It needs to be a player who played for that franchise at some point in their career. And we're going to go in order of last place in the standings to first place.
Are you clear on the parameters, Cheryl? Am I clear? I think so. But you got to give me one second because I got to go pull up some...
some rosters. Yeah. Because we've got a lot of changes going on. A lot of changes. I think that's the that's what makes this extra tricky with the W is because there were franchises in different cities with different names that have kind of transformed into other franchises or the current franchise that we know them as now. That makes it interesting. So we're gonna start with the mystics because they are
0-8 right now. Tied for the worst start in franchise history. So they need a lot of things. They need more than one legend to come back. They need more than one legend. But if you had to pick, my...
who's someone who's technically kind of still on their roster is Alana Deladon, but 2019 MVP Alana Deladon wouldn't help this team. She would, she would. I hear you. She would. Okay. But mine is absolutely someone without question. I know. Like I, yeah, I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm rolling with a Shemeika holes claw.
Okay, great. That was my second. Yeah, that was my second guess. Yeah. I mean, either of those two, Shemekwa is or was like a dog. A dog. Yeah. Could just score. She was a big bodyguard. She was going to post you. She just was it. Like, and I feel like they need EDD too, but I feel like they need, they need a little bit more than just,
a score you know what I mean yeah yeah uh-huh and uh and should honestly they need both listen the other one I thought about I know we said only one was Elena beer it's mine yes that was that was also mine I guess I was just thinking of positions wise um
But Elena Beard, I mean, both ends of the floor. No doubt. I was a super fan of Elena Beard. She was in the league from 2004 to 2019 and with the Mystics from 2004 to 2009. And Shemeika Holesclaw, 1999 to 2010 in the league and was with Washington from 99 to 2004. Whole lot of buckets there. Tons of buckets. Tons of talent.
Can't go wrong with either of those two. You really can. You can. And the thing is about the Mystics is they've had some close games. Like, they've come back. They haven't been blown out too many times, even though they haven't won a game. But just like another score or another couple of defensive stops from Alana Beard or, you know, just a solid 15 from Shemiqua, they would have a better record than they have right now.
I agree. Yeah. Okay. Okay. No, that's a good one. Those are good. That's a good one. I like that. I'm just imagining like a simulation in my mind where those players at their prime are on the court right now. That just would be really cool. So next up is the Indiana Fever. And to me, this was...
an easy one because they have not been stopping a lot of people defensively. So you need to call in Tamika Catchings. Get her on the phone. Get her on the phone right now. Yeah. And, you know, I can't disagree with you on this one. I need some defense and catch.
It's just going to play on both ends of the floor. The other thing, they need a leader. They need a leader. Catch is a leader. I'm not inside the locker room. I have no idea what's going on in the locker room, but just from stuff I see on the floor and in huddles and timeouts, they just look so divided. And I think you need a player, someone like Catch, who not only can hoop,
but can be that voice, can be that person that's going to bring everybody together and make sure the locker room's right. I don't know. Catch, yeah. That's a no-brainer to me. No-brainer. Catch played for the Fever 2002 to 2016.
She is through and through the fevers identity, multiple defensive player of the year. She also, I think, would have a lot of fun because I think what Indiana does well is they are running in transition. Kaitlin throwing the ball ahead, post players running. I'm sure she misses Fagbenle, who's out with an injury right now, but she was head hunting, running to the rim. I think Ketch would also have a lot of fun with
that. So yes, I'm sorry. Just because you brought her up. I love that kid. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Come on. Primed for the opportunity. Can't wait for her to get back from, from injury. So LA Sparks, um, Jordan, there's so many to choose from.
There's so many to choose from, but you have to think, what do they need right now? Because it's not necessarily who was the best player in franchise history, but who do they need right now? And my pick is Chelsea Gray.
They need a point guard. They do not have a point guard. Leja Clareton is in concussion protocol right now. Lexi Brown is playing the point guard. Then Aria McDonald is coming in. No question about it. They need a point guard to organize. And I think Chelsea Gray, what she has done for so many teams, she's going to elevate everyone else's play.
Yeah, I mean, you know, I'm never gonna go against the point guard. But, but, oh, this is this was hard. Because without question, yes, they need a point guard don't have that. Um, but but I also think they they need another big that could just score and defeat. And that's gotta be ll. Gotta be Lisa Leslie.
I mean, Lisa, but can I have one more? You can have one more. Because you said Chelsea Gray, and I agree, Chelsea Gray could be it. But for those who don't know or remember, Nikki Teasley. Nikki Teasley was cold. Nikki Teasley could pass the rock, could handle. Like her and Lisa together, girl, that was a heck of a one-two combo.
Those two alone go get the Sparks where they need to be. I mean, back-to-back, before the Aces, for the new fans, before the Aces went back-to-back these last two years, the last back-to-back was the LA Sparks and Lisa Leslie's squad. So Leslie played for the Sparks from 97 to 2009 and won two titles with the team,
I like that. I like it. Cameron Brink with Lisa Leslie. Yeah, right. That would be fun. But you got to get who's passing it to them. I think you need two people. That's what I'm saying. I think we got to have two here to help the sparks.
They see they right now they are showing stretches, but I am frustrated. I was going to say, are we a little frustrated right now? Frustrated because I see De'Erica Hamby is doing so great and I do not want this to be a wasted great season for her. But hey, maybe maybe Paige Beckers will look great in the purple and gold. Or maybe we're tanking for a future pig. I don't know.
Moving on. That was a good one. Yeah. Dallas Wings. And as a reminder, this also includes Tulsa Shock and the Detroit Shock. Detroit Shock, girl. We got a lot of players to pick from here. Again, going off of what Dallas needs right now. Oh.
I think we talked about it at the beginning of the season. They need a point guard. They need a point guard. So I had Deanna Nolan, Tweety, as their point guard.
She could be, though. She could be. Listen, even if she's not, I would rock with Tweety because Tweety was a bucket. Tweety was a problem. That's what I'm saying. She could come in as a one. She won three WNBA championships with the Detroit Shock. And I think also the part is the only player on the wings right now with championship experience is Natasha Howard. So bringing in somebody else with championship experience of like, hey, this is what it takes to get there.
And she's holding the rock and passing it off to Arike. Woo. Woo. How do you guard that? How do you guard that? You don't. Woo. I like that. Yeah. Tweety's hard. That's a dance. Tweety's hard. I would also. So Katie Smith could play a little point also. I like that. Tweety. I love Tweety.
But I kind of would go also with either a Katie Smith or a Swin Cash. See, I got Swin for another team. But yeah. Okay. I like that. Still championships. A lot of championship pedigree in the Detroit Shock line. And I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't remember those players we just mentioned. But yeah. I mean, I could also bring a Cheryl Swoops back.
from Tulsa Shock. We can bring in Cheryl Swoop. Oh, I forgot. I was there for one year. Oh, then without question. Yeah. Without question. There you go. On to the next one. I've been forgetting.
No, it wasn't that I forgot I was there. I forgot that Dallas was Detroit, Tulsa. Now we're Dallas. Oh, well, yeah. Yeah, we're winning a championship. Easy. Okay. Oh, wow. How could I forget it? I wish you guys could have saw her face. Like the wheels were turning. I'm like, wait.
I was like, no, the comments. Yeah. Okay. 33 games. That was funny. hilarious. Okay. Chicago sky. Chicago sky. Ah,
And I want to pause here by saying this is a great spot for OGs and new fans. OGs of the game are going to love these, know these names. But if you're a new fan...
Look up these players, look them up on YouTube, watch their highlight reels and just grow your knowledge of it because that's what makes being a basketball nerd super fun. So I think this is for both fans. But anyway, Chicago Sky, what do they need right now? I started with kind of a knockdown shooter.
Marina Mabry has been playing out of her mind. She's been shooting it really well. But a prime time Allie Quigley just on the wing for an Angel Reese offensive rebound. Yeah. What? I think that would be lethal on the perimeter. So that's like my first thought. What about you?
I was there with you. I was there with you with an Allie Quigley because they I do think they need another shooter. This is where I would probably go back and go with an Elena Della Dawn. Okay, I like that. An EDD in the sky. That was good. Camila Cardoso, Angel Reese. Wow.
Um, either Dana Evans or Kennedy Carter running the point and Mabry on the other wing. Yeah, that could be nice. Edd with that squad could be nice.
I am picturing it. I'm looking off into the distance. I am picturing it. Edd was drafted by the sky, was there from 2013 to 2016. It seemed like it was a lot longer, but it was only a short amount of time in her in her career. But he
EDD in the sky was lethal. That is such a tall lineup. Yes. That's a problem lineup. That's a problem lineup. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Also, I wanted to throw out a name.
Another name is Gia Perkins. She was an all star for Chicago, I think would fit the vibe defensive minded that teaspoon is putting together. Also a little fun fact. She is the cousin of Kennedy Carter, which makes a lot of sense. That would be like a family reunion if they were on the same team together. If they got along.
All cousins don't get along. No, I'm kidding. I'm kidding, Jordan. That would be on point with the family reunion. We don't know. But I think it would match. It would match the vibe. She was with the Sky from 2006 to 2010. It would. I love it. It would. I love that. Okay, now I can't stop thinking of Edie D, though. I like that one a lot. All right. The Phoenix Mercury is up next. And...
I struggled with this one, Cheryl, because I look at the style of play that the Mercury are playing right now. They are leading the league in three-point attempts. They are shooting that thing. Diana Taurasi has really been there since nearly the team's inception. So she's been rocking with them a long time. I'm sorry. Shout out DT, 31 points the other night. I'm sorry. I just had to put that out there. Let's go. Let's go, old school!
She has made six or more three-pointers in a game three times this season already. Girl, Diana is playing with y'all. She is not playing with you at all. But I think of, okay, what's the thing that they're missing? It's a big. No doubt about it.
is on the best big in franchise history is on the bench with an injury. So really they just need Brittany Griner to come back. Okay. Well, she's hurt. So she can't play right now. She can't play right now. I know. You may not even remember this one. I agree with you. They definitely need a big and the big grandmama, Jennifer Gillum,
Jennifer Gillum was a problem. And Jennifer Gillum could step out and knock down the three. She had some of the best post moves down low, defended, and also bringing a little bit of that old school vibe. Let's go. Grandma. I love it. Gillum played the league. I would roll with her. 97 to 2003. Yeah.
Okay, I think that's tough to stop. That's gonna be a matchup nightmare, especially if they're shooting like they are now. And then you have that solid back to the basket post. All right, all right, I like that one. And when BG is healthy, BG and Jennifer Gillum together with Tosh at the point, DT on the wing. I'd like to bring back one more wing. I'd like to bring Cappy Pond extra back.
Okay, that's a great one. That's a great one. I know it's just one player, but some of these teams need two or three, so. You got to load up. I think that's just showing how great the league is right now. Like, you got to load up. We need to call the Avengers back. We need enforcers.
Women who are legends of the game. Cappy is a great example for Phoenix. We could slot her in on a lot of teams. She was a journeywoman through the league and was balling at every single stop that she was on. That could have been for Sparks, too. Yeah. Okay. Moving on to the dream. ATL had a huge win over the Aces this week. Alicia Gray...
went off who do they need to bring back I think my gut reaction was you have to go with who is the legend of the Atlanta Dream franchise and that's Angel McCautry that was my guess took them to the finals multiple times bucket getter like
rookie, like second year Angel McCautry, she was putting up 30 shots a game. Oh, Angel was a bucket. Yeah, Angel was a problem. She was a bucket. So I... Yeah, 2009, 2022 in the league and she was with ATL for 10 years of that. Angel McCautry, who's your pick? I'm probably there with you. I am. I would go with Angel first, no question. And...
Yeah. Yeah. I'm there with Angel. I think so too, right? I have this in, you have Alicia Gray, Angel, Ryan Howard, Cheyenne Parker-Tias, and Tina Charles. That's a lot of buckets. That's a lot of buckets. Even just Tina Charles being there historically, that's a lot of buckets. I think if we had this conversation last year,
And I would say Tina Charles would need to be on this team. She's never played for the dream before. But I would say if we could bring an OG back, it would be Tina Charles, because she fits in so well with the squad. I'm really liking what she's doing for them. I like her with Atlanta. I do like her with Atlanta a lot. Yeah, that's a good one. Okay. All right, Seattle Storm.
we could also bring you back for this one cheryl no they don't need me for this one i have the answer for this one okay what's what's your answer go for it um i thought i did oh um oh it's tough seattle has had some some legends and what
They're a little loaded right now, but what do you think they need? I still think, I know Skylar is running the one for them, but I still think they need another point guard. Okay. I like Skylar at the two. So if that's the case, I'm bringing Sue Bird back, right? All right. Okay. And if I keep Skylar at the one...
I would love to see a Lauren Jackson playing next to a Nneka Agumake or an Ezzie McGore. So one of those two is who I would roll with. Absolutely. I'm going Lauren Jackson. I also had Swin Cash here for The Storm. I think the height, of course, Sue Bird,
absolute icon played for Seattle for 20 years from 2022 or 2002 to 2022. Multiple championships, but Lauren Jackson, I think would slot in nicely. Ezi and her already have the Australia connection. So I think that would be good. And listen, Lauren Jackson retired from the W.
Lauren is still playing in Australia and she's giving them 50.
Like, Lauren is still a bucket. LJ, let's go. Let's go. That's a call that would have my mouth on the floor like way more than a Tiffany Hayes out of retirement. Wouldn't that be crazy? That would be so fun. So fun. Lauren Jackson was with Seattle 2001 to 2012. So many great years for the Storm, overlapping with her and Sue Bird, but...
Yeah. Cheryl, you have Lauren Jackson's number. Could you call her? Just be like, are you thinking about? I'm going to let her answer. I'm going to call her and tell her to come on Queens of the Court. Let's talk about this superwoman that she is. Because Lauren, LJ is still a bucket. A bucket. She is.
She is a bucket. Shout out to the Storm, though. They're on a four-game winning streak right now. It was off to a rocky start, but I feel like it's sooner than expected. They're already starting to find their groove a little bit. They're not calling it a big three. They're calling it a core four, including Nneka, Jules, Skylar, and Ezzy. So I think they're
They're getting it. It's gonna click and Skylar seems like she has her legs under her now. So the storm fans, take a deep breath. You're good. You're good. All right. Last one. Is it? No, this isn't the last one. This is not the last one. What? My screen I have like five screens open and it didn't let me like we have like 14. Yeah, sorry. Next one is the Las Vegas aces which could
Also include the San Antonio Silver Stars and also the Utah Stars with two Zs. Stars. What do the Aces need right now? I mean, we talked about it up top. Tiffany Hayes coming really fills a hole for them. But I think overall they need a point guard and it might be Becky Hammond. It might be Becky Hammond.
The Silver Stars? Well, if you're saying they need a point guard, because the point guard is out right now. And Jackie Young is running point, but I really love Jackie off the ball.
For sure. For sure. And Becky was nice with it. Becky running the squad with Asia. Yeah, Becky could be good. I'll tell you what I do think they need. Okay. I like Kate Martin.
But I think they need another scoring big. Okay. Because Keira Stokes is going to defend, right? She'll score every now and again. That's not like her strength. And so I don't know who that other big is when Asia comes out of the game. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Right? So there's not a drop-off. Yeah. And so because of that,
I would go with either, who people probably won't remember, either Natalie Williams, who works in the front office for the Aces, or God rest her soul, Margo Dedeck. Yes, yes. Who played for the Utah Stars. And Margo was... Alex, if you can give me her exact height, because I don't... Margo was, I don't know, 6'10"?
Maybe taller, not sure. But Margo, and people probably say, well, yeah, she was that tall, so she should score inside. Of course she did. But Margo could also step away from the basket 15 feet and could knock it down. The mid-range was lethal. Oh, I was so wrong. Margo was 7'2".
Seven, two. Seven, two. And I said God rest her soul because she passed away. But Margo was such a talented player in the league and was just gone too soon. But either of those two.
I think could help the Aces from a scoring big standpoint. She passed away in 2011 at the age 37. And Dedick played in the league from '98 to 2008. But going way back in the vault to the Utah Stars days, way back in the day.
If you could imagine a seven to scoring center who can that free throw line extended like that area was like her sweet spot as well with an Asia Wilson with all these scoring guards around. Oh my goodness. Woo. Yeah. All right. I like that one.
I don't know how Becky Hammond would coach herself. So I don't know if that would be like a clone situation. So yeah, I like yours a lot. All right, next one I think is is pretty Oh, actually, Minnesota links have a lot of legends that you could bring back. I didn't give this two thoughts. But I know who you picked.
Yeah, I'm gonna say Maya Moore. You bring back Maya Moore. Yeah, because everybody wants to see Maya back also. Yes, that was completely, it was fully selfishly a decision. I want to see Maya Moore still play basketball again. And so that is who I wish just came back in general. But Maya Moore only played with the Lynx 2011 to 2018 for WNBA championships. Maya Moore.
is my pick. I love Maya. And you can't go wrong with Maya. You can't. When I look at, well, when I look at Minnesota, I think Minnesota needs a big. Hey, but I wonder who, I know who it is, but go ahead. You know who it is? I think so. Who is it? Is it Sylvia Pounce? No.
No, you know, you know, I'm going old school. All right. I'm going to bring back Taj McWilliams Franklin. Oh, Taj. Yes. Taj would be good for this young Minnesota team. But of course, Maya could score everywhere. But yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I mean, there's so many we could have gone with. We could have gone with Simone, but we could have gone with Rebecca Brunson. But I'm going to go with old school, old school and bring back Taj McWilliams. Okay. Okay. Recent inductee to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Taj McWilliams, pregnant. She played in the league from 99 to 2012. Okay.
My my only this I love Taj. My only disagreement with that is I been looking at Nafisa Collier and I just I kind of like how she doesn't have a traditional big in the paint in the paint with her right now. Like she just seems like she has a lot of space to work and move and it's it's not because I don't I feel like.
what, Alana Smith is kind of the five and then they bring in Dorka Juhasz playing the five. So I like her just being able to step out, drive, have more space without a traditional big. So that's my only disagreements. Nothing against Taj.
No, I like that. I do. And it does. It gives them more room to operate if there's not a true big in the paint. I like that. Okay. I like it. Taj was with Minnesota two seasons, 2011, 2012. New York Liberty. New York Liberty. One of the original franchises in the WNBA. I had, you know, what is New York? New York's playing very well right now.
But still needing some more perimeter defenders, just lock down dogs. You got to go Teresa Witherspoon. Without question. Without question. Without question. You got to. They need, for sure, just defense on the perimeter, but they need a dog. They need somebody that's going to...
Talk smack. Get in your face. Go and defend. Get everybody where they're supposed to be. Without question. Yeah. Next team. Now, that was...
probably the easiest one for me. That was the easiest one. That was the easiest one. Just needing some just yeah. Teaspoon 97 2004. She was in the league and so many iconic just when you picture Teaspoon you picture in a Liberty jersey guarding someone full court like that's what I just my first thought. So yeah, I like that one. Easy. Now this is the last one.
Sorry for the error earlier. Connecticut Sun was also the Orlando Miracle. Connecticut Sun. Who do you have for this one? I'm curious. I'll let you go first. Well, since... This one's kind of easy for me too. And since we're going with Maya Moore from Minnesota, I'm going to put Taj with Connecticut. Oh, okay. Right now, they have A.T., Breonna Jones, uh...
Olivia Nelson, right? But Taj, I think could be a perfect starter backup either one for this Connecticut team. I do. I like Taj here. I could give you one more because I also think they need another score on the perimeter.
Okay. And and I would go with Katie Douglas. Yes, I really like that pig 2001 to 2014 in the league and was with Connecticut for 2005 20 and 2007 and then came back and close out her career in 2014 with them to another bucket and Katie Douglas Katie but Katie Bugless was a ducat Katie Douglas was a bucket.
all right okay douglas was nice she was really nice i kind of went i kind of went a different route and i i think it's tough too because connecticut when you're undefeated you're like do you need much it's very different from the opposite end of this list where we were like okay you might need a couple people i went uh i went lindsay whalen i went
even though they have Alyssa Thomas, who is leading in assists and is about to average a triple-double again this year, which we need to make up an award to give her if she doesn't get the MVP. Just saying. Lindsay Whalen, I think, would just take them to another level
I'm not sure. I didn't really play it out in my mind too much. But I just think they don't need much of how they're rolling right now and how Dawana Bonner is playing. She reached 7,000 career points. Already talked about she's on the fifth all-time scoring list. She looks like she hasn't missed a beat. She looks incredible. And Dejanay Carrington is having the best season she's had.
So this Connecticut Sun team, they are making some noise. And Ty Harris, I'm sorry, I just, Ty Harris, I think she's worked on her game in the off season, had a conversation with AT and DB, like, what do you need from me? And yeah, this Connecticut Sun team right now, they are...
they're really really good yeah they got it really good right now like it lindsey whalen was on connecticut from 2004 to 2009 then she went to minnesota and was with my more and they just dominated but uh i like a young lindsey whalen on this team but um connecticut let me just ask do you think do you think this is the real deal do you think this is
the time because i feel and i say this so many times regular season they do very well um then it comes the playoffs and then it comes the finals so do you think this time because last year they got close and they didn't have brie jones is this the real deal i i will say this brie jones on this squad makes a big difference
Bree has a great presence in the paint that they missed last year. I'm not saying they're going to win at all, but I will say I think they'll be there. I think A.T., when she didn't win MVP last year, I think she's coming into this season with a chip on her shoulder. And I think she's tired of being like the bridesmaid, right? And not the bride. Right.
DB, again, and I just think the way everybody on this team is playing is
from AT to DB to DC, that's Dejanay Carrington, to TH, Ty Harris, to BJ, Bree Jo. Oh, God. No, I just, I think, I said BG, BJ, yeah. I just think everybody on this team, like, they're on a mission. So, yeah. They are. I'm excited to see what, like, how it plays out.
I know they look to your point right now. Yes, to your point about getting to the finals or the 17th team in WNBA history to start eight and oh, and all of those teams have made it to the finals previously not want it but they've made it to the finals. So the path is there. They're making history as they go along.
I want it. I want it to happen. I want the one about it. I have another championship. I want Alyssa Thomas to have a championship. Will it happen this year? I'm sure the aces have something to say about that. But that was fun. That was good. That was a great time. I'm just envisioning all of these squads. That was that was great. That was that was really good. My vision came to life. We're going to take a quick break. When we come back, we're going to talk about things that bring us joy.
I love that. See you on the other side. Overnight, Duncan's pumpkin spice coffee has sent folks into a cozy craze. I'm Lauren LaTulip reporting live from home in my hand-knit turtleneck that my Nana made me. Mmm, cinnamony. The home with Duncan is where you want to be. At BlueNile.com, you can find endless ways to make your moments sparkle. From classic and timeless jewelry gifts to creating the custom engagement ring of her dreams. All at prices you won't find at a traditional jeweler.
And right now, you can save up to 40% on fine jewelry and 25% on engagement ring settings during the Blue Nile Anniversary Sale. Going on now. Go to BlueNile.com to shop the Blue Nile Anniversary Sale and save up to 40%. That's BlueNile.com. All right. Welcome back. That was fun. Go down memory lane. Cheryl forgot what team she played on. Kept waiting for the comments to come up. And then I remember, oops. Oops.
Don't have a team anymore. For sure. One for the comments, clearly. Jordan, I know I would have been your first pick. So obviously, obviously, but going off of the deep breaths that we took at the beginning, it's been a strange, strange start to the WNBA season. A lot of discourse, um,
Horrible takes trash takes some uninformed men, which we've already covered. I'm so positive and I do not like to focus on the negative. So let's talk some joy real quick. Wanted to focus on joy for today's final segment. Essentially just a big flower segment for something that brought you joy. Could be basketball related, could not be.
I have one or do you want to go first? No, I want to hear your one. I do. Okay. So I saw amidst all of the timeline chaos. I saw a video that was so cute. I think I watched it 15 times.
It was at the New York Liberty game. And while Sabrina Inescu was warming up, they had like Girl Scouts sitting in the front row and
And this little girl, she had her Girl Scout vest on. She was so excited to be there. And just while Sabrina was stretching, she just had two big thumbs up just facing her. She didn't even say anything. She just had two big thumbs up, just smiling so hard. And then finally, Sabrina called her over, gave her a big hug, and she just ran back to her mom just so excited.
excited, just joy. - That is so cute. - It is so cute. If you have not seen that video, I will repost it on Twitter, but it brought me so much joy and what it is all about. - That is. And I think to your point with everything that's going on out there, social media and uninformed people is just so much. I think we tend to forget about,
what this is really all about. And I said this other day, I said, we have all these ugly messages and threats and over basketball. I know. Like, let's not forget. I got something in my eye. That it's a basketball game. It's entertainment. It's not life or death. So I love that one. And since you brought that up, I actually have two. The first one is kind of similar to that. And I don't know if you saw this on social media or not.
It was the Aces played at Atlanta. And so even after the loss, right, you know where I'm going with this? Mm-hmm. The little girl that came up to Asia Wilson after the game and just wanted an autograph.
Asia went above and beyond in more, took a picture, hugged her, talked to her. And the little girl was just crying. Crying. Yes. Right. And, and, and I say it was after a loss because I know personally after a loss, there are times where I just want to go get on the bus. I don't want to talk to anybody. I don't want to take pictures cause I'm still can't believe we lost this game. Um,
So that to me just put a big smile on my face and brought everything back to the moment. Like this is what it's all about. And this is who we do it for. Oh, I just lied because I got two more. The second one. Well, here's the second one.
um and it's real it's real short because even in competition right i loved um alicia um alicia gray and asia going back and forth on social media it was so fun yeah right when asia blocked her shop and then she sent that girl back to south carolina and then but then asia was like i'm still mad we lost right so we're right now she's like yeah but at the end of the day you get the last laugh because we lost okay
So my third one really isn't about, it's not really about the W per se, but in a way it is because this person who I have really admired forever, she's in the media space, was an analyst, still is an analyst.
And that's Latina Robinson. I have so much respect for Latina. And I want to use this segment to give her her flowers because she posted the other day that she will be covering women's basketball at the Olympics.
Yes. And I said, there's no one more deserving, better deserving than the Latina Robinson. Congrats to you, sis. We know you're going to do what you do best and go represent. Just so happy for you. Proud of you and love you to pieces.
Oh, that was so good. Yes, that brought a huge smile to my face. And not only her expressing her joy for the opportunity, but just all of us saying, yes, this is the representative we want to be on the biggest stage possible talking about women's hoops. So, so deserving. That's a great one. Oh.
Well, that just makes me what a great note to end on. That makes me so happy to talk about things that bring us joy. And I hope listener, you find something that brings you joy, even if it is being off social media, to find joy in real everyday life, like my bathroom renovation is bringing me a lot of joy. So and that's not on my phone. Right, and it should.
Me working in my garden every day, even in the hundred degree weather brings me joy. Yes, it does. So more joy. Maybe send us an email. Tell us what's bringing you joy this week. We'll read them all. Could be basketball related. Could not be. Email us. Yes. Queens of the court at odyssey.com. Tell us everything. And before we sign off, we got to go back to last week.
Jordan, I'm not sure who won with fitted sheet. I mean, with flat sheets or without flat sheets. You know, we got some email, we got some feedback. And they were in agreement with me saying it was unnecessary. First of all, I missed all of those. Oh, interesting. Because all the ones I saw, they were in agreeance with me. I feel like you see what you want to see.
Don't we all? I think the points, each point were valid. A lot of people were coming for me saying in combination with the pineapples on pizza that I am 0-2. But I would love if you could separate the two. Anyway, order. Order in the court. I probably lost that one too.
It was close. This one was close. I will give you that much. It was closer. I will take that. But anyway, y'all, this has been a great episode for me. And I just want to say, y'all know what social media does. You know where to find us. You can find me always at airsoups22. And she, her, Jordan is at jordanr.com.
That brings me joy, by the way. Yes, me joy. Queens of the Court is an Odyssey original created in partnership with the WNBA. The show is produced by Alex Ozzie. The executive producers are Maddie Sprung Kaiser and Leah Reese Dennis. Social media assistance from Isabella Apple. Music from T-Storm Battle. And a special thanks, like always, to Lena Moss Glazer. And court. And court.
is adjourned.