Five days ago, WNBA Free Agency began and the Connecticut Sun has made a statement that they are here to stay.
Last season the Sun was one game away from winning the finals. Unfortunately, Connecticut lost in Game 5 after giving up a commanding first-half lead to the Washington Mystics. The Sun was one of the few teams that had a balanced starting five where there was no clear cut franchise player.
Free Agency: Run-It-Back Jonquel Jones
However, the front office and coaching staff believe that Jonquel Jones can be that elite franchise player. Needless to say, as another week of free agency ends the Connecticut Sun are the clear winners of the offseason so far.
The Sun started free agency off by retaining Jones (the Bahamian Beast) who easily could have won finals MVP if the team would have won. When aggressive Jones can score at will, dominate the boards and clog the post on defense.
Not to mention, she has a high motor which her teammates feed off of. After last season the Bahamian Beast clearly separated herself as the team’s best player in the postseason. She finished the 2019 season averaging 14.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
In addition to her dominance in 2019, it was apparent how she meshed with Courtney Williams, Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas and the rest of her teammates.
Free Agency: DeWanna Bonner
Secondly, the Sun placed themself at the top of the free agency performance list by trading for DeWanna Bonner. Granted the Sun had to send three first-round draft picks to the Phoenix Mercury to acquire her. But it is worth it considering what she brings to the table.
Bonner could help this elite team take a second consecutive trip to the finals and help them get over the hump. The 6-foot-4 guard/forward has playoff experience as she won two titles with the Mercury in 2009 and 2014. Not to mention she played with future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
In addition to her playoff success, she also knows how to weather the storm when it comes to a rebuilding phase or losing a tough playoff series. Bonner will help this team with her defense, ability to start or come off the bench. She will be able to mentor Jones and the rest of the team and she will adjust to their fast pace offense. Also, she is a walking bucket and can score from anywhere on the floor.
Connecticut Sun: 2019 Recap and 2020 Glance
Last season she averaged 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Also, she could easily become a top scoring option or sixth-woman for the Sun. Bonner is a proven winner and she will add to this Sun team on both sides of the floor and from a mental perspective. Keep in mind that after the Mystics lost to the Seattle Storm in 2018, they won the championship the next season (2019).
Lastly, re-signing Natisha Hiedeman was a good move for the current and future as she received a good amount of playtime last season. The Sun will be ready to go in 2020 and have a good shot to return to the finals as a lot of teams have faced drastic losses or changes.
Clearly, the Mystics will miss Kristi Toliver who signed with the Los Angeles Sparks. The Mystics will struggle without their primary ball-handler. In addition to the Mystics, the health of Breanna Stewart of the Storm is still in question. It’s not guaranteed that Skylar Diggins-Smith will instantly adjust and mesh with the Mercury who could possibly be without Taurasi at the beginning of the season.
The Las Vegas Aces will be a force but they still need to find a primary ball-handler especially with the addition of Angel McCoughtry. If healthy the Sun has enough scoring, talent, speed, strength, and experience to get back to the finals and win.
