LA Sparks: 4 training camp storylines to keep an eye on in 2023

3. Could Zia Cooke battle her way to a starting spot for the Sparks?

Don’t call this question crazy, yet.

Rookies rarely start on WNBA teams, especially ones looking to be competitive. If there was ever a real opportunity for that to happen, it’s here.

Brittney Sykes is gone, and the starting two guard spot is wide open. Lexie Brown likely has a head start, given her strong year last year. She is a good 3-and-D guard who brings a ton of value to this team.

That said, Brown is just a good 3-and-D guard, and, as valuable as she is, her value could be surpassed by someone more versatile, like Zia Cooke.

Cooke projects to be an even better defender than Brown while having a bigger bag on offense. Cooke is a better off-the-dribble scorer and stronger finisher inside. She gets to the line more effectively because of it.

There’s a strong chance Cooke struggles in year one, given how tough it is for guards to adjust to the WNBA. Simultaneously, she may not, due to being surrounded by quality veterans and coming from a program that creates great pros. Cooke’s work ethic is well-documented, too, and she’s already hanging out with her veterans.