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

2. Who fills the Sparks’ wing spots?

The biggest hole on the roster right now is the lack of wings. Off-season signing Stephanie Talbot tore her ACL in February while playing in Australia, and returning starter Katie Lou Samuelson is pregnant. Both will miss the entire 2023 season, leaving a huge hole behind.

The Sparks will be unable to fully replace what they lost with those two out – that is simply a fact – but they have some decent options available that could be worth exploring.

In camp, the team has Crystal Bradford, Rae Burrell, and Joyner Holmes vying to make the team.

Bradford feels like the best bet to make the team given her W experience and recent showing at Athletes Unlimited. She likely would already be on a roster if not for a foot injury two seasons ago, and feels due for a return.

Burrell is the opposite – it seems unlikely she makes the cut. She struggled mightily in Australia this off-season and hasn’t been able to carve a niche at the W level yet. That said, at her best she’s a lengthy defender and capable shooter, which is exactly what the Sparks need. There’s a path for her to make it.

Holmes projects more as a four, but may also be just enough of a spacing threat to serve as a three at times. She has bounced around the WNBA since coming into the league, but had a strong off-season overseas and may finally be able to secure a spot.

There’s also the possibility of madness. Curt Miller is famous for zigging with other coaches are zagging. He is unafraid to throw out lineups that ignore pretty much every basketball ideology out there. Does he experiment with Dearica Hamby or Nneka Ogwumike at the three?