Month: July 2019

July 29, 2019

QotC Week 9 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 9 Monday, July 29th:

Washington Mystics (12 – 6) – Team Delle Donne may have come up short in the All Star Game, but they start the second half of the season as our number 1 team. They’ll look to get back on track against the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday night on Twitter. Its always interesting to see who comes back from the break sharp and who needs a few games to find their rhythm. Unfortunately there is little room for error as the Mystics chase the Aces and Sun for a coveted top two spot.
Las Vegas Aces (13 – 6) – Las Vegas lived up to its reputation as sun city this past weekend hosting the all star game festivities and parties with none other than Star Liz Cambage DJing a set Friday night. However, on the court, the Aces are challenged to adjust without A’ja Wilson who is working her way back from an ankle injury but is still confined to the boot. They proved they can win without her with a convincing win over the Storm before the break, and Dearica Hamby looks ready to step up and fill Wilson’s shoes.
Connecticut Sun (13 – 6) – One of my biggest takeaways from the all star game is that Jonquel Jones is only scratching the surface of her potential. She had an impressive showing in the Skills Challenge followed up by a solid all star game where she displayed her silky shot from long distance. If she’s mentally prepared for superstardom, the makeup of this Sun team could shift from a well-balanced 5 woman attack to the Jonquel show who above average support. Oh and Shekinna Stricklen won the 3 point contest. The Sun are ready to Burn It Down.
Seattle Storm (12 – 9) – Seattle looks to build on an impressive season so far as Jewell Loyd gets back up to speed and finds her rhythm again. Jordin Canada and Natasha Howard both look like top 5 candidates for Most Improved Player honors and Mercedes Russell has been impressive at the 5 since joining the starting lineup. Dan Hughes must continue to find meaningful minutes for Sami Whitcomb who has been incredible in extended minutes while Jewell Loyd was out with injury.
Chicago Sky (11 – 8) – The Chicago Sky were out in force for the all star festivities supporting their extremely talented backcourt trio. Diamond DeShields emergence as an all star and dominant force is largely responsible for what many consider a surprisingly good season for the Sky, especially after losing number 4 overall pick Katie Lou Samuelson to injury early on. The Sky are deep with next level athleticism from multiple spots on the floor, but they’re going to have their hands full come playoff time when they go up against some of the bigger teams in the league.
Phoenix Mercury (10 – 8) – Speaking of bigger teams in the league…Britney Griner delighted fans with multiple throw downs in the all star game, all of which looked effortless for the perennial all star. But mystery surrounding Diana Taurasi and her return have me concerned that the Mercury might not be able to put it together in time for a deep playoff run. Expect the Mercury to look for meaningful help at the guard position in next year’s draft.
Los Angeles Sparks (11 – 8) – 2019 might be the year of what could have been for the Sparks. Injuries and suspensions have forced the Sparks to lean more heavily on all stars Chelsea Gray and Nneka Ogwumike who have done a phenomenal job keeping the Sparks relevant this year. If 6’7″ rookie Kalani Brown can take the next step in her development, the Sparks could be scary good next year combining skill, size, and scoring from all spots on the floor.
Minnesota Lynx (10 – 10) – Its a bit disheartening to see the Lynx fall to .500 on the season as we begin the second half. They have a lot to be excited about for the future, but will have their hands full staving off the Liberty for the final spot in the WNBA playoffs. Despite a complimentary trio of all stars with diverse skillsets, the Lynx are seriously missing Maya Moore’s passion, ferocity, and ability to close out close games. Most of the Lynx’s losses have been tight games that didn’t go their way in the final minutes.
New York Liberty (8 – 11) – First timer Kia Nurse dropped 15 efficient points in the all star game and 7 time all star Tina Charles mostly took a back seat to let the younger players enjoy the spotlight. But as the Liberty look to make a push for the final playoff spot, expect Tina Charles to step up and put this team on her back as she has done time and time again. Katie Smith may be on a short leash if she is unable to lead this talented group to the playoffs.
Indiana Fever (6 – 15) – The fever were not expected to be very competitive this year, but expect newly crowned 2019 WNBA all star game MVP Erica Wheeler to take on more responsibility as her confidence grows. The Fever might look to make some meaningful trades and shake up the team chemistry down the stretch as they continue to rebuild a winning culture. Shout out to big T (Teaiera McCowan) who has steadily improved and acclimated to the WNBA all season long.
Dallas Wings (5 – 14) – It was a quiet week for Dallas who did not send anyone to the all star game. Rumors that Skyler Diggins Smith is nearing a return is welcome news for this group of young talent that is lacking veteran leadership. Diggins-Smith was also announced as a new member of Team USA basketball that will participate in a new training and promotion program during the fall, winter and spring designed to grow interest in the game and prepare for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Atlanta Dream (5 – 15) – Despite not having an all star selected this year, the Dream sent Elizabeth Williams to Vegas to compete in the Skills Challenge where she showed off her skill set but ultimately came up short. Despite having some strong individual talents, the Dream are lacking leadership and a cohesive offensive philosophy. Will Angel McCoughtry return to lift the Dream? Will they score big in next year’s draft? Somethings gotta give.

July 22, 2019

QotC Week 8 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 8 Monday, July 22nd:

Washington Mystics (11 – 6) – The Mystics bounced back with two wins this week as Elena Delle Donne returned to action. In a season where some teams are displaying incredible depth, the Mystics look like two different teams depending on whether EDD is on court or not. Still, simply because they’re the best team when she’s on the court, they hold the top spot in our rankings and assuming they stay healthy, the Mystics are my pick to win it all.
Las Vegas Aces (12 – 6) – Vegas is winning, and having fun doing it, just take a look at the Instagram videos and tweets, but they just lost All Star A’ja Wilson to an ankle injury and while it’s not serious, it will keep her sidelined for the time being. Vegas has been lucky this season with minimal injuries or missing players, but they’re about 7 players deep so anymore injuries and they may not be able to maintain their winning ways.
Connecticut Sun (12 – 6) – The Sun continue to bounce back and for the time being have avoided a repeat of last season when they fell to .500 before winning again. Still, I’m not entirely sold that they’ll keep winning and hold onto a top spot. Every team is afforded their lulls, but the Sun seem to be extremely streaky and that can either work for or against you come playoff time. With just a contest against the NY Liberty on the schedule before the All Star break, they’re looking strong heading into the second half.
Seattle Storm (12 – 8) – The Storm are riding a 4 game winning streak which they’ll look to extend tomorrow night against the Aces on ESPN2. I’m done writing about how surprising the Storm’s performance is this season since the season is more than halfway through and they’re still a top team. However, this could change if Natasha Howard’s domestic violence inquiry goes against her. The Sparks’ Riquna Williams was slapped with a 10 game suspension for domestic violence and if Natasha Howard suffers the same, it will be yet another opportunity for the Storm to show the quality of their depth.
Chicago Sky (11 – 8) – The Sky have an extended break with no games until the 30th, but send their very talented three player backcourt to the All Star Game. However, their 4 game winning streak comes at the expense of the 4 teams on the outside looking in so Sky fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a WNBA championship this year. Their schedule gets significantly more challenging after the All Star Break so we shall see whether the Sky can keep up with the other title contenders.
Minnesota Lynx (10 – 9) – Despite sitting at 10 – 9 after two tough losses this week, the Lynx boast the league’s 5th best scoring differential suggesting that they’re better than the record indicates. This is a dangerous team with a lot of weapons and I wouldn’t want to face them in a winner takes all playoff game. The all star break couldn’t come at a better time for this team which looks a bit fatigued, physically and mentally from a tough season with a lot of missing personnel.
Phoenix Mercury (9 – 8) – Diana Taurasi returned for one game and has been riding the bench since. Undoubtedly a precaution as the Mercury have enough weapons to get them to the playoffs at which point they become as dangerous as anyone if Taurasi is healthy. Griner and Bonner continue to be an intimidating scoring pair with the potential to take over the game when needed and will represent the Mercury in the all star game. Don’t sleep on this team down the stretch.
Los Angeles Sparks (10 – 8) – My preseason picks to win the championship have not had the year they needed. Between a slew of injuries to impact players, Riquna Williams suspension, questions about new coach Derek Fisher, and inconsistent play, the Sparks simply don’t look as threatening as they were expected to be this year. They’re undoubtedly a winning team this year, but its hard to see them beating the Aces or Mystics in a playoff series.
New York Liberty (8 – 10) – The Liberty need to find something extra if they’re going to get into the playoff picture. While they are only 1.5 games out, the competition is stiff and the Liberty don’t seem to have any hidden weapons waiting to emerge. Number 2 overall pick Asia Durr has been out with a groin strain though there has been some mystery around her absence and the team could very much use a scorer like Durr back on the floor. Katie Smith needs to find a winning formula and fast or the Liberty will lose out on the playoffs AND the top draft pick in next year’s draft.
Indiana fever (6 – 14) – Then there’s everybody else. The Fever are riding a 5 game losing streak right now and have very little to show for yet another rebuilding season. They send two players to the All Star game in aging star Candice Dupree and Erica Wheeler: perhaps the two all stars that have been talked about least this year. Expect the Fever to continue the battle for 10th place with the Wings and Dream without much hope for ascension.
Dallas Wings (5 – 14) – The good news is, they will likely have the Rookie of the Year this year as Ogunbowale continues to be the go-to player for the Wings. There’s a solid core here that looks like it could be capable of winning a lot of games, but they are lacking leadership. The hope of Skyler Diggins Smith returning early enough to make an impact is gone but the Wings would benefit from having a handful of games with her back on the court to develop some chemistry in anticipation of a stronger showing next year.
Atlanta Dream (5 – 14) – The Dream could just as easily be ranked 10th as 12th, but I’ve gotta put someone last so its the Dream because I don’t see enough talent on this roster to feel hopeful about the future without some big changes. Angel McCoughtry would be a big change, but its unclear if she’ll be back this season and at age 32, one wonders how good she’ll be when she does come back. If I were the dream, I’d be trading some of my talent for future draft picks and young undeveloped studs.

July 15, 2019

QotC Week 7 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 7 Monday, July 15th:

Washington Mystics (9 – 6) – The Mystics took a couple tough losses to Phoenix and Las Vegas this week without 2 time All Star Captain Elena Delle Donne on the court. But to be frank, I don’t care. They’re still the best team in the WNBA when at full strength and despite the fractured nose, I expect Delle Donne to return before too long and continue leading this team to a top seed by the end of the season. Meeseman returned form the Euros this week and looked good. Mystics = scary.
Las Vegas Aces (11 – 5) – Kudos to the Aces for sending 3 players to the All Star game as starters in Captain, A’ja Wilson and standouts Liz Cambage and Kayla McBride. They’re win streak is up to 5 but needs an asterisk as they were down by 15 to the Mystics in Vegas when disaster struck and the conclusion had to be postponed. Still, this uber-talented team is putting it all together and looking like the kind of superteam fans were excited about in the preseason.
Connecticut Sun (11 – 6) – The Sun broke their 5 game losing streak this week and recorded two hard fought wins against the Mercury and Fever. I am hesitantly optimistic about how they build upon these wins and hopeful that Jonquel Jones’ nod as an all star starter will give her confidence to step up and put this team on her back when necessary. But in a year with as much parity as we’re seeing, I am not confident that they’ll hold onto a top spot for the rest of the season.
Minnesota Lynx (10 – 7) – As with many others, I was expecting the Lynx to be in rebuild mode without Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, or Rebekkah Brunson, but a new deadly trifecta has emerged in Odyssey Sims, Sylvia Fowles, and Napheesa Collier. The trio looks deadly and the supporting cast looks strong. If Maya Moore comes back in the future, the Lynx will continue to be a top-tier team to be reckoned with.
Seattle Storm (10 – 8) – With Sue Bird still working her way back from injury, Jordin Canada has emerged as one of the most electric and exciting point guards in the WNBA sitting among the league leaders in assists and steals. The Storm have to feel very optimistic about the future given the depth that has been on display this year. Natasha Howard and Jewell Loyd earn all star starter nods, and assuming Natasha Howard avoids suspension (domestic violence allegations), the Storm should only get stronger as the season goes along.
Los Angeles Sparks (9 – 7) – After watching Candace Parker go down with her second injury on the year which is being reported as an ankle injury, I have lost faith that the Sparks can make a deep run in the playoffs. Many believe Parkers injury could be as serious as an achilles tear and I can’t help but have flashbacks to Kevin Durant’s injury in the playoffs for the Warriors which he rushed back from and immediately reinjured. Hopefully Parker and the Sparks can avoid a similar fate. Nneka Ogwumike gets snubbed on All Star voting but will likely join Chelsea Gray in Vegas off the bench.
Chicago Sky (9 – 8) – Diamond DeShields continues to step into the limelight for a Chicago Sky team that holds their own against anyone in the league but haven’t been able to string together multiple wins. However, players returning from injury and the euros could provide additional depth to a team that might surprise viewers come playoff time. This won’t be their year, but I’m excited to see how this team develops over the next few years.
Phoenix Mercury (7 – 8) – Taurasi returned for 16 minutes in a loss to the Sun and looked impactful but did not play two days later in the Mercury’s loss to the Lynx. Brittney Griner secured a spot amongst the all star starters but Dewanna Bonner did not despite many believing her to be a solid candidate for MVP. Chances are Taurasi simply needed more time to recover after making her season debut. I expect Phoenix to hold onto a playoff spot and be dangerous in the fall.
New York Liberty (7 – 10) – Sophomore guard Kia Nurse earned her first all star selection but Tina Charles did not. The Liberty are looking almost whole again after returning 3 players from the Euros but still have work to do if they’re to find themselves in the playoff picture. Amongst the teams on the outside looking in, they definitely have the talent and cohesion to get there but might lack the clutch late game heroics needed to record a few more W’s.
Dallas Wings (5 – 11) – Rookie Arike Ogunbowale is probably your frontrunner for Rookie of the Year after a slight dropoff in production from Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and Ogunbowale’s high usage. Dallas looks like a gritty team that is slowly discovering their power. Undersized after Liz Cambage was traded to Vegas, the Wings’ forwards have their work cut out for them on both ends of the floor night in and night out in containing the other teams in what has been a forward-dominated season so far.
Atlanta Dream (5 – 11) – Atlanta has begun to find a winning formula in tight, pesky defense and aggressive iso-play. I don’t love the offensive flow and shot selection, but if they can clean some of that up and set up more open looks, they’ll likely find themselves out of the basement before year’s end. Tiffany Hayes and Renee Montgomery impress night in and night out, but would do well to be more selective when it comes to the difficulty level of the shots they take.
Indiana Fever (6 – 12) – Teaira McCowan looks like she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come and has already asserted herself as one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the league. As the offensive game develops, she will offer the Fever a coveted option to play inside-out with a series of talented shooters surrounding her. Kelsey Mitchell needs to improve her efficiency and shot selection, but Tiffany Mitchell (no relation) looks deadly as a 6th woman of the year candidate.

July 8, 2019

QotC Week 6 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 6 Monday, July 8th:

Washington Mystics (9 – 4) – The Mystics should probably be 10 – 4 after leading the Aces by 15 at the half before being forced to cancel the game due to an “act of god.” Earthquakes aside, there’s no reason to think the Mystics are anything other than the top team in the W this season despite suffering a loss on Sunday to the Sparks. Elena Delle Donne appeared to suffer a bloody nose after a no call on a missed jumper in the 2nd minute of the game and did not return.
Las Vegas Aces (9 – 5) – The Aces ride a three game winning streak into the number 2 spot in our rankings and boast 4 representatives among the top 20 in wnba All Star voting as of July 2nd. They looked outmatched in the 1st half of their match against the Mystics but were spared the loss when a 6.9 southern cal earthquake shook the Mandalay Bay Events Center. A’ja Wilson looks like she wants to follow up her 2018 Rookie of the Year award with a 2019 MVP.
Connecticut Sun (9 – 5) – Nothing good to report from the Sun this week who played one game at home and lost to the Minnesota Lynx. Expect the competition to only get stiffer as Eurobasket has ended and many teams are expecting reinforcements. Head coach Curt Miller has his hands full righting the ship and avoiding a repeat of last year’s narrative which saw a disappointing one game end to a strong season.
Los Angeles Sparks (7 – 6) – The Sparks are looking a bit more like themselves this past week as they cap a three game win streak with a strong win against the Mystics (albeit without Delle Donne). My faith in the preseason favorites is restored and I expect them to just get better as the season progresses. Nneka Ogwumike looks to be hitting her MVP form as the court is opened up by the dangerous outside play of Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray, who recorded the WNBA’s 8th regular season triple double on Sunday.
Minnesota Lynx (8 – 6) – Minnesota took advantage of slumping teams this week recording wins against the Dream and Sun. Odyssey Sims has acclimated well to her new team and looks to be a long term solution at point guard. Injuries have forced the Lynx to rely on their depth which is probably performing to its peak at present. If they’re to challenge for a title, they’ll need reinforcements from their injured list.
Phoenix Mercury (6 – 6) – Phoenix gets ranked 1st among teams even at .500 this week because they’re about to get Diana Taurasi back and when you add the GOAT to a .500 team seeing strong performances from Britney Griner and DeWanna Bonner, I expect a lot. The Mercury are a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs regardless of how strong their season record is, so as long as they hold onto a playoff spot, I won’t be betting against them.
Chicago Sky (7 – 7) – The Sky matched the Aces through three quarters on the road before disappearing in the 4th and dropping below .500 for the first time since opening 1 – 2 but rebounding with a solid win at home against the Wings. They’ll need to do a better job closing out close games against playoff contenders if they’re going to hold onto a playoff spot. Jantel Lavender has proven to be a strong pickup and should be encouraged to continue to assert herself as a top scorer for this team.
Seattle Storm (8 – 8) – It is not surprising that the Storm have finally hit a rough patch as the injuries to star players multiplied. Still, the three game losing streak is not representative of how well the Storm have played losing two of the three by 2 points or less. Competition for the final few spots in the playoff picture has become tighter and the Storm could find themselves on the outside looking in if they don’t get some help soon. They’ll enjoy having the week off to regroup.
New York Liberty (7 – 8) – I had penciled in the Liberty in the 7 slot after a 4 game win streak until they were blown out by the visiting Aces. Kia Nurse has emerged as a constant scoring threat from anywhere on the floor at anytime of the game, but a lackluster shooting night for her translated into a blowout loss. The margin for error for this Liberty team is low, but when they’re clicking, they’re as dangerous as anyone. They return 4 players from Eurobasket this week as they continue to turn their season around and challenge for a playoff spot.
Indiana Fever (6 – 9) – The Fever are on the outside looking in and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. Most expected the Fever to be another year or two away from seeing their rebuild come to fruition but another solid draft pick next year could round out this team of young talent. Indiana is one of three teams without a player in the top 20 for all star voting so a 6 – 9 record is actually quite remarkable and a testament to Pokey Chatman’s coaching.
Dallas Wings (4 – 9) – Dallas has a stark home – road split boasting a winning record at College Park Center at 4 – 3 but has yet to record a win on the road. Rookie Arike Ogunbowale has been a (sometimes) bright spot in an otherwise difficult year for a team searching for their identity in the wake of the Liz Cambage trade and Diggins-Smith injury. You won’t hear any complaints from the rookie though, who is getting a chance to do exactly what she wants to do, put up shots in volume.
Atlanta Dream (3 – 10) – The dream conquered an injury plagued Storm team on the road this week before losing by 2 to Phoenix. Brittney Sykes is perhaps the most underrated player in the WNBA and if I were the Dream’s front office, I’d try to build around the athletic guard. Everyone is getting ample playing time and a chance to step up as Nicki Collen continues to search for answers on the roster.

July 1, 2019

QotC Week 5 Power Rankings

Our WNBA Power Rankings for Week 5 Monday, July 1:

Washington Mystics (9 – 3) – We all know what Washington is capable of on offense, but it is their defensive efficiency that stands out as they take the top spot from the Connecticut Sun after a 43 point blowout win at home. Burn THAT down, Sun. Apart from what has become a star studded starting lineup the Mystics are getting strong contributions from the bench and are now the team to beat. Oh and Emma Meeseman returns in a week.
Connecticut Sun (9 – 4) – The Sun had a shaky week on the road and have lost 3 in a row after starting 9 – 1. De Ja Vu anyone? The Sun started the 2018 season 7 – 1 before falling to 10 – 10 with a mid season rough patch. Luckily they bounced back and won 9 of their last 10 but Curt Miller’s squad has to hope for more this season. The top two seeds get important byes in the current wnba playoff format and the Sun aren’t likely to secure a top 2 spot if they fall to .500 again.
Las Vegas Aces (7 – 5) – Aces’ fans can’t help but feel a little frustrated with how this year has gone. They’re up, they’re down, they win, they lose. If there’s one thing the Aces are, it’s inconsistent. Former Number 1 pick A’ja Wilson dropped 39 on 14 – 20 shooting in a win against the fever. Former Number 1 pick Kelsey Plum went 0 – 8 in that same game. There’s no doubt the talent is there (I sound like a broken record). What is it going to take to win a few in a row and find some separation from the rest of the pack?
Seattle Storm (8 – 6) – The Storm continue to impress by winning with a “next woman up” mentality despite the growing injury list. Jewell Loyd is out for 2 – 4 weeks with an ankle injury, so Sami Whitcomb steps up and drops 13, 6, and 5 in a tight home loss to the surging Mercury. Presumably the Storm will get most of their stars back this year, but can the current crop keep them in the hunt for the top spots until then?
Los Angeles Sparks (6 – 6) – The Sparks are 1st in my rankings among teams even at .500 because of what I expect from this group of talent. They bounced back with a couple of wins this week against quality opponents in the Aces and Sky with the win against the Sky looking a bit more like the kind of score lines I was expecting from the Sparks this season. Candace Parker is only going to get better as the season goes on. Look out for a marquee matchup with Washington this week!
Phoenix Mercury (5 – 5) – The Mercury are 2nd among teams even at .500 because Diana Taurasi isn’t back yet. Odd that it was rumored Taurasi would return a week ago and still hasn’t played a minute. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see how good the Mercury are going to be when she returns. Are they title contenders? Are they middle of the pack? Unclear. In a season when every team has significant strengths, its going to be the teams that can squeeze out the close ones that will thrive and no one is better at that than Diana Taurasi.
Chicago Sky (6 – 6) – The Sky have lost three in a row but all to quality opponents. Despite the losses I am actually more of a believer in the Sky now than I was a few weeks ago. I like the shooting, I like the pace of play, I like the team chemistry that continues to grow. I question who they turn to late in a game when they need a bucket. Do they have that player right now? You can say that anyone of the starters (and some bench players I might add) could be that player on any given night, but that’s also an indication to me that they simply don’t have that type of star right now.
Minnesota Lynx (6 – 6) – The Lynx have played 10 straight games decided by a single digit scoring margin including a number of nailbiters, but that amount of tension day in and day out is going to wear on a young team still developing its new identity. I expect this team to continue to hover around the .500 mark for the rest of the season. It also wouldn’t surprise me to hear the Lynx mentioned in trade rumors later this summer as they will look to build the next potential dynasty.
New York Liberty (5 – 7) – The Liberty are 5 – 3 in their last 8 after a slow start. I expect them to challenge for a playoff spot, particularly when they get their overseas talent back in a week or so. The identity of this team is starting to take shape with Tina Charles at the helm and strong, young, guard support from Asia Durr, Kia Nurse, and Brittany Boyd. The future is bright for the Liberty.
Indiana Fever (5 – 9) – The Fever have struggled of late losing 4 in a row after what many thought was a surprisingly positive start to the season. But for the most part these losses have been tight. They’ll need more consistency from their guards if they’re going to start winning those close ones, but veteran Candace Dupree has been an ageless wonder providing some much needed leadership and scoring.
Dallas Wings (4 – 7) – Dallas won two out of three games this week that were all decided by 3 points or less. Rookie sensation Arike Ogunbowale looks like she is starting to adjust to the league despite posting a 2 – 23 game in their lone loss this week. And to me, Dallas looks like a team that recently remembered that they’re actually really talented. Their record is more a reflection of how intensely competitive the WNBA is this year.
Atlanta Dream (2 – 8) – The nightmare season continues for the dream who can’t seem to find any answers to a league overflowing with talent. Shots aren’t falling, the defense doesn’t look sharp, and on the court leadership is lacking. I expect the Dream to be involved in trade talks to move their veteran talent and get younger in a hurry. The rebuild is on.