LOS ANGELES, CA – In his first season operating as both head coach and GM, Derek Fisher understood it would be difficult to retain many of the key pieces that have been the faces of the Los Angeles Sparks for many years.
However, since you cannot replaced an all-time great like Candace Parker or an exceptional point guard like Chelsea Gray, Fisher decided to alter the identity of the team. It was obvious he wanted more depth, versatility, and a younger roster.
Fisher spoke about the departures of Parker and Gray.
“Going into conversations with Chelsea and Candace, we understood the risk,” Fisher said. “We knew that they were both unrestricted free agents and would have the opportunity to choose other teams if they so chose to.”
“We respect their decisions and the opportunity for Candace to go back to Chicago where her basketball career started,” Fisher continued. “We wish her the best. I’m sure her family’s happy, the community’s happy, and we don’t feel that there was anything negative about the process or the experience. We wish Chelsea the best as well…they’re both fantastic basketball players and All-Stars.”
While Parker and Gray are difficult to replace, Fisher was aggressive this offseason.
He was able to retain six-time All-Star and former league MVP Nneka Ogwumike along with her sister Chiney (who returns after opting out of the 2020 season), while also re-signing Te’a Cooper, Brittney Sykes, and veteran Seimone Augustus. They will also be getting back guard Kristi Toliver, who will be returning after opting out of the 2020 season to start her second stint with the Sparks.
Fisher found solid external options like guard Erica Wheeler, forward/center Amanda Zahui B., guards Bria Holmes, and Nia Coffey.
This offseason was an opportunity for Fisher to leave his stamp on this team and tailor it to his coach style and system. More importantly, he’s shifting the culture of the team while keeping them competitive.
“Our ownership group is as engaged as they’ve ever been. We’re all in with the direction that we’re going right now,” Fisher said. “And so, I think, regardless of the free agent decisions, no matter whether it’s yes or no, it’s all information and just feedback about the things that we need to make sure we’re staying focused.”
“Our culture has been shifting and we’re continuing to shift it in the right direction and that doesn’t change.”
It has historically been difficult for head coaches to be successful while also being a front office executive at the same time no matter the sport or league. However, the former Laker and five-time NBA champion is going to flip the script and prove he can make this Sparks team a title contender again even amidst uncertainty.
