LOS ANGELES, CA – The pressure to get a roster of 16 capable and talented players down to 12 is a tough job for anybody. No matter which league or what sport, making cuts is one of the hardest things to do for any organization.
Los Angeles Sparks GM and head coach Derek Fisher, who is in the first year in this dual role, was creative with his final roster decisions, while one was made for him.
Four-time WNBA champion and 8-time All-Star Seimone Augustus suddenly announced her retirement from the WNBA after an illustrious 14-year career. She will remain with the Sparks team as an assistant coach on Fisher’s staff.
It was a decision that caught many by surprise since Augustus was originally brought to LA in 2020 to help get the Sparks back to championship contention after leading a dynasty with Maya Moore and others with the Minnesota Lynx.
However, given her age and the overall direction of the team, this seems like the right decision for “Money Mone” considering she is one of the most accomplished and respected basketball players (men or women) of all-time.
“It’s an honor to continue to serve the game that has given me so much,” Augustus said. “I’m excited to join the Sparks staff and look forward to developing in this new role.”
This makes life easier for Fisher in a variety of ways, but Augustus also gets to instill her wisdom, knowledge, and experience on her team from the sideline and still be close to everyone. It’s just now she will be doing it in street clothes instead of a uniform.
“Seimone Augustus is one of the greatest basketball players to ever step foot on a court,” Fisher said. “Her impact as a pioneer in our sport can be seen through all the players and people she’s impacted in this game. It’s been an amazing honor to work with her over the past year and we’re excited to add all of her wisdom to our coaching staff.”
Among the other moves Fisher made to get the roster to 12, was trading guard Sydney Wiese to the Washington Mystics for a 2022 second round pick. A former 11th overall pick by LA in 2017, Wiese was one of the more personable and energetic players on the team, not to mention a great shooter, hitting a career-high 47 percent from three-point range last season.
Fisher also traded rookie guard Stephanie Watts, the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, to the Chicago Sky along with the rights to Leonie Fiebich for guard/forward Gabby Williams.
Williams will not play for the Sparks this year as she will spend the 2021 season on the suspension list to honor her French national team commitments.
Fisher also waived forward/center Kristine Anigwe who the Sparks acquired last year from the Dallas Wings.
The Sparks open their season Friday, May 14 against the Wings at 7:30 pm PST at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
