LOS ANGELES – As the Los Angeles Sparks prepare for their offseason after missing the WNBA playoffs for the first time since 2011, the team reflected on what happened during this extremely challenging season which saw them finish with a 12-20 record.
In a year that was filled with roster turnover and numerous injuries, the Sparks were still in position to make the playoffs coming down to the final possession of the last game of the regular season.
Both Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike missed a large chunk of the season dealing with respective knee injuries. Nneka missed 14 games in the first half of the year with a sprained MCL, and Chiney played in just seven games this year dealing with right knee issues throughout the season.
Had both not missed significant time, perhaps the Sparks could have clinched a playoff berth.
Despite missing the playoffs, both Ogwumike sisters do not believe the problems with this team fall on Coach Fisher. In fact, they are very supportive of Fisher and his long term vision and even he reminds them of their father.
“I think Fish does a great job,” Nneka said during this week’s exit interviews. “Chiney and I joke with him and say he’s probably one of the most patient people we’ve ever encountered, maybe aside from our dad.”
“He has a dedication to principle, to discipline, to perspective, and I think it’s all about the long game in terms of how he coaches, how he teaches, and the wisdom he imparts,” Nneka continued. “In the three years that he’s been here, our relationship has evolved…although from the outside looking in, I’m sure a lot of people who are not inside, have their own thoughts about how things are going, but I see the long game now, in terms of the new era and the culture he wants to build.”
Without a hesitation, Chiney also showed her loyalty and support for Fisher and his vision for the team moving forward.
“He’s awesome, I get the vision, the vision is clear, this man is a champion,” Chiney said during her exit interview. “He has a wealth of knowledge that in a year that I did not play much, I felt like it was one of the best years for me personally and that’s the environment he created. I will never rate a coach…you guys can sort of get the vibe.”
It’s always important for a coach to have the support of their team, especially their star players. The Ogwumike’s, along with their teammates, have expressed their respect, loyalty, and support for Fisher and how he’s trying to get the Sparks back to a position of prominence.
Accomplishing prestigious goals and greatness takes time and is often an arduous journey. Being a former five-time NBA championship player with the Los Angeles Lakers, Fisher understands the road to get to the top is never easy nor does it happen quickly and requires patience.
The Ogwumike sisters share in that championship vision and are more than willing to have the patience to see this process through with Fisher leading the way.
