Comets have Questions

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

May 2, 2004

Now that Cynthia Cooper has formally announced her retirement from the game of basketball, what will the Houston Comets do now? Being one of the few members of the media to attend each practice thus far, I had questions about the Comets before Coop's decision. Those questions still need to be answered. First question: who will replace Janeth Arcain. Arcain will train with her Brazilian National Team this Spring and Summer in order to prepare for the 2004 Summer Olympics. "J-Money" had been the glue on the Comets' team for seven consecutive seasons. Arcain never argued about her ever-changing role. She simply made the necessary adjustments and got her job done on offense and defense. I have more questions about the team; but, each question leads to the biggest question of the Comets' 2004 WNBA season: Will the Houston Comets qualify for the 2004 WNBA Playoffs?

The WNBA is about to begin its eighth season; and, the Houston Comets have reached the playoffs each of the first seven seasons. So, why would I even consider the possibility the Comets would not continue what has seemed like a birthright since 1997? Have you seen the Western Conference? Teams improved during the WNBA's long offseason: Phoenix drafted Diana Taurasi; San Antonio acquired point guard Shannon Johnson and selected LaToya Thomas in the Dispersal Draft; and Seattle selected Betty Lennox and acquired center Janell Burse and forward Sheri Sam. The Sacramento Monarchs knocked the Comets out of the playoffs last season and the Minnesota Lynx made the postseason, too.

It could be argued the Los Angeles Sparks did not improve; but, that's mainly because starting forward DeLisha Milton suffered a knee injury in February; and, her effectiveness this season is still in doubt. However, the Sparks (24 - 10) were four games better than the Comets (20 - 14) last season and that was with Arcain and Ukari Figgs on the Comets roster. (Figgs announced her retirement April 26.) No Figgs and Arcain means Houston will begin the 2004 season with a completely new starting backcourt. Which leads to a question: who will get the ball to the Comets' stellar frontcourt of Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and center Michelle Snow? The logical answer is Kedra Holland-Corn and Gordana Grubin. Unfortunately, both are probably better suited as scoring guards than lead guards. Plus, both players are finishing their commitments overseas with their international teams which means less time to learn head coach Van Chancellor's offense. Any person who has followed the Comets knows Van is very difficult on his guards (especially his point guards); so, how quickly (if at all) GG and Kedra adjust to Van is yet another question.

The WNBA has gotten more athletic and more physical the last three seasons. The Comets are not known as a physical team. Therefore, will center / forward Pollyanna Johns-Kimbrough's presence help make the Comets more physical is another question. Plus, PJK is also finishing her season overseas right now.

Will Van use the bench more this season? Fans have asked that question for years; and, all I can say is, only Van can answer that question.

Will Michelle Snow follow up her successful season last year with an even better season this year? If the guards can get Michelle the ball and she can avoid foul trouble, Michelle should be solid once again.

Will the Comets run more in 2004? Right now, the coaching staff says "yes"; so, we shall see.

Will guard Dominique Canty be able to fill the now vacated role of slasher and break down opponent's defenses? If she can stay healthy, the answer should be "yes"; however, whether Dominique will finish her shots at the basket is another question...

Will the Comets fans flock to the Toyota Center? The marketing department needs to do a better job promoting the team; however, Houston is a city which loves a winner; so, if the team is kicking-butt, the new building should have good crowds; however, I'm not holding my breath for many crowds of 10,000 plus.

I do not believe the Comets will win the championship in 2004. Honestly, I have doubts the team will make the postseason. The Comets could finish 18-16 (or slightly better) and miss the postseason because the West is so tough. My questions will begin getting answers on May 20 when the regular season tips off at home versus the San Antonio Silver Stars. Be there.

The NBA season is only one month old; however, if the Rockets (players, coaches, and management) don't make changes soon, the countdown to baseball season in Houston will begin very early.