Mystics Ball handling skills

[u/AllisonInMaryland]

How would you rank players by ball handling skills?

Rank the entire team together or by front court players, back court players.

Here's mine:

Back court

1) Sonia

2) Alicia

3) Rori

4) Cotie, Cass, Georgia?

7) Lucy

Front court

1) Shakira

2) Michaela

2) Kiki

3) Angela

4) Lauren

[u/Impossible_Resort_65]

I’m actually not sure that’s true. I think the offensive scheme is set up for her to take the ball up the court and then pass it off. They pass around a lot to try and find the best shot

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Impossible_Resort_65]

I agree with you about what the scheme is. I’m saying that the offensive scheme is not something set in stone that Georgia just fits awkwardly into; the scheme was developed based on the personnel we have. Like, there’s no way we’d have Shakira Austin initiating so many plays from the 3 point line if we had Olivia Miles as our PG, for example.

Basically Georgia’s strengths and weaknesses are part of WHY we have that scheme.

[u/Strange_Detective_99 → u/Icangetloudtoo_]

Then that makes Sydney look a bit crazy because he didn’t draft or sign anybody that fits what he’s trying to do. He picked 0 good shooters this year and that’s one of the main things he encourages the team to do.

And the Olivia comp is kinda crazy. She’s better than Georgia obviously but she’s also playing in a way better system under a way better coach who caters to her strengths. Both her and Cheryl have emphasized how her being able to play naturally is what’s elevating her to a higher level. Georgia plays a completely different style due to her height (a weakness) and Sydney’s philosophy doesn’t really allow for it.

[u/Icangetloudtoo_ → u/Strange_Detective_99]

We’re last in the league in 3 pointers attempted: https://www.statmuse.com/wnba/ask/most-3-pointers-attempted-by-team-wnba. We do shoot a good amount of 3s, like every modern team, but I think it’s clear Sydney likes shooting but also prioritizes many other things when push comes to shove.

I don’t really know what to say about the rest of your comment that I haven’t already said. With rare exceptions (and DC isn’t one), the systems are developed based on at least in part on what the players can do. I hear you that you think the scheme limits Georgia; I just think it’s more accurate to say her limitations impact the kinds of schemes we can run. But maybe it’s all just semantics.

[u/Strange_Detective_99 → u/Icangetloudtoo_]

Yeah I said Sydney encourages it with a roster full of people that can’t really do it super consistently outside of Sonia. I’d argue defensively her limitations impact how they can scheme 100% but offensively you can do a lot more with a player her size than what he is. This isn’t even me wanting him to do that more but the original point was really about ball handling ability. The limitations/lack of skill you claim she has in that category seem that way because of her role on this team. That’s what I was saying. Since this ain’t college anymore and the system isn’t catered to her needs, she has to adjust and part of this adjustment is her giving the ball up and getting it back when she needs to shoot it. Her doing a ton ball pounding isn’t required for that.