Veteran head coach Curt Miller and the Los Angeles Sparks “mutually agreed to half methods,” the workforce introduced on Tuesday. Although the Sparks completed its season with the worst successful share in franchise historical past, the transfer was surprising since Miller and the workforce have made clear the franchise is in rebuilding mode.
They’ve one of the best odds at touchdown the No. 1 decide and the appropriate to pick Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers within the 2025 Draft. The Sparks stated they may start a brand new seek for a head coach instantly. It’s the first coach opening of the offseason aside from Golden State, the enlargement workforce starting play subsequent season.
“I wish to thank your entire Sparks group for the chance to steer and assist rebuild the franchise,” Miller stated within the launch. “I’m pleased with the tradition created in our locker room and strongly consider the roots have been established for a vivid future. The workforce is now positioned for achievement, and I want the gamers one of the best heading into the 2025 season.”
A full rebuild started this spring when the franchise drafted heart Cameron Brink (No. 2 general) and Rickea Jackson (No. 4), an all-rookie contender. Brink turned the muse after Nneka Ogwumike left in free company for Seattle. She was the final of the star 2016 championship workforce’s large three to go away city, becoming a member of Candace Parker (Sky, Aces) and Chelsea Grey (Aces). The Sparks are in a franchise-record four-year playoff skid courting again to Parker and Grey’s last Sparks season in 2020.
Brink tore her ACL in June, forcing her to overlook the remainder of the season after taking part in in 15 video games. Accidents continued to harm the Sparks and 9 gamers began at the very least 10 video games. They completed final within the WNBA standings at 8-32, however with vivid spots in Jackson’s rookie improvement and an all-WNBA-level season from veteran ahead Dearica Hamby.
The franchise is in a premiere market, however falling behind within the WNBA’s franchise facility arms race. Free brokers are choosing groups that provide 24/7 team-specific services to coach and follow. The Aces, Storm and Mercury have all opened their very own in latest seasons. The Liberty and Fever use services inside their arenas shared by NBA groups.
Miller completed his two seasons in Los Angeles with a 25-55 file. It’s the second time he is been concerned in a shocking offseason parting-of-ways. Miller left the Connecticut Solar after shedding within the 2022 WNBA Finals to the Aces and took the Sparks job.He’s 165-141 all-time as head coach and his Solar groups had been the winningest within the league throughout his tenure, although they did not win a championship. His wins rank eleventh in WNBA historical past.
Golden State ought to be hiring a coach quickly with an enlargement draft anticipated in December. Fever common supervisor Lin Dunn informed reporters on Tuesday she had not been knowledgeable but on how an enlargement draft would work this winter. As well as, the Toronto and Portland enlargement groups might be searching for head coaches, however these franchises should not starting play till 2026. Free company can even be difficult since gamers are, for essentially the most half, not signing previous 2026 since salaries are anticipated to rise below a brand new collective bargaining settlement.
