The Los Angeles Sparks have shown how much they value the services of Odyssey Sims by matching the offer sheet of the Phoenix Mercury.

The Los Angeles Sparks have disappointed the legions of Phoenix Mercury fans by matching the offer sheet that was offered to Odyssey Sims. This is a surprise in that the Sparks have only got $500,000 of cap space to play with.

By signing Sims they have effectively given themselves a lesser chance at signing all their key free agents. Alana Beard, Essence Carson, Chelsea Gray and Riquna Williams. This is the first decision made by new head coach Derek Fisher.

There is a good chance that now they have effectively signed Sims, there is a very good  chance that her role ,will increase under the new coach.

Sims has been under-utilised in her two years at the Sparks, averaging less than ten points per game for the first time in her career. Her shooting has been great from the floor but her shooting from deep has been lacking.

Last season was also the first time that Sims averaged less than three assists per game. Her work on the defensive end also yielded lower numbers, as 2018 was also the first season she averaged less than 1.0 steals per game in her career.

There is going to be more opportunity next season, assuming the Sparks don’t win the Liz Cambage sweepstakes and Sims has the talent and the drive to take the opportunity with both hands. Coupled with the all-WNBA front court, Sims will help the Sparks get back to the top of the league.

For full free agency coverage check out our 2019 free agency central.

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