After coring Glory Johnson the Dallas Wings secured her signature very early in free agency.
On the first day of free agency the Dallas Wings secured the signature of cored player Glory Johnson. The Wings designating Johnson as their core player shows just how much they value the talents of Johnson.
Last season Johnson played in 29 games where she averaged 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. This was the lowest output of her career in points and rebounds so it begs the question, why did the Wings core Johnson, not Karima Christmas-Kelly.
It is simple, Johnson provides what the team needs when the team needs it. This is an instinct that very few players truly possess. In a league where the margin between making the playoffs and not can be a single game, even a single moment in a single game, having a player who knows what to do instinctively in invaluable.
Now that Liz Cambage has requested a trade and Skylar Diggins-Smith is going to miss a large chunk of the season through pregnancy, having a player with the leadership and instincts of Johnson is invaluable. If the Wings are going to avoid the bottom of the table, Johnson is going to be crucial.
Last season was the first time that Johnson averaged less than 11.3 points per game. Without Cambage and Diggins-Smith, Johnson should get her numbers back to where they have been in her career, possibly having a career year in points and rebounds.
Whatever happens, new coach Brian Agler has shown his belief in Johnson and will make her the heart of his team. With Johnson, Aliisha Gray, Azura Stevens and Theresa Plaisance as the core of this team they will be competitive.
For full free agency coverage check out our 2019 free agency central.
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