In a crazy unexpected turn of events, Sandy Brondello and the Phoenix Mercury have decided to part ways. Brondello is one of the best coaches in the WNBA. She has eight consecutive playoff appearances, a championship, and nine single-elimination wins. This move is entirely out of the blue and makes me wonder what is happening. More importantly, Brondello’s departure may lead to Taurasi’s retirement.
Will Brondello’s Departure lead to Taurasi’s Retirement?
What does this mean for the WNBA?
Brondello has amassed almost 300 wins throughout her career. With Walt Hopkins gone in New York, the Liberty need to give Brondello a call now. She would be an excellent hire for a team on the rise in the WNBA. Brondello is right up there with Cheryl Reeve of the Lynx and others as one of the best in the league. There may be other coaching moves in the offseason, and teams should afford Brondello significant consideration. It would be a shame for her to accept a college job or something if that is not what she wanted. Brondello also coaches the Australian National team and has led them to a silver medal in the Olympics on multiple occasions.
What does this mean for Mercury and Diana Taurasi?
Consequently, this move by the Mercury may cause a ripple effect throughout the team. Diana Taurasi, the GOAT of the WNBA, has averaged 19.4 points throughout her career and had five years of twenty or more points. In light of Brondello’s departure, Taurasi is unlikely to return if the situation is not conducive to winning. She was hit with many injuries the last few seasons and may not want to go through that again without a championship-level coach. Luckily, Phoenix has an excellent roster with Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner; this trio can lead their team to another championship next year, but with a new coach, this idea is farfetched. It would be a shame for the best in the game to go out like Taurasi did last season, and I hope she decides to play.
The next few weeks should be interesting to see if other players decide to leave the Mercury or hire as their next coach. But, of course, that coach will have high expectations following Brondello’s success. I hope that Brondello’s departure does not lead to Taurasi’s retirement.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
