May 6, 2022
Locked on Women’s Basketball: The Importance of Chiney Ogwumike, Derek Fisher speaks, Los Angeles Sparks ready
By The Next
"Chiney is a better catch-and-shoot perimeter shooting player than most people think ... it is something we want her to explore more"

It’s time for another episode of the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast, and today host Howard Megdal goes deep on the Los Angeles Sparks, including some questions with Sparks general manager and head coach Derek Fisher on Chiney Ogwumike, among other topics.
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Before Fisher joined the discussion, Howard spoke about the calls from several players around the league for roster expansion, including from LA’s own Chiney Ogwumike:
It’s just not enough. It’s just not enough. 144 is not enough, and this league doesn’t employ 144 players. Not with the salary cap forcing a lot of teams to carry 11. Chiney Ogwumike, who I mentioned before, she mentioned the need for a G League, I’ve talked about this too. Having people at home, having people in the United States ready to come, having played regular basketball. … Having an injured list so that you don’t have to cut players so you can have a true roster. Players who have bought in, who are at your practices, who were part of your system. It matters
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Fisher on the fit and value that Chiney brings while on the court:
Chiney’s defense and rebounding has always been elite, and we’re better with her on the floor on that end. Offensively, Chiney is a better catch-and-shoot perimeter shooting player than most people think. It has not been a big part part of her game historically, but it is something we want her to explore more, to feel more confident
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