Despite Injury Concerns, WNBA Veteran Defends Lakers’ $186,000,000 Decision: “I Understand the Qualms”

This offseason has revolutionized the amount of contracts when it comes to major players. After Michael Jordan’s $33.1 million a year record was broken by Stephen Curry after twenty years in 2017, superstars are going way beyond that value. Within the last six years, the contract value has grown a staggering two times! The higher the value, the more prestigious the player is for a franchise. After all, the NBA cap price is set at $136.021 million.

With one contract almost occupying half of their fortunes, it is a big gamble to pay someone lavishly in the injury-prone league. In this regard, a two-time WNBA All-Star gives her thoughts about someone who signed a huge deal.

Chiney Ogwumike defends the historical contract

Los Angeles Sparks Center Chiney Ogwumike is a terrific low-post player and has worked hard on her footwork. When she played for the Connecticut Sun, she earned the All-Star berth twice. Her rebounding and defense combine well with her low-block prowess.

However, in 2016, she suffered a major Achilles injury that cost her a ton of time. But it didn’t stop her from winning the Comeback Player of the Year. The injury-related issues are recurring in her career and even this season, she has missed more than half of the Sparks games.

She appeared on First Take and gave her thoughts about another injury-riddled player like her, Anthony Davis. When she was asked if the Lakers had made the right decision by giving Anthony Davis a 3-year $186 million extension, she replied,  “Absolutely. While the Lakers are in the midst of a short championship window with LeBron at the age of 38, they don’t want to jeopardize the position of the franchise for the foreseeable future. That means you extend Anthony Davis.”

Relating her own experience with injuries, she said, ”I understand the qualms with AD. Personally as someone myself who has dealt with nagging injuries, trying to play a complete season. The reality is when AD is on the floor and when he is healthy, your team can beat anybody.”

Furthermore, she used the help of stats to prove his worth to the team.

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Ogwumike breaks down stats to justify AD’s extension

Continuing on her pursuit to back Davis’ extension, she said, “When he goes for like 25 points, you win around 65% or 70% of your games. It means you are a firm top-four team in the stacked West.”

“When AD is on the floor defensively, the Lakers had the best defense in the NBA. We all remember that defensive energy, that rim protection, that verticality that AD brought to the bubble,” she added.

Ogwumike’s high praise for Davis also reflects why the Lakers are willing to pay him more than $60 million a year, a decision that has divided the NBA community. 

Do you agree with Ogwumike here? Do share in the comments below.

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