The Toronto Tempo's missed opportunity in free agency continues to cast a long shadow over the team's performance. The story of Shakira Austin, a restricted free agent, serves as a stark reminder of what could have been. Austin, a 25-year-old talent, was offered a three-year max contract by the Tempo, but the Washington Mystics, with their 'Right of First Refusal', matched the offer, keeping Austin in the nation's capital.
This decision has had a profound impact on the Tempo's frontcourt. With Austin's absence, the team's depth has been severely tested. Injuries to Isabelle Harrison and limited playing time for Temi Fagbenle have left the frontcourt thin and vulnerable. The Tempo now ranks last in points in the paint per game and allows the fourth-most points in the paint, a stark contrast to the potential they could have had with Austin.
The game against the Los Angeles Sparks highlights the Tempo's missed opportunity. Nyara Sabally, the team's most productive big, had a standout performance with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. However, the absence of Austin, who could have been a key pick-and-roll partner and rim protector, likely contributed to the team's four-point loss. The Tempo's frontcourt, already depleted, struggled against a formidable Sparks frontcourt.
The Tempo's decision to offer Austin a contract, despite the Mystics' right of first refusal, was a strategic move. Austin's potential as a pick-and-roll partner, post-up option, and rim protector is undeniable. Her ability to build around her for years was a significant draw. The team's current struggles in the paint and their depleted frontcourt depth underscore the importance of such strategic decisions in free agency.
In my opinion, the Tempo's missed opportunity with Austin is a fascinating case study in the complexities of free agency. It raises questions about the team's strategy and the value of long-term planning. The team's current struggles serve as a reminder of the importance of making the right moves in free agency, especially when it comes to restricted free agents. The story of Austin's departure and the team's subsequent challenges is a testament to the fine line between success and failure in the WNBA.
