When they are happy, they produce. Nobody wants to disparage Houston or edit the Comets completely out of the picture. The Comets have won four rings and deserve respect. Having said that, I don't think Houston is going to be chopped liver. Swoopes had knee surgery in April and will miss the season.
Cooper now is Phoenix's coach.
You can't underestimate that. A lame start in a three-month season can cripple a team. It's a sprint to the finish from the first game, which should make some of the best teams nervous. Injuries will play a role among some contenders. Sacramento limps into the season with starters Ruthie Bolton-Holifield and Ticha Penicheiro slowed by injuries.