FCP's 2007 all-WNBA teams

We’ve never understood why all-anything teams are decided before the playoffs end. After all, team success is measured by what happens in postseason, and it’s seems contradictory, if not simply incomplete, to ignore the playoffs when it comes to individual honors.

So the FCP all-WNBA teams include what happened in that last exhilarating month of the season – and for example, by doing so Tamika Catchings moves to first-team status. Why? After the regular season, Catchings had played just 21 of 34 games, which is just 62% of the schedule. Whether the cutoff for consideration is drawn at 67% or 75% participation, the two most logical choices, Catchings was below it. But she played six games in postseason, jumping her to 27 out of 40 games, or 67.5%.

Granted, most of the time, 67.5% wouldn’t quite be enough, but for a player of Catchings’ abilities, there’s no doubt.

But enough of that. Here are the teams (in alphabetical order) and awards:

First team

Tamika Catchings, Indiana: Just too good to leave enough, Catchings is one of the best in the world at almost everything but shooting – and she’s not bad at that. Recovery from Achilles’ tendon surgery is usually 100% successful, so we look forward to seeing her next summer.

Becky Hammon, San Antonio: The story is familiar, but what gets lost is the hard work and sheer basketball intelligence that has led to Hammon’s transformation from an undrafted unknown to one of the best players in the world.

Lauren Jackson, Seattle: We’d like to see her play on a well-coached WNBA team – but we may never get the chance. Though the word is that the Storm will stay in Seattle next season, Jackson may stay in Australia to get ready for the Olympics.

Deanna Nolan, Detroit: Nolan’s athleticism has never been questioned, but as she’s matured, she’s become more consistent. What’s scary is that she can still get better.

Penny Taylor, Phoenix: The usual qualifications for all-WNBA begin with a bedrock of raw athleticism that can’t be denied. Taylor, like Hammon, isn’t one of the best five athletes in the league, but there’s no doubt she’s one of the best five players. What a wonderful season.

Second team

Seimone Augustus, Minnesota: Playing for the dismal Lynx, Augustus was the Lone Ranger: She was the only one opponents had to worry about. She still averaged 22.6 ppg and shot 50.8% from the field. And it’s only her second season.

Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix: Pondexter got to center stage in the Finals, and made her case very clearly there.

Diana Taurasi, Phoenix: As the third member of the WNBA champions in the top ten in the league, it should be becoming more clear that the Mercury title had as much to do with talent as it did with a style of play.

Tina Thompson, Houston: Despite the burden of carrying a young, bad team, the veteran played hard, and very well, all season long.

Sophia Young, San Antonio: Young improved dramatically after a fine rookie season – and though she didn’t make a three-pointer in 2007, she finishes her pregame workouts by draining several. Consider yourself warned.

Special mention

(Not exactly honorable mention, but worthy of note)

Alana Beard, Washington: There are haters, but she’s been a winner since high school.

Rebekkah Brunson, Sacramento: The highest flyer in the league, Brunson showed how far she’s come when she played well despite an injury that limited her vertical.

Candice Dupree, Chicago: Dupree vs. Young should be required viewing for the rest of the decade.

Cheryl Ford, Detroit: Still has a ways to go, but she’s a Category 5 rebounder.

Vickie Johnson, San Antonio: The consummate veteran. A tremendous player, who’s never gotten her due.

Asjha Jones, Connecticut: Finally a starter, finally showing all she can do.

Lindsey Whalen, Connecticut: If only she could make jumpers …

Most Outstanding Player: Lauren Jackson

The best player in the world, without question. Note the wording, however: This isn’t the Most Valuable Player in the league in terms of contribution to her team, but rather the best player.

Most Valuable Player: Tamika Catchings

It’s about winning, right? Indiana with Catcings: 16-5; Indiana without Catchings: 5-8. She led the Fever in points, rebounds, assists, and steals .. .for the fifth year in a row. Questions?

Coach of the Year: Paul Westhead, Phoenix

A perfect example of regular season versus the whole year, as Westhead’s calm leadership showed itself most prominently in postseason.

Rookie of the Year: Arminite Price, Chicago

We had to name someone, and Price had a decent season, better than expected. Lindsay Harding, had she not been hurt, would have been a serious contender.

General Manager of the Year: Dan Hughes, San Antonio

After the disastrous reign of Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil, Hughes restored order and now has established the Silver Stars at a Western Conference power.

Most improved: Loree Moore, New York

Moore had more turnovers than assists as a Tennessee point guard, and was an inconsistent shooter. Now she handles with assurance, buries threes and has remained an elite defender.