When Tree Rollins sat down with his players after being named Washington Mystics interim head coach two weeks ago, he wanted to find out what each of them thought their role should be.
He also told them his list of the team’s ideal top three scorers: Alana Beard and DeLisha Milton-Jones were no surprise, but second-year small forward Tamara James?
“I was kind of shocked when he said that, but I accept it,” said James, who’s averaging 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in four straight starts after just 2.7 points and 7.4 minutes as a rookie. “I think it’s a challenge every night to come out and work hard, but I don’t think that’s a hard thing for me to do because I’m always willing to do whatever it takes.”
Her minutes have come at the expense of Monique Currie, who scored 29 points in her first two games of the year with Chicago but has yet to make a start and is averaging less than five points and 15 minutes in four games since her arrival in the Mystics’ blockbuster trade with the Sky.
Rollins wants to include Currie more in the rotation, a task that could be difficult as Washington begins a stretch of three games in four days.
“TJ’s doing everything we’re asking her to do, both on and off the court. I’ll have to sit down and talk with Monique,” said Rollins. “One thing we’re going to have to do is let TJ play with the second unit in practice. Not that she’s losing her starting spot, but to get Monique ‘more reps’ with the starting unit.”
Mystics (0-7) at Liberty (5-2)
When » Tonight, 7
Where » MadisonSquare Garden
TV » ESPN2
Radio » 1260 AM
