The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed eight-time all-star Seimone Augustus, bringing back the veteran for her second season with the team and 16th overall in the league. The former number one overall draft pick in the 2006 draft by the Minnesota Lynx, Augustus has lived up to that potential and racked up a plethora of trophies throughout her magnificent career.
Returning for another season with the Sparks was something that was important to Augustus, as she hopes the team can build off the success from last season in the bubble.
“I’m really excited to continue my career in Los Angeles and build on what we started last season,” Augustus said. “This organization is filled with young players and veterans ready to compete and grow as a team. I’m motivated to help lead this group into the next era of Sparks basketball.”
With the team recently re-signing Brittney Sykes, Amanda Zahui B., and Bria Holmes, the return of the veteran guarantees some leadership for a young Sparks roster.
Head coach and general manager Derek Fisher understand the value of having an all-time great such as Augustus returning to the team.
“Seimone Augustus is a four-time champion who demonstrated her invaluable leadership experience last year,” Fisher said. “She brings efficient outside shooting, scoring in bunches, and an elite basketball IQ on both ends of the floor that will be important for us next season. We’re excited she’ll be continuing her storied career in Los Angeles.”
As well as being a four-time WNBA champion, Augustus earned three-time Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2008,2012,2016). She currently ranks 10th on the all-time WNBA scoring list and has averaged 15.4 points per game throughout her career. Augustus was able to appear in 21 games for the Sparks last season after missing most of the 2019 year due to a knee injury that needed arthroscopic surgery to repair.
“To be honest, I surprised myself a little bit last year. Everything was based on my physical health and mental health,” Augustus said. “Having an opportunity to come here to the Sparks really gave me the confidence and determination to keep going again.”
Having spent her entire career with the Lynx prior to her move to Los Angeles last season, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer will forever be remembered for her long list of accolades that she has acquired throughout her career with Minnesota. Though her achievements will be forever tied to her first franchise, ending her career in a Sparks uniform is something she’s always dreamt about.
“I’m just enjoying the opportunities and the possibilities to be honest,” Augustus said. “What I do know for sure though is that I will retire as a Spark and I will have fun with that situation. I’m just excited to be here and just thinking of the opportunity to do that.”
PALMETTO, FL – SEPTEMBER 4: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Los Angeles Sparks plays defense against the Seattle Storm on September 4, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in Palmetto, Florida. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
As a huge sports fan and aspiring sports journalist, the opportunity to cover our local professional teams is a great learning experience. Working towards my Masters in Sports Management, the ability to combine my journalism skills with sports has been a life-long goal.
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