Connecticut Sun: 3 Reasons Why DeWanna Bonner Will Add Fuel To Another Finals Run

The Connecticut Sun currently hold two picks in the 2020 WNBA draft. The draft will be held this Friday at 7:00 p.m. EST. on ESPN.

This offseason the Sun acquired Briann January, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and DeWanna Bonner. Friday, the team will get to utilize their two draft picks (23,35) and take their next steps as a franchise.

Connecticut Sun: Heat Check

Regardless of what Connecticut does with their draft picks they still have a chance to return to the WNBA Finals this season. Many critics question if the team will be able to recover without Courtney Williams. The team traded Williams to the Atlanta Dream this offseason.

However, the team will be fine considering that they acquired Bonner and January. In addition to the offseason acquisitions, they still have Jasmine Thomas at guard. While the team did lose Williams and Shekinna Stricklen they can still make another title run.

As of now, the franchise’s core of players is still intact. But fans need to rest assure because Bonner can be the primary scorer, the last piece to balance this roster and the piece to get the Sun over the hump.

Here are a few reasons why Connecticut can return to the finals:

Primary Scorer/Balance

First off, the last two seasons for Bonner illustrates the constant improvement to her game. During the 2018 season, she averaged 17.3 points per game compared to Brittney Griner’s 20.5 and Diana Taurasi’s 20.7.

While playing with the Phoenix Mercury Bonner was the third scoring option. But the fact that she averaged double-digits while deferring to Taurasi and Griner speaks volumes. Last season Bonner averaged 17.2 points per game as the second scoring option behind Griner.

Bonner received the opportunity to step up due to Taurasi only playing six games because of injury. Needless to say, last season proved that Bonner can be a primary scoring option. Also, the fact that she comes from another high octane offensive system will help her transition to the balanced style of play that Connecticut is used to.

The 6″4 guard/forward will help the Sun keep defenses honest, initiate the break and occasionally stretch the floor. She also adds more scoring to this team. Last season Bonner averaged more points than Williams (13.2), Jonquel Jones (14.6) and Alyssa Thomas (11.6) who were Connecticut’s top three scorers last season.

Although, Bonner can score she will add to this team’s balance because of her ability to analyze what her team needs in specific situations.

Connecticut and Maintaining A Championship Mindset

The Sun took the Washington Mystics to Game 5 in the WNBA Finals last season but came up short. However, last season’s finals heartbreak will add motivation for the team this season.

Despite losing in the Finals last season this roster exudes playoff pedigree and experience. The addition of Bonner will help this team get over the hump.

During Bonner’s tenure in Phoenix, she won two titles in 2009 and 2014. In addition to capturing two titles, she is a three-time All-Star (2015,2018,2019). DB will add mental toughness to this team, and a will to win despite the situation.

Right now, the team is ready to wipe the blemish off from last year but it’s easy for teams to fall apart the following season after a title run. The fact that Connecticut has an experienced postseason presence on the roster will help this team avoid a pitfall.

Further Mentorship for Jonquel Jones

On the flip side of Bonner, the team is waiting for Jones to erupt this season. Jones is a special type of athlete, she can shoot from deep, post up and can be a defensive nightmare for opposing teams.

However, Jones is all about her team and making sure that everyone gets involved. The addition of Bonner will help Jones grow on both sides of the floor.

Last season, Williams motivated and encouraged  Jones to takeover games. When the 6″6 forward is locked in she is tough for anyone to guard.

Bonner will help Jones with her mental toughness, offensive, and defensive IQ and how to attack certain basketball situations.

This season will be interesting for the Sun who have the talent, and balance to make another run at the finals.