Gotnext Women's Basketball Boards

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Kayte Christensen.

An over-achiever and a fan favorite, she doesn't have the talent to go further in her development as a player. We got the max out of her. But the talent in the league is far beyond her level.

Gil · Joined: 25 Jun 2002 Posts: 84

Thanks, CamrnCrz1974 for letting the Phoenix fans know of this development. I was going to take care of the announcement today.

rebolpuppy · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 2:06 pm Post subject: Unhappy

Gil

I, for one, think she wasn't the best candidate for this. I hope she does well, and I know she has some great irons in the fire.

Good luck, Swiffer; I'll miss you.

Suze

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

I think Kayte was invaluable to this team, and every team needs a Kayte.
I'll miss her smiling face and swiffer floor cleaning!

Dam, I betcha Lisa Leslie thinks it's good news;(

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Wow!

Kind of a surprise, to me anyway.

librarygeek · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 176 Location: Central Phx

Does this mean we are acquiring someone new or that we're just waiving her?

Is she going to be doing wedding planning full time or is she going to continue with the Mercury in some other capacity?

Gonna miss you, Swiffer. :(

Gil · Joined: 25 Jun 2002 Posts: 84

If you don't know, Kayte has been writing a print and online bi-weekly diary for the Arizona Republic's website and newspaper throughout this WNBA season. Here is a link to this week's entry. Enjoy .....

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/mercury/kaytesdiary.html

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

I'll miss Kayte - some games she seemed like the only 'fire' on the court.

Will miss you Kayte :(

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Yep, somebody else is coming in.

Kayte's hustle and energy will be missed.

mranderso · Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 5:11 pm Post subject:

Quote: Yep, somebody else is coming in.
hmm... is that why Michele Timms was wearing Kayte's #20 in yesterday's shootaround? :)

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Quote: Yep, somebody else is coming in

Who?

tracey · Joined: 17 Jul 2002 Posts: 146 Location: chandler AZ

Good-golly I'm going to miss her.

Thanks Kayte for your hustle, determination, spunk, and energy. Good luck!

Sigh. This has not been a good day.

kjg · Joined: 20 Feb 2004 Posts: 83 Location: NE Wisconsin

Is there a point guard out there that could fit in and help spell the guards?

kitkat310 · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 303

Really, someone else is coming in?

It's too bad it had to be Kayte though...I liked her a lot. She has so much heart. :D

Kelley · Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Posts: 29 Location: Atlanta, GA

Noooooo... not Kayte :(

Seth could have at least let her finish the season!

If he's smart, he'll move her to the front office where her organizational skills could be put to good use. Seems to be a bit lacking since Ilene left.

Kel

MercuryBoFan · Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 253 Location: Glendale

Kayte will be missed. She was a great addition to this team but when Maria came back it was obvious someone would have to go. I wish Kayte the best and I hope she can still come back in the future !!!

She's beautiful, intelligent and hard working. Therefore, she will be just fine !

God Bless You Kayte 8)

Gaucho81 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 147 Location: Ventura, CA

Bummer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kayte--
Gonna miss checking the box scores for your stats. Sure wish I could have seen you play in more WNBA games. Only saw a couple of games in person, besides the ones broadcast on national TV.

With the losing cycle in place, it was a necessary turn of events. Just wish it wasn't you (the last UCSB Gaucho connection on the Mercury). You hold the longevity title for any UCSB Gaucho player in the WNBA, by half a season :D

Hope to see you surface on another team this season or next, eventhough your business may make that more difficult.

Kayte, you're the best and I know you'll be fine. Wish you the best!

Go Mercury!!!

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

If he's smart, he'll move her to the front office where her organizational skills could be put to good use. Seems to be a bit lacking since Ilene left.

I second that!
Maybe Kayte could be in charge of bringing back some of the traditions like the Kick off luncheon and the fun waitressing at the Spaghetti Company! She is a planner, put her to work planning 8)

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:29 am Post subject:

caune wrote: every team needs a Kayte.
Absolutely!

It always hurts much more to lose a player like Kayte, because nobody in this league gives more for their team than she does. As a fan, you just couldn't ask for anything more from a player, and her popularity is a well-earned testament to her character.
Her departure was inevitable, but by the same token what a tremendous job she did for us as a 3rd round draft pick. (Incidentally, not many GMs over the years have been 'genius' enough to unearth a gem like Kayte from so deep, but some people would rather focus on negatives than positives).

Thanks, Kayte!! :)

peoriamercfan · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 54

Kind of ironic that Kayte's release came on the day her latest azcentral entry appeared with her talking about how it sucks to grow up.

Hate to even bring this up, but does anyone think that her recent sparing with that devil woman had any factor on Kayte's dismissal?

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

peoriamercfan wrote: Kind of ironic that Kayte's release came on the day her latest azcentral entry appeared with her talking about how it sucks to grow up.

Hate to even bring this up, but does anyone think that her recent sparing with that devil woman had any factor on Kayte's dismissal?

The deadline w/r/t fulfilling contracts for the remainder of the season is fast approaching (either today or early next week). A move had to be made.

And no, the sparring with Schlussel had no bearing on the decision. It was purely a basketball move.

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1129

I too will miss the Swiffer. I think the main reason LJ was frustrated the other night is that she came into the game knowing Kayte was on IR and wouldn't be playing and thought she was going to have an easy night. She definitely wouldn't have with Kayte on her.

I do believe Kayte was offered a position with the organization, but I have no idea if she is interested.

The deadline for guarenteed contracts is Saturday. So the timing makes sense. And if the reason that they let her go was to help free up cap room, then having Lisa go over Kayte would not have made much sense.

I don't think her "run in" with Little Debbie, the official snackcake of the WNBA (as my tall blond friend likes to refer to Schussel as), had anything to do with Kayte's dismissal. If anything, she would have been given a bonus.

Gambo recognized Kayte in his azcentral column. Thanks, Gambo.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cheapseats/gambo/0708rant.html

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1043 Location: Phoenix AZ

Thanks SportsFan
That is one article I want to print out. I'd put it in 1 inch high letters if I could. Kayte deserves all the praise she is given and then some. I hope she stays with the organization. It may depend on how established she is with her wedding planning business.
Quote: John Gambadoro
Special for azcentral.com
Jul. 8, 2005 11:15 AM
Kayte Christensen, who was waived by the Phoenix Mercury Thursday, was more than a pretty face. She was the perfect spokesperson for the team and role model for younger girls. Never a great player, Christensen was not seeing much playing time this year and was recently put on the injured list. The Mercury attempted to trade her but in the end had to let her go before Saturday - the day contracts become guaranteed. The move affords them some salary cap flexibility should an injury occur or the need for another player arise. Christensen has been offered a job within the organization should she fail to land on another roster

aml10 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 323 Location: iowa

wow, what a year this has been.

it's hard to keep up with the mercury this summer! i miss a few days and bam! kayte is gone :(

she'll be missed... hopefully she stays around in some capacity!

PA71 · Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 28

This is the part of basketball I hate. The business side. KC will be missed and i to hope she stays on in some capicity.

Here's the scenerio for "should an injury occur or the need for another player arise". Because MS won't be here "for the rest of the season", she will be "injured" the end of july or begging of aug. and decide to recover back in russia. Then we will have that need for another player. Hopfully it will be KC. ooooooohhhhhhh the ways of satan seth.

kingbt · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 70

"An over-achiever and a fan favorite, she doesn't have the talent to go further in her development as a player. We got the max out of her. But the talent in the league is far beyond her level."

Why do you think Carrie Graf started her in a game this year?

Why did Carrie Graf play her 9.8 minutes a game (almost 1/4 of each game) this year?

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

kingbt wrote:
Why do you think Carrie Graf started her in a game this year?

Why did Carrie Graf play her 9.8 minutes a game (almost 1/4 of each game) this year?

Kayte was averaging 1.6 points, but 2.27 fouls in her 9.8 minutes. More fouls than points isn't going to give you a roster spot.

Moreover, in the 10 games since Kamila Vodichkova arrived, Kayte has been averaging 5.5 minutes per game. And that total is only for 6 games...she has had DNPs in 4 of the 10 games.

In the three games since Maria Stepanova arrived, Kayte has not played in a single game...three DNPs. She was placed on the injured list to make room for Maria.

Carrie Graf played Kayte because Kamila Vodichkova and Maria Stepanova were not here. They are significantly more talented. It isn't meant to be a slight against Kayte or what she has contributed in terms of her heart, but the talent disparity is overwhelming.

mb · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:07 pm Post subject:

Wow, the business side of basketball can be tough.

Cam's assessment is correct, yet comes across harsh when it regards one of everybodies favorite players. It would have been nice if Gill could have done a release praising her positives to break the news.

The irony is Lisa Harrison occupying the role player spot on the roster that could be Kayte's. Both players gave maximum efforts, doing all the little things that don't show in the box score. Both are fan favorites, Both became the face of the team though excellent community service and public appearance work. The error, or mistake (if we must point fingers), was the three year guaranteed contract to Lisa. Of course this was at a time when Adrian Williams was our best player and Lisa was the biggest fan draw.

On the flip side, the organization takes care of its players: Lisa having the assistant position last year and a roster spot this year, Timmsy performing commentating and coaching tasks. Jen Gillom has been reached out to numerous times. Bridget Pettis has had some opportunities.

As the one who dubbed her with the "Swiffer" moniker, for the way the kneepads hit the floor in a 110% effort to take a charge or chase a loose ball, I will miss her solid ten minutes. She's welcome to use three fouls on the opposing center in my book. Not to say the arrivals of Kamila and Maria aren't welcome and making a difference.

Knowing the class act and solid character of Kayte, it is certain she will land on her feet. If she wants to play, great; yet this Rattler fan is willing to bench Sherdick Bonner immediately.

Kayte was loved not only for her playing effort, but many other attributes: great leader, willing to accept her role, positive cheering while on the bench, sharp dresser, hard working small town girl, etc, etc.

Just noticed the new GotNext tagline..well said!

***********

A roster move had to be made not only to add Maria, yet for other reasons.

God forbid, an injury to one of our star backcourt players...this waiver allows roster space and salary cap space to pick someone up in an emergency. We, in theory, could trade a 40K for 60K now, whereas we couldn't before. Something like that...Seth or Cam could explain...or maybe I shouldn't have even got into that.

***********

Best wishes Kayte...hope to see you soon...and I know the perfect guy for you!

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Quote: Something like that...Seth or Cam could explain...or maybe I shouldn't have even got into that.

Waiving Kayte secured close to $50,000 to sign a free agent. Coupled with additional money under the cap, we have a LOT of flexibility, both for the rest of this year and for the offseason.

Incidentally, it wouldn't be Gil's place to do a release. Usually releases are done by the teams. Gil should be doing a promo piece on Kayte to get her picked up by another team! :wink:

mb · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info, Cam.

Perhaps it would have been nice for the team to do a release before it hit the boards.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Out of curiousity, why does a team have to do a release for a player that has been cut? If Kayte is such a fan favorite, is there really a need to advertise the fact she has been cut?

Quote: Thank you Kayte!
110% effort, 100% of the time
(shame, shame on mgmt)

This is what I don't understand. Yes, her heart was tremendous. But this league is a business. It is about putting the most talented players on the floor. It is about winning games. Kayte's 1.6 points per game just weren't getting it done. Phoenix was the perfect place, becausee we have had the WEAKEST post lineup for the past few years. No other team in the WNBA would have had Kayte as long as we did.

Look, she is a great role model and a wonderful person, but she didn't lead us to any more victories. She wasn't going to lead us to the playoffs. She was a limited roleplayer who was an overachiever.

kingbt · Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 70

Look, she is a great role model and a wonderful person, but she didn't lead us to any more victories. She wasn't going to lead us to the playoffs. She was a limited roleplayer who was an overachiever.

Isn't a little strange the way the Brigade was so happy that no one would get cut because Pierson was traded, then as soon as Christensen is cut she's suddenly a player who has no business in the league? Where was the "why trade Plenette when we could have cut the totally outclassed Kayte" talk?

mb · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject:

kingbt,

You are way off base...

First, the majority of the Brigade is dismayed that Kayte was cut.
We may or may not (varied opinions) support the business reasonings, yet are disappointed she left. Plenette's departure was met with equally varied reactions, though the majority concensus was that she'll be missed more at Majerle's than on the court.

Second, Cam NEVER has and NEVER will speak for the WHOLE of the Brigade. He is a fan and an analyst, who offers commentary on WNBA happenings. He often gives timely and accurate info, and for the mostpart quite accurate synopsis. Sometimes his opinions have a biased slant (re: early ranting on DT versus AB, dislike of AD due to ties with NL, etc.).

Also, not even the Brigade can agree on who truly constitutes the Brigade.

As I recall, your initial presence on the board was to defend the tyrannical coach Cooper from bashing. In the past couple years there were teams interested in trading for Kayte...not certain about this year.

Third, even if we had cut Kayte instead of (prior to) trading Plenette, we likely would have still needed to make a roster move.

**********
regarding the GotNext tagline:

110% etc...agreed
shame on mgmt...not necessarily (see abve comments re: Lisa's contract,etc)

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Quote: Where was the "why trade Plenette when we could have cut the totally outclassed Kayte" talk?

Because Plenette had the talent but displayed little to no effort and had desire to make consistent efforts to expand her game in the offseason. I have been advocating trading her since the beginning. She was a malcontent at Texas Tech, and it is my opinion some of that has followed her.

mb wrote: Second, Cam NEVER has and NEVER will speak for the WHOLE of the Brigade. He is a fan and an analyst, who offers commentary on WNBA happenings. He often gives timely and accurate info, and for the mostpart quite accurate synopsis. Sometimes his opinions have a biased slant (re: early ranting on DT versus AB, dislike of AD due to ties with NL, etc.).

One correction...I don't dislike DeForge. I DO dislike the "N" word...as a coach, an analyst, and a person. I DO recognize the need to trade DeForge to improve the team and diversify the offense...a position I have maintained since the end of the 2003 season (for which I was labeled a pseudo-heretic on this board, though many have come around).

Also, not even the Brigade can agree on who truly constitutes the Brigade.

Kelley · Joined: 16 Jun 2002 Posts: 29 Location: Atlanta, GA

Wow... all this discussion. bla, bla, bla... doesn't change the fact that the Merc released Kayte. :(

I still hope she accepts a position with the organization.

Kelley
(I may understand it, but that don't mean I gotta like it)

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

Isn't a little strange the way the Brigade was so happy that no one would get cut because Pierson was traded, then as soon as Christensen is cut she's suddenly a player who has no business in the league? Where was the "why trade Plenette when we could have cut the totally outclassed Kayte" talk?

Well golly, I sure wish we Brigade members could read the minds of the man with the money, but we can't. This was strictly a money decision in my mind. This really did come out of the blue to most every fan.

And let me just add I am going to miss Kayte, she was one of my all time favorites, but I've been a basketball junkie long eneough to know that's the way it goes. If I could survive the Bucks trading Kareem when I was only 13 (and devestated by the trade), I can survive the cutting of Kayte, but I don't have to like either decision!

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1129

kingbt said:
Quote: Isn't a little strange the way the Brigade was so happy that no one would get cut because Pierson was traded, then as soon as Christensen is cut she's suddenly a player who has no business in the league? Where was the "why trade Plenette when we could have cut the totally outclassed Kayte" talk?

Where was the "why trade Plenette when we could have cut the totally outclassed Kayte" talk.

First of all, you would never see a Brigade member call Kayte outclassed. Out skilled, possibly, but NEVER outclassed.

And, yes, the Brigade was happy we would not have to cut anyone after the PP trade, mainly because the players we knew who would be in consideration were players we really didn't want to see go. Not necessarially because of their skill level but because they are outstanding individuals who have given a lot to the Mercury organization and the fans.

Do us and yourself a favor and go back and read the threads since the start of the season and see who people thought would be cut or waived as the season progressed. You will find several posts where Kayte's name was discussed. One posts suggests waiving Kayte, trading Lisa, and benching PP.

Read this thread. You will see that many, if not most, would not have waived Kayte but another player. Unfortunately for Kayte, this situation made the most economical sense.

While we knew changes had to be made to accommodate the roster requriements, the changes that were made (PP trade and Kayte's waiving) came as a surprise to many of us.

I, for one, appreciate cam's "inside" information and his sharing some of the reasoning behind the changes that have been made. It helps to understand, IMO.

Last, but not least, no where does anyone say that Kayte is "suddenly a player who has no business in the league." Those are your words. As well as "the outclassed Kayte".

And, I would think, from the personal exchanges between Kayte and members of the Brigade as recent as the last two games (LA and Seattle) Kayte, herself, would know that the Brigade loves her and appreciated her contributions.

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

so, are we bringing someone else in or are we just holding a spot? Seems to be conflicting info 'out there'.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

oddball8450 wrote: so, are we bringing someone else in or are we just holding a spot? Seems to be conflicting info 'out there'.
Not conflicting information at all. Bringing in someone takes two steps...the courting and the signing. Sometimes the courting does not lead to a signing, especially if another team gets involved and ups the ante.

Incidentally, Kayte has worked out with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 5:34 pm Post subject:

CamrnCrz1974 wrote: Incidentally, Kayte has worked out with the Los Angeles Sparks.
Wonder if that was LL's influence. I can just picture it...
"I do NOT want her defending me in this league EVER AGAIN" :wink: