The Los Angeles Sparks signed Kate Martin recently to a development contract after the Golden State Valkyries cut her. However, she has shown serious offensive prowess in one game, prompting head coach Lynne Roberts to bring her off the bench in every game. She has played four games thus far and hasn’t hit double-digit minutes in three.
Martin led the bench scoring against the Toronto Tempo, although to a losing cause, 96-106. However, she put the franchise on notice, exploding for 11 points, shooting 3 of 6 from deep. If the coach wants to bring her off the bench in further games, she would have to cut a player from the active roster to remove the 12-game cap.
An insider shared the possibility on X and wrote:
“Kate Martin, who signed to a developmental contract with the Sparks on May 10, has checked in for her 4th game for LA. Developmental players can play a max of 12 games for a given team. Could Lynne Roberts be gearing to cut someone to make room for Martin to stay?”
Let’s see three players the Sparks can plan to waive to make room for Martin.
#1. Emma Cannon
Emma Cannon, who has played two games thus far, hasn’t been given enough minutes by the head coach. The Sparks have enough firepower in the frontcourt, including Dearica Hamby and Nneka Ogwumike. However, Kate Martin gives them a perfect two-way wing on the perimeter, who can move the ball and defend with size.
The Sparks might need enough long-range shooting pieces when Rae Burrell doesn’t have a good day. However, the franchise might sign Cannon as a development player in place of Martin, but they must first waive her.
#2. Jihyun Park
If the team decides to keep the frontcourt piece and replace Martin with another guard, Jihyun Park might be under the radar. She has also played four games this season, even 11 minutes against the Phoenix Fire. She scored two points from free throws and one steal.
Martin doesn’t hesitate to shoot from the perimeter whenever she gets an opportunity. While the franchise acquired Park for the same reason, Martin currently seems like a better option.
#3. Ta’Niya Latson
Ta’Niya Latson might be another option for the franchise if they look to waive a guard. She has played three games for minimal minutes and hasn’t shown any major impact thus far. She was drafted 20th overall this season and might surely develop into a groomed scorer.
However, if the team decided to have a player who can bring an immediate impact, it might choose to keep Martin and transfer Latson to a development slot. Only time will tell which direction the team goes.
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