Sparks, Curt Miller part ways; why, and what's next? - ESPN

After just two seasons, the Los Angeles Sparks have parted ways with coach Curt Miller, who previously spent seven seasons with the Connecticut Sun.

The Sparks had the league's worst record at 8-32 this season, and missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. That said, few thought Los Angeles would be a playoff team coming into this season; the Sparks were 10th in ESPN's preseason Power Rankings, having lost franchise staple Nneka Ogwumike to the Seattle Storm in free agency.

The Sparks having two 2024 lottery picks in No. 2 Cameron Brink and No. 4 Rickea Jackson was expected to help, but then Brink was lost for the season in June to a knee injury. With the chance to get the No. 1 WNBA draft pick for 2025 — which could mean UConn guard Paige Bueckers — and a healthy Brink along with potential free agent moves, the Sparks seemed to have a lot to look forward to.

Plus, Miller had a proven record: he led the Sun to the WNBA Finals twice in his time in Connecticut.

Now, however, the organization will look for new on-court leadership. ESPN's Michael Voepel, Alexa Philippou and Kevin Pelton look at what it all means for one of the league's original franchises that seems to be in turmoil.

Michael Voepel: The Sparks might have the most disconnected ownership in the WNBA in terms of the relationship with the franchise, players, fans. Considering what Miller stepped into, the idea that he was going to work magic in two seasons felt unrealistic. But apparently, Sparks ownership thought he should have done that.

The Sparks were a combined 25-43 in 2021 and 2022, with coach Derek Fisher stepping down during the '22 season and being replaced by interim coach Fred Williams. They were 17-23 last season in Miller's first year, so