In the "alternate universe," it's hard to know whether Ezi and (especially) Jordan would have made the strides they've made this season, without the guiding hands of the veterans. Would Ezi have opted to extend without the veterans? Who knows? It's difficult to quantify their influence, but it feels like it has been essential and substantial. Nneka's regal bearing is something I know had been lost on me, having not watched her play every night. And if I feel it from afar, I can't imagine her younger teammates aren't impacted by it.
In the "alternate universe," it's hard to know whether Ezi and (especially) Jordan would have made the strides they've made this season, without the guiding hands of the veterans. Would Ezi have opted to extend without the veterans? Who knows? It's difficult to quantify their influence, but it feels like it has been essential and substantial. Nneka's regal bearing is something I know had been lost on me, having not watched her play every night. And if I feel it from afar, I can't imagine her younger teammates aren't impacted by it.