Chamique Holdsclaw

Los Angeles Sparks forward

She's one of the league's most exciting players but hasn't played a full season since 2000 because of various personal issues and injuries. Playing in the public eye after revealing she suffered from depression in 2004 will be a challenge.

Lauren Jackson

Storm forward

Jackson is the league's top international player, headlining an Aussie pipeline. This summer could be her most challenging, with her returning from offseason ankle surgery and defending a championship without the comfort of some former teammates.

Sheryl Swoopes

Houston Comets forward

She has been one of the faces of the league since its inception in 1997, making it easy to take her for granted. But at 34, this deadly scorer is nearing her final playing days. Houston even tried to trade her this offseason. Swoopes said she felt "slapped in the face" after the Comets missed the playoffs last summer for the first time in franchise history.

Tamika Catchings

Indiana Fever forward

Catchings is the best player in the East. And now that she's finally surrounded by a suitable supporting cast, she should receive her deserved spotlight. She's a consummate team player who just needs her teammates to adjust to each other to lead the Fever back into the playoffs.

Alana Beard

Washington Mystics guard

With Holdsclaw requesting and receiving a trade, it'll be interesting to see what Beard can accomplish now that the team is in her hands. She'll have a new coach to adjust to in Richie Adubato, the former New York coach. Getting used to new coaches is nothing new for the Mystics, who have had nine in eight seasons.

Tangela Smith

Charlotte Sting forward

Veteran Dawn Staley is looking to close her career with a WNBA championship, and that will depend greatly on Smith's production. She's one of the biggest acquisitions in the East, with major All-Star potential. Smith starred in Sacramento's run to the Western Conference finals last season.

Jayda Evans