Pickleball Draft Delivers Drama, Intrigue, and Plenty of Opinions
Experts Weigh In on MLP Teams, Rookies, and the Sport's Growing Pains
Introduction:
The world of professional pickleball is in a state of flux, with the recent MLP draft serving as the latest battleground for the sport's rising stars and seasoned veterans. In a captivating four-hour event, teams jockeyed for position, bidding on players and strategizing to build rosters capable of dominating the court. But as the dust settles, the debate rages on – did teams make the right picks? Are the newcomers destined for greatness, or will the old guard prevail? To get the inside scoop, Sorry Not Sorry host Chris Cali gathered a panel of pickleball aficionados, including the ever-insightful Jim Kloss, the data-driven Ben from Real Clear Stats, and the passionate Jane Hollen, to dissect the draft and offer their unique perspectives on the future of the sport.
- MLP Draft Style - Yay or Nay? Suggestions? (0:38)
The MLP draft format, with its novel bidding system, was a clear hit with the panel, who praised the excitement and drama it generated. Ben, in particular, was enamored with the behind-the-scenes action, wishing the broadcast had provided even more access to the frenzied bidding wars. "It was riveting stuff to see who was bidding, how much they were bidding," he enthused, "and the cameras in the draft rooms could have made for an awesome viewing experience."
Jim, however, pointed out a crucial missed opportunity, lamenting the lack of transparency around the player pricing. "We weren't really in the draft room," he lamented, "and nobody told us how much [players] went for." He believes the MLP could take a page from the NFL's playbook, arguing that a more public-facing draft could "blow up" and become a major event for the sport.
- Should the first pick of the team become GM? (8:33)
The panel was largely in agreement that having the first overall pick serve as the team's GM was a risky proposition, with Ben noting that players' personal biases and relationships could undermine their ability to make impartial, data-driven decisions. "Players will need to become more professional and trust the analytics and franchise priorities above their personal opinions," he asserted.
Jane echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need for an outside perspective to "keep [the players] honest." Jim proposed a 30-35% involvement for the top pick, likening it to a parent-child dynamic, where the players' input is valued but the final decision rests with the more objective party.
- Top 3 Premier teams? (8:38)
The panel's top MLP Premier teams were a mixed bag, with Jane championing the Dallas Pickleball Club, the Houston Hustlers, and the Texas Ranchers. Ben, on the other hand, favored the Seattle Pioneers, the Columbus Sliders, and the Orlando Squeeze, citing the strength of their rosters and the potential for breakout performances.
Jim, ever the analytical thinker, was more cautious in his assessment, noting that many teams had "questions" and that there was no clear consensus on the cream of the crop. He highlighted the importance of roster balance and the integration of newer players, praising teams like Columbus and St. Louis for their strategic approach.
- Bottom Premier teams? (16:11)
When it came to the bottom-tier Premier teams, the panel was more united, with Ben and Jane zeroing in on the Utah Black Diamonds as the likely cellar dwellers. Jane minced no words, declaring that the Diamonds' roster was a "mess" and that the team was essentially "surrendering."
Jim, however, took a more holistic view, suggesting that there were several teams with "questions" and that it was difficult to pinpoint a clear bottom-feeder. He did, however, express concerns about the Los Angeles Mad Drops' roster construction and the potential chemistry issues on the Texas Ranchers.
- ALW drafted 2nd - good choice? Or too early? (11:15)
The panel was largely in agreement that Anna Leigh Waters' second overall selection was a bit of a reach, with Jim noting that he would have placed her around the sixth pick. Ben, while acknowledging Waters' immense talent, pointed out her struggles with rally scoring and suggested that the teams could benefit from unlocking her full potential over the course of the three-year contract.
Jane, ever the optimist, defended the pick, arguing that Waters' pedigree and skill set warranted the high selection, even if her approach needed some refinement. The panel agreed that the decision to have Waters serve as a de facto GM for her team was a risky one, potentially undermining the objectivity required for such an important role.
- 9th & 10th pick for LA Mad Drops - good idea? Good picks? (16:11)
The panel's assessment of the LA Mad Drops' back-to-back ninth and tenth picks was mixed, with Jim and Ben praising the strategy of targeting high-profile players while acknowledging the potential risks. Jim, in particular, argued that the "spend a lot on two players" approach was a sound one, noting that it allows teams to find value in the later rounds.
However, the panel expressed concerns about the specific picks, with Ben questioning the fit of Thomas Wilson and Katherine Parentenu on the same team.
- Auggie Ge - good pick? Or too early to tell? (7:46)
The panel was unanimous in its praise for the Dallas Pickleball Club's selection of Auggie Ge, with Jim, Jane, and Ben all citing his impressive performances on the PPA tour and his potential to excel in the MLP format. Ben highlighted Ge's left-handed prowess as a valuable asset, noting that it can be easier for lefties to "ascend the ranks" in pickleball.
Jane, a self-proclaimed "Auggie superfan," lauded the pairing of Ge with Tyra Black, arguing that the two players' complementary styles and strong personalities could make them a formidable duo. Jim, ever the analytical mind, echoed these sentiments, praising Ge's well-rounded game and expressing confidence in his ability to thrive at the Premier level.
- Was Tina Pisnik taken too early? Was she too expensive? (17:46)
The panel was largely in agreement that Tina Pisnik's selection was a solid move, with Ben and Jim highlighting her consistent play and upward trajectory. Ben, in particular, praised Pisnik's ability to "diffuse attacks and keep the rally going," noting that her skill set makes her an excellent fit for her new team.
Jim, while acknowledging that Pisnik may have been slightly "overpriced," argued that the Texas Ranchers' roster construction justified the investment, with Etta Wright and Christian Alshon forming a strong foundation. Jane, ever the cheerleader, enthusiastically endorsed the pick, praising Pisnik's steady performance and the team's savvy in targeting her.
- Kate Fahey predictions? (17:52)
The panel was more cautious in their assessment of Kate Fahey, with Jim and Ben expressing some reservations about her fit with the St. Louis Shock. Jim, in particular, noted that Fahey's primarily tennis-based background may not align with the power-focused playstyle of her new teammate, Anna Bright.
Ben and Jane, while acknowledging Fahey's potential, echoed these concerns, suggesting that the transition to the professional pickleball scene could be a challenging one. The panel agreed that Fahey's development would be a fascinating storyline to follow, with her ability to adapt and improve being a key factor in the Shock's success.
- Andrea Koop & Jessie Irvine - are vets a good pick? Or is younger better? (10:02)
When it came to the selection of seasoned players like Andrea Koop and Jessie Irvine, the panel was largely in agreement that experience can be a valuable asset, particularly in the high-pressure MLP format. Ben, in his data-driven approach, highlighted the duo's consistent performances and the strategic value they bring to their respective teams.
Jim, echoing this sentiment, praised the decision to pair Koop with Ben Johns, noting that the veteran's steadiness could complement the younger star's explosive style. Jane, ever the passionate fan, expressed her excitement to see Irvine and Ben Johns team up, anticipating a thrilling display of pickleball mastery.
- Did Collin Johns deserve a premier spot? (20:09)
The panel's assessment of Collin Johns' selection was mixed, with Ben and Jim offering differing perspectives. Ben argued that Johns' positioning alongside the likes of Collin Johns and Andrea Koop made strategic sense, as it would allow the team to "win every men's doubles" and capitalize on Johns' strengths.
Jim, on the other hand, questioned whether Johns was worthy of a Premier spot, suggesting that there may have been more deserving players passed over in the draft. He pointed to the importance of roster balance and the need to identify potential breakout stars, hinting that the decision to select Johns may have been influenced by factors beyond pure performance.
- Who should be promoted/demoted? (24:53)
When it came to identifying players who may have been overlooked or misplaced, the panel offered a range of insights. Ben advocated for the promotion of Travis Rettenmaier, arguing that his consistent, high-impact play warranted a Premier spot, potentially at the expense of CJ Klinger.
Jim, meanwhile, championed the case of Jack Munro, praising his talent and potential while questioning the decision to relegate him to the Challenger division. The panel agreed that Munro's blend of current skill and long-term upside made him a compelling candidate for the Premier level.
- Top Challenger team? (28:03)
In assessing the Challenger division, the panel highlighted several squads that caught their attention. Ben and Jim were particularly impressed with the Atlanta team, featuring the dynamic duo of Jaume Martinez Vich and Todd Fought, whose impressive statistics and recent tournament results made them a formidable contender.
The panel also expressed optimism about the Vegas Pickleball Club, with Jim and Ben acknowledging the team's intriguing mix of talent and uncertainty.
- Bottom Challenger team? (30:40)
When it came to identifying the Challenger division's potential under performers, the panel unanimously pointed to the Bay Area team, with Jane describing the roster as a "mess." Ben and Jim echoed these sentiments, citing concerns over the team's lack of cohesion and the potential for chemistry issues.
The panel also expressed reservations about the California Black Bears, suggesting that the team's reliance on Rafa Hewett and DJ Young in the men's events could leave them vulnerable in the mixed and women's disciplines.
- Does Christian Alshon's tweet have a point? Or is he crazy? (35:31)
The panel's response to Christian Alshon's provocative tweet was a mix of agreement and skepticism. Ben and Jane were quick to acknowledge the validity of Alshon's perspective, conceding that pickleball may indeed require a different set of skills and physical attributes compared to traditional tennis.
Jim, the seasoned tennis player, took a more nuanced approach, acknowledging the merits of Alshon's argument while also defending the inherent difficulty of tennis. He argued that the sport has been "ruined by equipment," suggesting that a return to the game's roots could restore its strategic depth and challenge.
Ultimately, the panel agreed that Alshon's tweet had sparked an intriguing debate, highlighting the ongoing evolution of pickleball and the sport's ability to attract top-level talent from other disciplines.
Article Summary:
The World of Professional Pickleball Faces Growing Pains After Dramatic MLP Draft The recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) draft was a captivating event that shook up the professional pickleball landscape. Experts gathered to analyze the draft, offering their unique perspectives on the teams, players, and the future of the rapidly evolving sport. The panel praised the excitement and drama of the MLP's novel bidding system, though they noted a missed opportunity for more transparency around player pricing. Jim Kloss argued that a more public-facing draft, akin to the NFL's model, could help the sport "blow up" and become a major event. One of the key points of debate was the decision to have the first overall pick serve as the team's general manager. The panel agreed this was a risky proposition, as players' personal biases and relationships could undermine their ability to make impartial, data-driven decisions. They suggested a more balanced approach, with the top pick retaining a 30-35% involvement in roster decisions. When it came to predicting the top and bottom Premier teams, the panel's opinions varied. Jane Hollen favored the Dallas Pickleball Club, Houston Hustlers, and Texas Ranchers, while Ben from Real Clear Stats saw potential in the Seattle Pioneers, Columbus Sliders, and Orlando Squeeze. Jim Kloss, however, cautioned that many teams had "questions" and there was no clear consensus on the league's cream of the crop. The panel was more united in their assessment of the bottom-tier Premier teams, with Ben and Jane singling out the Utah Black Diamonds as likely cellar dwellers. Jim took a more holistic view, suggesting several teams had significant roster concerns. The panel delved into the specifics of several high-profile draft picks, offering their insights. They praised the Dallas Pickleball Club's selection of Auggie Ge, citing his impressive PPA tour performances and left-handed prowess as valuable assets. The panel also agreed that Tina Pisnik was a solid pick for the Texas Ranchers, though they acknowledged she may have been slightly "overpriced." When it came to Kate Fahey's selection by the St. Louis Shock, the panel expressed some reservations about her fit, noting that her primarily tennis-based background may not align with the power-focused playstyle of her new teammate, Anna Bright. The panel also discussed the merits of selecting experienced players like Andrea Koop and Jessie Irvine, agreeing that their steady performances and strategic value could be valuable assets for their respective teams. The discussion turned to whether Collin Johns deserved a Premier spot, with Ben arguing that his positioning alongside players like Ben Johns and Andrea Koop made strategic sense, while Jim questioned whether Johns was truly worthy of a Premier spot. Finally, the panel explored the potential for player promotions and demotions, with Ben advocating for the promotion of Travis Rettenmaier and Jim championing the case of Jack Munro. They also highlighted several intriguing Challenger division teams, including the Atlanta squad and the Vegas Pickleball Club, while expressing concerns about the Bay Area team and the California Black Bears. The article concludes with the panel's discussion of Christian Alshon's tweet, which sparked a debate about the skills and physical attributes required in pickleball compared to traditional tennis. The panel acknowledged the validity of Alshon's perspective while also defending the inherent difficulty of tennis. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive and insightful look at the current state of professional pickleball, with the panel's diverse perspectives offering a nuanced understanding of the sport's growing pains and future potential.
- MLP Draft Style - Yay or Nay? Suggestions?
- Should the first pick of the team become GM?
- Top 3 Premier teams?
- Bottom Premier teams?
- ALW drafted 2nd - good choice? Or too early?
- 9th & 10th pick for LA Mad Drops - good idea? Good picks?
- Auggie Ge - good pick? Or too early to tell?
- Was Tina Pisnik taken too early? Was she too expensive?
- Kate Fahey predictions?
- Andrea Koop & Jessie Irvine - are vets a good pick? Or is younger better?
- Did Collin Johns deserve a premier sport?
- Who should be promoted/demoted?
- Top Challenger team?
- Bottom Challenger team?
- Does Christian Alshon's tweet have a point? Or is he crazy?
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