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Friday, April 30
 
Milton-Jones awaiting knee brace
By Nancy Lieberman
Special to ESPN.com

Just more than two months after suffering a torn ACL in her right knee, the Sparks' DeLisha Milton-Jones practiced for the first time on Friday.

Milton-Jones participated in the entire practice, and sources say she looked fit, played solid -- showing off some cross-over moves on new teammate Tamika Whitmore -- and very comfortable in her first trip back to the court after the Feb. 22 injury.

Still, the Sparks will not play Milton-Jones in Saturday's exhibition game against New York. Milton-Jones is expected to participate in games after she receives a new knee brace.

Taurasi on track
As expected, Diana Taurasi's arrival in Phoenix has immediately benefited the Mercury's backcourt, and the combination of the former UConn star and Anna DeForge already is proving to be a good mix. But let's clarify one thing -- Taurasi will spend the bulk of her time playing point guard.

Some expected her to end up playing a 2 at the pro level. But Taurasi is clearly at her best when she's in the middle of the floor with the ball in her hands, as opposed to receiving the ball on the wing where there are still five defenders in front of her.

Taurasi has been touted as playing terrific in camp, and is one reason Phoenix will not lack intensity, effort or enthusiasm this season. The Mercury are really working hard, though they still lack a power post. Slobodanka Tuvic was expected to arrive Friday, however, and can hopefully give Phoenix a boost.

Putbacks
  • Reunited: Even if you're the No. 1 draft pick, it's never easy to go to a new city where there aren't many familiar faces. That's why it's so great to see old pals Taurasi and Ashley Robinson together at the Mercury's camp.

    Though they played at arch-rivals UConn and Tennessee in college, Taurasi and Robinson first met as 13-year-olds on the AAU circuit. They kept in touch over the years, and spoke again in April at the Final Four as both capped their college careers as their teams clashed in the national championship game for the second straight year.

    Now, the two are palling around and sharing a car during camp. Incidentally, Robinson is reportedly playing fantastic. Though she still has a long way to go offensively, her athleticism and defense continue to be her strengths.

  • Speaking of amazing rookies: Shameka Christon is putting on a show in the Liberty camp. No one can stop talking about her leaping ability, and the Arkansas standout and SEC player of the year is drawing defensive comparisons to Sheryl Swoopes. One play that already has become sort of an urban legend: while a player was going up for a layup in practice earlier this week, Christon came from the opposite sideline and blocked the shot. Christon just might turn into the steal of the draft.

  • For those keeping score: Though it was originally reported that Lauren Jackson received $220,000 for playing just a handful of games in the recent Russian championship series, the Storm standout actually earned $100,000.

    Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.



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