The Los Angeles Sparks have had one of the worst winning percentages in franchise history this season, putting playoff spots out of their reach. However, there’s one thing that could very likely go in their favor: Paige Bueckers. According to ESPN, the Miller-led Sparks have the highest chances of securing the No. 1 draft pick (Bueckers) on their roster. But it won’t be Miller-led anymore!

On September 24th, the Los Angeles Sparks announced on their official website that their veteran head coach, Curt Miller, and the franchise, had “mutually agreed to part ways.” Despite enduring one of their worst seasons, the move was quite unexpected, especially since Miller and the team had clarified on several occasions that the franchise was in rebuilding mode.

Miller, who had been the head coach for the franchise for the past two seasons, did serve that purpose. A full rebuild began earlier this spring with the drafting of center Cameron Brink (2nd overall) and Rickea Jackson (No. 4). “I am proud of the culture created in our locker room and strongly believe the roots have been established for a bright future,” Miller expressed in a recent press release.

Since the departure of the last star from the 2016 championship’s big three, Nneka Ogwumike, who left town in free agency, Brink became the foundation. It’s hard to believe, but the team holds a franchise record four-year playoff absence, which dates back to Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray’s final season (2020) with the Sparks. This was sure a disastrous stretch, but there are some positives Miller brought in.

Miller was a game-changer

This was Miller’s second head coaching position. Having helmed the Connecticut Sun for the past seven years, he brought instant credibility to the Sparks when he joined in 2023. As he was brought in to rebuild the organization, he inherited a roster of assets and talent, which is why his departure might be a little disappointing.

“I want to thank the entire Sparks organization for the opportunity to lead and help rebuild the franchise,” he added. It was only injuries in the 2024 season that landed the Sparks with such a poor record. First, Brink tore her ACL, costing her the rest of the season after playing just 15 games. For those unaware, she had even been listed for the 2024 Paris Olympics 3×3 roster.

After her injury, the Sparks continued to be haunted by bad luck, with nine players starting at least 10 games. What else could be expected? They finished last in the standings with a record of 8-32. But the blessing in disguise was Jackson’s rookie development, supported by veteran forward Dearica Hamby on the court, who herself made the WNBA All-Star and the Associated Press Most Improved Player this year.

“The team is now positioned for success, and I wish the players the best heading into the 2025 season,” he added. With the best odds at landing the No. 1 pick and the right to select Huskies guard Bueckers in the 2025 draft, the Sparks have announced an immediate search for a new head coach. This is the first coaching vacancy of the offseason, though the Golden State Valkyries, the expansion team, will also enter play in the upcoming season.