The Portland Fire's Comeback: A Challenging Journey for the WNBA's Newest Team
The Portland Fire's return to the WNBA in 2026 is a highly anticipated event, but it's not without its hurdles. Coach Alex Sarama is tasked with a daunting challenge: building a brand new team from scratch. And who better to understand the struggles than the former coach and general manager of the original Fire, Linda Hargrove?
'It's a tough road ahead', Hargrove reminisces about her time with the Fire. She knows firsthand the difficulties of creating an expansion team, especially in a competitive league like the WNBA. The Fire's initial run from 2000 to 2002 was a rollercoaster, finishing with a 37-59 record over three seasons. Despite a promising 16-16 final season, the franchise was pulled, leaving a lasting impact on the league.
But here's where it gets tricky: the expansion draft. Hargrove explains that it's a challenging process, as most available players are bench players, not the star athletes you'd want for a new team. 'You're picking from the leftovers,' she says, emphasizing the struggle to find top talent. The Fire's first pick in 2000, Lynn Pride, was a solid choice, but it wasn't until 2001 that they landed Jackie Stiles, a future Rookie of the Year and a standout player.
So, what's the secret to building a successful expansion team? Hargrove suggests a bold strategy: 'Attack free agency.' This is where the Fire found some of their best players, like Sylvia Crawley, Michelle Marciniak, and Tully Bevilaqua. These players were overlooked by other teams, but Hargrove saw their potential. Crawley, in particular, went on to hold the Fire's career records in points, rebounds, and blocks, becoming a franchise icon.
The Fire's connection with the Portland community was strong, and Hargrove believes the city's passion for basketball made it an ideal WNBA location. She was surprised by the league's absence in Portland for so long. 'The fans and the city deserved a team,' she adds, expressing her joy at the Fire's return.
After the Fire's disbandment, Hargrove continued her basketball journey, working for the Washington Mystics and eventually retiring in 2008. But the game called her back, and she briefly coached at Wichita State in 2017. Now, she's eager to witness the new Fire's journey and hopes to be in Portland to see the team in action.
The Portland Fire's story is one of resilience and determination. As they prepare for their comeback, the team faces the challenge of building a winning roster. Will they be able to ignite the same passion and success as their predecessors? Only time will tell, but the journey is sure to be captivating for fans and the entire WNBA community.
