AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 8 (UPI) -- New Detroit Coach Bill Laimbeer, desperate to shake up a 1-15 team, Monday orchestrated his first trade, acquiring guard Elaine Powell from the Orlando Miracle for forward Wendy Palmer.
The Shock also got a first-round pick in the 2003 draft and sent a second-round pick to the Miracle in the deal.
Powell averaged 5.9 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 15 games, including one start, with Orlando. Last year, she averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals per contest.
"Elaine Powell gives us an experienced guard with three-point range that is both quick and athletic, and can play both guard positions," Laimbeer said. "This trade strengthens our backcourt and allows us to concentrate on improving our frontcourt with our draft picks."
Detroit now has two first-round picks in the 2003 draft.
Palmer, a WNBA All-Star in 2000, started in all 16 games this season for the Shock, averaging 11.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
She recorded a career-high 15 rebounds in a game on June 9 against New York.
Laimbeer moved from the front office to the bench after Greg Williams was fired following an 0-10 start. The team is just 1-5 under his leadership.
Palmer, a 6'2" forward, originally selected by the Utah Starzz in 1997 in the WNBA Elite Draft, and played two-and-a-half seasons with that franchise. The University of Virginia graduate was then traded to the Detroit Shock on July 29, 1999. She represented Detroit in the 2000 WNBA All-Star Game and was named to the 1997 All-WNBA Second Team.
Powell was selected by Orlando in the fourth round (50th overall) of the 1999 WNBA Draft. The 5-9 guard is the first-ever player traded by the Miracle.
