FeedbackDearica Hamby Grades & Analysis — F | Los Angeles Sparks | FanVerdicts
Dearica Hamby
#5F · Los Angeles Sparks
Height
6'3"
Weight
189 lbs
Age
32
College
Wake Forest
Experience
11 yrs
A+
Top 3%
Performance
A
Top 9%
Sentiment
B
Top 29%
Contract Value Index
N/A
Fan Verdict
WNBA Performance is graded on per-game box production relative to position.
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The Verdict in One Read
Dearica Hamby earns a A+ Performance grade, ranking #4 of 51 Forwards on the FanVerdicts board.
Performance
A+
#4 of 51 Forwards
ReplacementSolidElite
Dearica Hamby earns an A+ performance grade and remains an elite two-way forward capable of anchoring a competitive rotation, even at 32 years old. Her 2026 season (15.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.2 APG on 50.0% FG across 9 games) showcases the hallmark efficiency and all-around contribution that have defined her 11-year WNBA career—her 50% field goal accuracy ranks among the league's most reliable conversion rates, and her rebounding average continues to reflect her presence in the paint and willingness to compete in transition. The one constraint is limited three-point volume (28.6% on attempts), which narrows her offensive versatility in modern spacing-heavy schemes, though her perimeter shooting has never been her primary value proposition. Playing in nine games so far, Hamby has maintained the durability and production level (17 PPG, 7.9 RPG career averages) that justified the Sparks' confidence in re-signing her as a cornerstone piece—the organization clearly views her as a central figure in their competitive window rather than a role player coasting into the final chapters of her career. The media narrative around her aligns with her actual output: a stable, efficient veteran whose three All-Star selections and championship pedigree carry weight, without the need for jaw-dropping individual accolades to prove her value. She remains exactly what the Sparks need—a proven, two-way producer who can be counted on night in and night out.
Dearica Hamby earns a B Contract Value Index (CVI) on a three-year, $3.4M deal ($1.13M AAV)—a fairly priced commitment to a veteran whose current production validates the investment without the overhead of superstar-level compensation. Through nine games in 2026, she's averaging 15.3 points per game on 50.0% shooting, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, numbers that sit comfortably within her career baseline and reflect the efficiency that has defined her 11-year tenure; the mediaFraming correctly identifies her as a stable two-way contributor, not a declining asset chasing past glory. At 32 years old and in the established-veteran phase of her career, this CVI reflects realistic expectations: Hamby is paid at a high-end tier near maximum-salary range, but her contract avoids the risk premium that would accompany a younger player on the same terms or an aging star in decline. The Sparks' decision to lock her in for three years signals organizational confidence in her continued role as a cornerstone piece, and the structure aligns with what the market charges for proven scorers and rebounders who deliver consistent output without inflating the payroll's top tier. The B grade captures this equilibrium—neither a steal nor an albatross, but rather a straightforward, well-calibrated investment in a franchise stalwart whose immediate contributions offset the modest longevity risk inherent in multi-year deals for a player entering her early thirties.
Current Sentiment
A
NegativeNeutralPositive
Dearica Hamby enters 2026 as a respected veteran cornerstone of the Los Angeles Sparks, anchored by her three All-Star selections and championship pedigree across 11 WNBA seasons. The team's decision to re-sign her signals confidence in her continued role as a two-way contributor, with recent performances—including a 27-point, 15-rebound outing—demonstrating she remains a reliable scoring and rebounding force at 17 PPG and 7.9 RPG career averages. Media coverage has been neutral-to-positive, focusing on the Sparks' veteran-led roster construction rather than any individual concerns about Hamby's play or durability. While she lacks recent All-WNBA honors or headline-grabbing accolades, her consistent efficiency (54.1 FG%) and longevity position her as a stable, trusted piece in Los Angeles's competitive window. Fan and media perception reflects a solid, dependable veteran whose value is recognized within the organization and league, without the superstar-level buzz that would elevate her into the elite conversation.
