The return of the Portland Fire to the WNBA in 2026 has sparked excitement and nostalgia for the team's original run. Coach Alex Sarama faces the daunting task of building a brand new team from scratch, a challenge that former coach and general manager Linda Hargrove knows all too well.
"It's tough being an expansion team," Hargrove shared in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Her journey with the Fire began in 2000, and over three seasons, the team's record improved, finishing 16-16 in their final year.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hargrove believes the expansion draft is a challenging starting point. With multiple teams selecting, the available players are often benchwarmers, not the stars of the league.
"You're getting players that aren't protected, they're the 8th, 9th, or 10th player on another team," Hargrove explained. "You can find good players, but not the top-tier talent."
The Fire's first pick in 2000 was Lynn Pride from Kansas, and it wasn't until 2001, with the 4th pick, that they drafted Jackie Stiles, who became Rookie of the Year and a standout player.
So, what's the strategy for building a successful expansion team? Hargrove believes the key lies in free agency. The Fire's top players, like Sylvia Crawley, Michelle Marciniak, and Tully Bevilaqua, were all acquired through free agency.
Crawley, in particular, holds the Fire's career records for points, rebounds, and blocks. Twenty-three years after the team's disbandment, it was Crawley who delivered the exciting news of the Fire's return to her former coach.
"Then she called me again when they named it the Fire, and she was so excited!" Hargrove recalled.
The Fire had a strong connection with the Portland community, and the fans showed their support. Hargrove was surprised it took so long for the WNBA to return to Portland, given the city's enthusiasm.
"Portland was a great partner in the league," she said. "I'm happy to see the team back, and I know many others are too."
After the Fire, Hargrove worked with the Washington Mystics, eventually becoming their general manager. She retired from basketball in 2008 but returned briefly in 2017 to coach at Wichita State. Today, she runs ProHoops Sports & Events, organizing basketball camps and events in Wichita, Kansas.
Hargrove cherishes her time with the Fire and hopes to visit Portland to see the new team in action.
"It was an incredible three-year experience," she said. "Putting the team together, starting fresh, and watching the progress we made was truly special."
As the Fire prepares for its comeback, the question remains: Can the new team replicate the success and community engagement of its predecessor? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - Portland is ready to ignite the Fire once more!
