Seattle Times reporter Jayda Evans ranks the WNBA teams as the 2012 season begins:

Ranking, team (2011 record)

1. Minnesota (27-7)

Maya Moore, last year's rookie of the year, feels more comfortable. Scary.

2. Connecticut (21-13)

Asjha Jones playing best ball of career and guard Kara Lawson is stronger.

3. Chicago (14-20)

Veteran additions Swin Cash, Ticha Penicheiro, Le'coe Willingham help.

4. Indiana (21-13)

PG Briann January is rehabilitated from knee injury and key to success.

5. Seattle (21-13)

Aiming for league-record ninth consecutive postseason berth.

6. Los Angeles (15-19)

Healthy, time for Candace Parker to live up to 2008 anointing as the future.

7. New York (19-15)

Eastern playoff spots will come down to wire and Liberty will be in the mix.

8. Phoenix (19-15)

Loss of Australian Penny Taylor (knee) hurts and point guards are unproven.

9. Washington (6-28)

Overhauled roster, again. Return of forward Monique Currie adds intrigue.

10. Atlanta (20-14)

Post play questionable with Alison Bales retired and Erika de Souza gone (Olympics).

11. San Antonio (18-16)

Watch out for second-round pick Shenise Johnson in rookie-of-the-year race.

12. Tulsa (3-31)

Patience. Former Storm assistant Gary Kloppenburg will work wonders for the franchise.