All-Time Merc: Tangela Smith, No. 10

By Ben York, PhoenixMercury.com
Posted: Dec. 6, 2012

As voted by you, the X-Factor, we�re counting down your top 10 All-Time Favorite Mercury players in franchise history.

Starting December 6, we�ll reveal the results of the nearly 2,000 votes we received on a weekly basis every Thursday.

No. 10: Tangela Smith
Years with the Mercury: 2007-2010
Total Percentage of Votes: 3.5%

Would the Mercury have won the 2007 WNBA Championship without Tangela Smith?

Or, the 2009 WNBA Championship for that matter?

Both are fair questions.

In 2007, Smith was fourth on the Mercury in scoring and first in both rebounds and blocked shots. But her greatest achievement that season was of course being an integral part of the Mercury�s first-ever WNBA Championship after contributing 10 points in the decisive Game Five against the Detroit Shock.

Speaking of Game Five�s, Mercury fans likely remember her two back-to-back 3-pointers during Game Five of the 2009 WNBA Finals against the Indiana Fever. They came with less than four minutes remaining in the game and were, arguably, the biggest shots of her career.

It�s understandable, then, why Smith holds such an indelible place in the hearts of Mercury fans.

Smith, as most Mercury fans know, came to Phoenix in 2007 via a trade with the Minnesota Lynx for No. 1 overall pick Lindsey Harding. From her first day here, it was clear why team coveted her. She fit the up-tempo system designed by Paul Westhead and Corey Gaines to perfection, especially for a player in the frontcourt.

But it was more than her unique style of play on the hardwood that Mercury fans loved.

More than her trademark knee-high socks (I always loved her style).

It was her constant, cheerful and resolute demeanor at all times.

She was never shy to take the big shot, but along with that, there was never any boasting that accompanied it.

Four years with the Mercury. Two WNBA Championships.

One unforgettable video.

Be sure to visit PhoenixMercury.com next week on Thursday, December 16 to see who you voted as No. 9 on the All-Time Favorite Mercury poll.