Arrivals

Returning Players

Free Agents

Needs

Analysis
Phoenix surprised many by missing out on the 2008 WNBA playoffs after winning the title in 2007. Granted, the Mercury lost the coach that led them to the trophy in '07 (Paul Westhead) and the Western Conference featured some fierce competition in 2008, but it was still strange having a team featuring lethal weapons Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter watching at home come postseason. First-year coach Corey Gaines attempted to carry Westhead's uptempo style over into '08, and while it resulted in eye-popping scores in the final box, it did little for their defense. The Mercury also missed the production of Penny Taylor, who passed on the WNBA season to concentrate on the Beijing Olympics. The subsequent off-season has seen the Mercury go through a roster revamping of sorts. Well, at least among the supporting cast. Gone are Barbara Farris, Kelly Miller and LaToya Pringle and in are Alison Bales, Temeka Johnson and Nicole Ohdle to name a few. The West hasn't gotten any easier heading into 2009 -- if anything, it's gotten a whole lot tougher -- so if the Mercury can't bring back Taylor or lure free agent Lauren Jackson away from Seattle, they'll need to find a versatile talent that can pay dividends right away with their top pick, which is possible at No. 5. Not having a second round pick makes nailing that first-round selection that much more essential.

2009 Selections

Recent Draft History

2008	2007	2006
13. LaToya Pringle	1. Lindsey Harding	2. Cappie Pondexter
25. Leilani Mitchell	18. Tyresa Smith	18. Liz Shimek
41. Marscilla Packer	28. Leah Rush	31. Jamie Carey
	37. Emily Westerberg