Phoenix Mercury


2009 Finish
23-11, 1st in Western Conference, WNBA Champions

Departures

  • Le'coe Willingham, F
  • Kelly Mazzante, G
  • Cappie Pondexter, G

    • Arrivals
  • Candice Dupree, F
  • Ashley Paris, F
  • Lenae Williams, G-F

    • Returning Players

  • DeWanna Bonner, F
  • Nicole Ohlde, C
  • Brooke Smith, F-C
  • Tangela Smith, C
  • Ketia Swanier, G
  • Diana Taurasi, F-G

    • Free Agents

  • Temeka Johnson, G (RFA)
  • Penny Taylor, F (UFA)

    • Needs

  • Point guard
  • Shooting guard

    • Analysis
    Unless they trade for a higher pick, the Phoenix Mercury likely won't get much out of this draft, which is to be somewhat expected from a defending champion. Being without a first-round selection, the Mercury don't draft until No. 24, and with WNBA roster spots at a premium, it'll be very difficult for whomever they take at that spot to make a such a talented team. But the Mercury's roster is anything but a carry-over from last year's title-winning team. Of course, the big news is that perennial MVP candidate Cappie Pondexter has been traded to New York in a three-team deal that saw Phoenix acquire All-Star Candice Dupree from Chicago. The addition of a low-post talent Dupree should soften the blow of losing a player of Pondexter's caliber, especially since power forward Le'coe Willingham signed with Seattle in the offseason. But the Mercury have also failed to re-sign point guard Temeka Johnson or forward Penny Taylor. The aforementioned players were vital parts of the team that helped the franchise capture its second WNBA title last year, and not returning just one of them would make winning a third title that much tougher, especially with a scorer like Pondexter headed East. But if you're looking at who Phoenix should go after in this draft if it stands pat with its late picks, Corey Gaines' system could never have enough lightning-quick guards and three-point shooters, so don't be surprised if they take a flier on either.

    2010 Selections

  • No. 24 (R2)
  • No. 36 (R3)

    • Recent Draft History

    200920082007
    5. DeWanna Bonner13. LaToya Pringle1. Lindsey Harding
    31. Sha Brooks 25. Leilani Mitchell18. Tyresa Smith
    34. Jessica Adair 41. Marscilla Packer28. Leah Rush
    37. Emily Westerberg