Washington Mystics

2009 Finish

16-18, 4th in the Eastern Conference. Lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Arrivals

  • La’Tangela Atkinson, G-F
  • Lauren Ervin, F
  • Kristin Haynie, G
  • Katie Smith, G

    • Returning Players

  • Matee Ajavon, G
  • Alana Beard, G-F
  • Marissa Coleman, G-F
  • Monique Currie, F
  • Lindsey Harding, G
  • Crystal Langhorne, F-C
  • Chasity Melvin, C-F
  • Nakia Sanford, F-C

    • Free Agents

  • Nikki Blue, G (UFA)
  • Kristen Mann, F (UFA)
  • Bernice Mosby, F (RFA)

    • Needs

  • Scoring
  • Backcourt Depth

    • Analysis

    This year may be the Mystics’ best shot ever at making back-to-back postseason appearances, something vacant from the franchise’s record books. All of their top players are back in blue and white, and the team also went out and signed Katie Smith, one of the elite performers in league history. Smith’s signing solidifies an outstanding backcourt as she’ll be working alongside Alana Beard, Lindsey Harding and last year’s second-overall selection Marissa Coleman. Washington may be able to get away with playing Beard or Coleman at the small forward spot to get at least three of the four regular playing time together.

    On the other side of the court, Crystal Langhorne proved to be a valuable asset last season, averaging 12 points and nearly eight rebounds a game. She can also slide into the center spot if need be. With that type of talent it remains a bit murky as to where the Mystics will aim in the draft. One area could be at center, where Chasity Melvin, who is still with the team, spent a good part of last season. They could also use another scorer in the post to provide depth. Last season, the Mystics’ 75.7 ppg were fourth lowest in the league. Forwards Kelsey Griffin (Nebraska) or Alysha Clark (Middle Tennessee State) could fill that necessity.

    2010 Selections

  • No. 6 (R1)
  • No. 14 (R2)
  • No. 18 (R2)
  • No. 30 (R3)

    • Recent Draft History

    200920082007
    2. Marissa Coleman 6. Crystal Langhorne6. Bernice Mosby
    23. Camille LeNoir 20. Lindsey Pluimer19. Megan Vogel
    24. Jelena Milovanovic 34. Krystal Vaughn32. Gillian Goring
    28. Josephine Owino