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Photo via Mystics Twitter
An injury-riddled year for the Mystics turned into getting the number one overall pick in the WNBA draft lottery. They would trade that pick the day before the draft to move back to the third pick. They selected Shakira Austin, who is clearly who they wanted, since they decided to move back. Austin has tremendous post proficiency and can step out and shoot the ball as well. The Mystics needed someone with this kind of talent in the frontcourt after losing Tina Charles.
When healthy, Elena Delle Donne is one of the three best players in the league. But she hasn’t been able to play a full season since bringing Washington a championship in 2019. Her back injury gave her more problems than originally thought. She is back and seems to be fully healthy now, which is scary for the league. She is one of the most gifted and efficient scorers we’ve ever seen. She can score from absolutely anywhere on the court. In that 2019 season, she also won MVP and was the first 50-40-90 player in WNBA history.
Last season, the Mystics got hit by the injury bug more than any other team in the league. Alysha Clark broke her foot before the season, and Emma Meesseman opted not to come over due to playing for her Belgian National Team in the Olympics. Many games had to be played with just seven or eight players. Can they stay healthy this season? The last two seasons have been an “if they were healthy” go-to for the Mystics. But it’s true; they are very talented and not far removed from having one of the best offenses in WNBA history.
There are some questions that need to be answered for this team though. How do they replace the production of the reigning scoring champion Tina Charles? A mix of Myisha Hines-Allen, Shakira Austin, and Elizabeth Williams in the frontcourt. When can Alysha Clark return? She as recently as yesterday, tweeted about being able to scrimmage 5-on-5 with the team. That is a big step, and she is a key piece. Can Ariel Atkins be the number two to Delle Donne? She’s shown flashes of brilliance on offense and defense, but can she do it when it matters the most. Natasha Cloud has improved every year on offense and is one of the best defenders in the league. Where does Rui Machida fall in the rotation? She is a tremendous playmaker at the guard spot and seems to be liked by Coach Thibault. She could play a big role this season.
If the Mystics can answer those questions positively, they are one of the best teams in the league. If any of those are a no, they could be at the top of the lottery again next season.
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