The Phoenix Mercury ended last season at 9-21, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012. While this historic franchise was a shell of its former self, it still had a few highs.
First and foremost, Brittney Griner returned to the States, is playing basketball and seems happy doing so. That’s bigger than basketball and from that aspect, maybe that’s all that matters. Another highlight came when Diana Taurasi became the first player in WNBA history to score 10,000 points—and did it as a 41-year-old. She’s the White Mamba and gave the Mercury faithful something to cheer for during a season where not much cheering happened. During the offseason, the Mercury hired former Orlando Magic assistant coach Nate Tibbetts and made him the highest-paid WNBA coach ever, which rubbed some people the wrong way given that he has zero experience in the WNBA.
So, with a few milestones, a new coach and a top-three draft pick, the Mercury enter 2024 with eyes on a new era of Phoenix basketball.
Facts and figures*
Players under contract (contract status; 2024 salary)
- Diana Taurasi (protected veteran, $234,936)
- Sophie Cunningham (protected veteran, $154,500)
- Brianna Turner (protected veteran, $150,000)
- Moriah Jefferson (protected veteran, $141,500)
- Michaela Onyenwere…
