The Washington Mystics are bringing the band back together. On the first day of free agency, it was announced that Kristi Toliver would be returning to Washington. After departing from Washington for Los Angeles in 2021, she is returning to the team where she earned two All-star appearances and was a crucial member of the 2019 championship.
Toliver averaged 13 points on 36 percent shooting from three during the 2019 regular season. In the playoffs, the efficiency sky-rocketed to 40 percent from three on over five attempts per game. Her constant motion and threat to shoot from anywhere will be a welcome re-addition to the Mystics.
The Mystics also signed former Sparks guard Brittney Sykes to a three-year deal. This move is certainly on-brand with the Mystics’ team identity. A team that made its mark on defense last year adds on the league’s best perimeter defenders to pair with Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins, arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league.
Perhaps most important is Sykes’ ability to contribute to the offensive end. Last season she averaged almost 13 points and four assists. Offense was a glaring issue for the Mystics last year, so adding Sykes and Toliver is absolutely huge for a team looking to remain competitive despite the plethora of big…
