Imagine a WNBA team that consistently finds hidden gems, turning overlooked players into championship-caliber contributors. That's the story of the Phoenix Mercury and their knack for identifying and developing talent, particularly within their reserve ranks. But how exactly did they build this reputation? Let's dive in, starting with some savvy moves that shaped their dynasty.
Before we get to the specific draft picks, it's important to remember the foundation that was already in place. The Mercury's success story begins with drafting superstars like Diana Taurasi, who would become the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, and Cappie Pondexter in 2006, a pick that immediately paid dividends with their first championship win. These acquisitions provided a championship-caliber core, allowing the Mercury to be more strategic and creative with their future draft selections.
Fast forward to 2007. The Mercury held the coveted first overall pick. Now, most teams would jump at the chance to select the consensus best player available. But here's where it gets controversial... Phoenix threw everyone a curveball. They drafted Lindsey Harding, a talented guard, but immediately traded her to the Minnesota Lynx. The return? Veteran Tangela Smith. This move raised eyebrows. Was it a gamble? Absolutely. But it was a calculated one. Smith's veteran presence and skillset proved crucial in securing the Mercury's 2007 championship.
Harding, meanwhile, had a solid WNBA career. Her rookie season with the Lynx saw her average 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a steal per game. Interestingly, her career came full circle when she eventually joined the Mercury in her final season, highlighting the cyclical nature of player movement in professional sports.
The Mercury continued to be active in the draft. In 2008, they selected LaToya Sanders in the first round. During her season with the team, she contributed 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and an impressive 1.5 blocks per game. Sanders was later traded to the Lynx, then played for the Los Angeles Sparks, and ultimately found championship success with the Washington Mystics – showcasing how players can develop and contribute to multiple teams throughout their careers. And this is the part most people miss... the Mercury's willingness to let players develop elsewhere often came back to benefit them later on, either directly or indirectly.
But the real magic happened in 2009. With the fifth overall pick, the Mercury landed DeWanna Bonner. After a stellar career at Auburn, Bonner quickly became Phoenix's most reliable reserve. Her impact was immediate. Bonner averaged 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in her rookie season, earning her the Sixth Woman of the Year award. She went on to win the award three consecutive times, solidifying her role as a game-changing player coming off the bench. Bonner's contributions extended far beyond individual accolades. She was instrumental in the Mercury's 2014 championship run. In a heartwarming turn of events, she recently returned to Phoenix, further cementing her legacy with the team.
After the Bonner pick, the Mercury didn't have first-round picks in the following two drafts. They still managed to add talent, but their next first-round selection came in 2012, when they drafted a guard from Ohio State. The Mercury's history shows a pattern of strategic drafting and player development, consistently finding ways to add depth and talent to their roster.
The Phoenix Mercury's journey demonstrates that building a championship team isn't just about landing the top picks. It's about identifying talent, making shrewd trades, and developing players who can contribute in meaningful ways, even if they aren't immediate superstars. This approach allowed them to find players like Pondexter and Bonner, who became stars in their own right.
What do you think about the Mercury's strategy of trading draft picks for established veterans? Was it a risky move that ultimately paid off, or could they have built an even stronger dynasty by sticking with their draft picks? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And for more in-depth analysis of the Mercury's draft history from 2007 onwards, be sure to follow us on X by clicking right here! (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI)
