This WNBA season will be a heartwarming few months for the Phoenix Mercury, featuring Brittney Griner back on home soil and a healthy Diana Taurasi.
What hasn't happened to the Phoenix Mercury since the start of last year? There have been so many on- and off-court issues, some in their control, some not. Regardless of where you sit on the Mercury, you have to admit, they are sure to benefit from a fresh start.
Also, Brittney Griner is back home.
William C. Rhoden wrote a beautiful piece on Andscape covering BG's press conference and discussing the broader social implications of her words. He wrote precisely and profoundly, mirroring Griner's essence in the presser and echoes a sentiment this article is in full support of. For a deeper look at that side of Griner's return, please go there.
BG's stature was made to be bigger than basketball last year and she has embraced that role while also using the attention to bring more eyes to the league and hold the media accountable. It feels as though the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury and the media have allowed her to steer her return in whichever direction and whatever pace she feels comfortable with. Hopefully, this continues, for Griner's sake, as what's best for her has been what's best for everybody so far.
This alone has already been a sign of success for the Phoenix Mercury.
The Phoenix Mercury are getting more than one fresh start this WNBA season
The departure of Robert Sarver as owner may also be seen as a sign of success. This would help any workplace, let alone a women's basketball team. Mat Ishbia has kept busy since buying the Mercury and the Suns, bringing in that tall guy named Kevin. He has also increased accessibility to watch Phoenix basketball games both locally and nationally. If Ishbia can keep up his hot start through the WNBA season then you're playing with house money as the change of ownership is already a success for the Mercury.
Why don't we get to the on-court product? Diana Taurasi aka Diana Too-Flossy is clocking in another season. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Mercury have availability, health and a clear understanding of who's on the roster going into a season. This will be sure to bring the best out of Taurasi, as it felt as though she wasn't willing to waste her time with a roster and an organization that was in turmoil. She has more than earned this right and her judgement (in which I am speculating) was a telling reflection of the Mercury as a company.
As a side note, the last time Phoenix had availability, health and roster security they were in the WNBA Finals and it was only two seasons ago. Recapturing that form is something this team is capable of doing.
Sophie Cunningham was making a name for herself during that run and it led to increased responsibility last season. For the first time in her career, she was receiving somewhat of a consistent starting role and was getting exponentially more touches than previously in her career. Her responsibilities are sure to grow again this season, being an efficient shooter and determined competitor alongside Griner and Taurasi. Something WNBA fans have come to learn about Cunningham is that she performs when the lights are brightest and the pressure is on so 2023 is looking like it will bring the best out in her.
This could feel like a bit of a softball but the Phoenix Mercury's 2023 season may already be a success. Even still, I'll be tuning into Mercury games any time they're playing.
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