With Candace Parker signing with the Chicago Sky and Chelsea Gray heading to the Las Vegas Aces, the Minnesota Lynx also adds quality pieces. Those three teams have got most of the WNBA free agency buzz, and rightfully so. But don’t forget about the Washington Mystics.
The Mystics won the WNBA championship in 2019, but in the 2020 season, they had four key players opt-out due to COVID-19 and social justice reform. MVPs Elena Delle Donne, Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, and LaToya Sanders all opted out of the 2020 season.
With their star players out, it allowed for Myisha Hines-Allen and Ariel Atkins to have outstanding seasons. Hines-Allen the runner-up for the Most Improved Player, averaged 17.0 points, 8.9 rebounds per game, and Atkins added 14.8. Washington managed to make the playoffs but lost to the Phoenix Mercury in the first round.
Stars Coming Back
Delle Donne is supposed to be coming back, and the Mystics re-signed Charles to a one-year contract worth $175,000. That will give them a dynamic duo in the frontcourt—two skilled players who can do multiple things. Sanders will also be back and brings defense and offensive efficiency to the Mystics. Cloud is expected to come back as well. Emma Meesseman could be back midseason after she fulfills her overseas obligations.
Clark Addition
The Washington Mystics made a big free-agent splash added two-time champion, Alysha Clark, from the Seattle Storm. Clark is an outstanding defender; she was WNBA first team All-Defense in 2020. Clark averaged a career-high in points (10) and steals (1.5). She also shot 50% from beyond the arch, but Clark is known for her defense; she will take Aerial Powers‘ place.
With crucial players coming back to Washington, they should be able to make a run for the 2021 WNBA championship. The Mystics have tremendous depth and players that can do multiple things on the court. Washingon is well-coached by Mike Thibault who has 345 wins as a coach and won three WNBA Coach of the Year awards.
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