The 2022 season for the WNBA will begin in less than five months. Last season was the first season back in mainstream arenas after the Wubble.
At the end of the 2021 season, the Chicago Sky hoisted the WNBA championship trophy. As the upcoming season approaches there are a few teams that will position themselves to be playoff contenders.
Mystics Recap
One team that missed the 2021 playoffs is the Washington Mystics. During the 2021 season, the Mystics struggled to remain healthy.
In 2021 the Mystics played a majority of the season without Elena Delle Donne, and Tina Charles.
Despite a 12-20 record, the Mystics can easily write their wrongs and contend for a playoff spot in the 2022 season.
Always #TogetherDC ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2TdBI7xqYF
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) September 25, 2021
Washington is one of the teams that did not make the playoffs but will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
Here are two reasons why WNBA fans should expect to see the Washington Mystics make the playoffs in the 2022 season.
Elena Delle Donne Healthy
Elena Delle Donne Healthy
Mystics head coach Mike Thibault did an outstanding job of getting the team prepared to play without their top two players. Delle Donne will most likely return for the 2022 season.
Delle Donne is the focal point of the Mystics game plan and the team runs their offense through her. When healthy she can provide the team with a high low option on offense.
Not to mention she can score in any type of basketball situation which creates mismatches for opposing teams.
Legendary. Rock that #W25 jacket @De11eDonne!! 🔥🐐
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) October 14, 2021
[📷: @De11eDonne] #TogetherDC #CountIt pic.twitter.com/kNQ4PojgUR
Prior to sitting out the 2020 season and missing the 2021 season due to injury Delle Donne averaged 19.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
EDD makes the Mystics offense flow with her ability to control the middle of the paint. She allows Natasha Cloud to spot up and shoot, run the pick-and-roll and run the offense.
Not to mention, she and Tina Charles make a dominant duo in the frontcourt. Delle Donne makes the game easier for the rest of her teammates offensively and defensively.
Insert Tina Charles
The second reason the Mystics have a chance to make the playoffs is because of Charles (assuming she comes back). Although it’s not clear whether or not Charles will be suiting up in D.C. this season, she is still a key piece to a playoff run.
Charles is a skilled post player who can shut down the paint no matter who is guarding her. Her ability to score at will and set her teammates up is a huge deal.
RT to wish @tinacharles31 a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 🎂🎉#TogetherDC pic.twitter.com/7bCRek4Lr5
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) December 5, 2021
The UCONN product will be an excellent pair with Delle Donne in the frontcourt. Although the two did not get a chance to play together it can be a great outcome in the 2022 season.
Charles led the league in scoring in 2021 and kept the Mystics relevant. The New York native averaged 23.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
To remain competitive in the 2022 season, the Mystics will just need to remain healthy. Despite winning the championship in 2019, the Mystics didn’t really get a fair chance of defending the title.
After the pandemic started, the team did not see all of the players enter the Wubble. The following year the residual effect of the pandemic impacted them.
However, in 2022, the team will make the playoffs once their full roster returns.
Follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 for more WNBA content.
