The Phoenix Mercury, a team with a rich history of discovering exceptional talent, has an intriguing story to tell about their second-round draft picks. Uncovering hidden gems is an art, and the Mercury have certainly mastered it.
Let's delve into the journey of some remarkable players who found their place in the WNBA through the Mercury's second-round picks.
One such player is Adrian Williams-Strong, an All-Star who joined the Mercury in 2000. She became the fourth Mercury player to achieve this honor in 2003, following in the footsteps of Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms (1999) and Brandy Reed (2000).
But here's where it gets controversial... the Mercury's second-round picks have had a significant impact on their success. Take, for instance, the 2007 WNBA Draft, where they selected Tyresa Smith. Although they had the first pick and chose Lindsey Harding, who was later traded, Smith's selection in the second round was a notable move.
Smith's journey was brief with the Mercury, as she was waived a month later and signed with the Detroit Shock. However, the Mercury's second-round picks often had unique paths, and some, like Smith, found success elsewhere.
And this is the part most people miss... the Mercury's ability to spot talent in the second round. In 2008, they selected Leilani Mitchell, a hidden gem who went on to have the best season of her career in 2019 while playing for the Mercury. She averaged impressive stats and won the Most Improved Player award, an achievement that speaks volumes about her talent and the Mercury's scouting skills.
However, not all second-round picks made it to the WNBA. In 2009, the Mercury didn't have a second-round pick, but in 2010, they drafted Tyra Grant, a star from Penn State who didn't play in the WNBA. Similarly, in 2011, they drafted Brittany Spears, who played internationally but not in the WNBA.
Despite these setbacks, the Mercury's second-round picks have often been a source of success and talent. Leilani Mitchell's achievement is a testament to that.
So, what do you think? Are second-round picks a hidden treasure trove of talent? Or is it a risky strategy? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to follow us on X to stay updated with more stories like these!
