Phoenix Mercury's Draft Strategy in 2023: Focusing on Forwards
When the Phoenix Mercury entered the 2023 WNBA Draft, it was clear where their attention lay: the frontcourt. The team picked two forwards in the third round, signaling a deliberate push to add size, versatility, and defensive presence. With the 27th selection, they landed Destiny Harden from Miami—a player known for her power and rebounding. Two spots later, they grabbed Kadi Sissoko, a forward whose college tour took her from Syracuse to Minnesota to USC, gathering experience in multiple conferences and styles of play.
For Destiny Harden, the path wasn't smooth. She inked a contract with the Mercury, but barely a month later, in early May, she was off the roster, waived during the last round of preseason cuts. It's a tough break that highlights just how razor-thin the margin is for late-round picks trying to grab a spot in the league.
Kadi Sissoko, on the other hand, saw things unfold differently. She made the cut, cracked the rotation, and appeared in all 40 games for Phoenix in 2023. Her role wasn't massive in the box score, but she did what many rookies are asked to do: bring energy in short bursts, set strong screens, and hold her own defensively. But as quick as her opportunity arrived, it passed—Sissoko was waived before the 2024 season. The reason? The Mercury were clearing the way for yet another roster refresh, searching for the right combination.
Shifting Priorities and Fresh Faces
The actions in 2023 contrast sharply with the Mercury’s approach in 2024. Instead of doubling down on forwards, the club pivoted and drafted two guards: Charisma Osborne, who’d made headlines at UCLA, and Jaz Shelley, noted for her sharp shooting and high-energy play. This move said a lot about where the team saw its immediate needs and where performance gaps needed plugging.
Beyond just drafts, Phoenix continued to churn the bottom of their roster. Training camp invites went out to players like Lexi Held and Monique Akoa Makani, illustrating that the team isn’t content to rest on prior decisions. They’re always on the lookout for young talent who can seize a chance, even if the odds seem long.
In a league where roster spots are scarce and competition is intense, the Mercury’s recent draft choices show how quickly priorities can change. Frontcourt depth was the mission last spring, but now attention has swung to backcourt versatility. The Sissoko and Harden selections are reminders of how challenging it is to stick in the WNBA, but also how teams constantly retool and readjust, chasing that elusive winning formula. For Phoenix, the search continues, both through the draft and beyond.
