2017 WNBA preview: Extreme Makeover, Phoenix edition
By Mike Peden
When assessing the Phoenix Mercury’s potential for 2017, the word overhaul is an understatement.
Although Phoenix reached the semifinal round in last year’s playoffs, taking advantage of the single-elimination format in the early stages, their cohesion was never consistent. As a result, they were flattened by Minnesota in the semifinals.
Bouncing back from a tough blow will not be easy. Thanks to a flurry of trades, retirements and other activities, the Mercury return just two players from last year’s roster: Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. As cornerstones of the franchise, those two should provide a steady anchor for a team in transition. The fate of the Mercury depends on how quickly the team’s new faces can adapt, and that task alone could motivate this team. There is no shortage of talent, but a major challenge awaits them.