Lucy Olsen, Zaay Green Deserve to Make Mystics’ Final Roster

The new era of Mystics basketball has been one defined by new leadership, fierce competition, and fresh opportunities.

With Sydney Johnson leading the charge on the sidelines, Brittney Sykes and Stefanie Dolson providing their veteran experience on the floor, and Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards leading the youth movement in Washington, the possibilities in 2025 are endless.

The Mystics added five rookies to their roster in the 2025 WNBA Draft. While top rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are virtual locks to make the final cut, second and third round selections Lucy Olsen and Zaay Green may have their work cut out for them.

Lucy Olsen: Underrated & Undeniable

When it comes to the guards of the 2025 WNBA Draft, all the hype and anticipation were focused on players like Paige Bueckers, Georgia Amoore, and Hailey Van Lith. However, despite the lack of mainstream hype, Lucy Olsen is more than ready to make her mark in a Mystics uniform.

Over the course of her collegiate career, Olsen showed that she had WNBA potential. Olsen exudes toughness, confidence, and poise. While not being one of the flashier guards in this year’s draft, the 21-year-old has the talent to hang with the best. What Olsen lacks in speed and quickness, she makes up for with her decision-making, shooting, and body control. Additionally, her ability to run an offense is something that can’t be ignored.

The Mystics drafted their backcourt of the future in Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore. They also have the veteran presence of Brittney Sykes, one of the best two-way defenders in the WNBA.

Aside from these three, the Mystics don’t have much certainty in their guard rotation.

Insert Lucy Olsen.

Throughout her time at Villanova and Iowa, Olsen showcased her ability to play on and off the ball. With Amoore likely set to miss the entirety of her rookie season due to an ACL injury, Washington desperately needs another guard capable of running the offense. When sharing the floor with Sykes, Olsen can operate off the ball, playing with Sykes and Citron in the backcourt to get to her spots in the midrange.

When Sykes is off the floor, Olsen will prove to be a reliable lead guard, capable of running the Mystics’ offense seamlessly.

Zaay Green: Young & Hungry

Zaay Green’s road to the WNBA has been unique, to say the least.

Green played at four different schools across a six-year college career. Despite numerous challenges, she continued to improve, showcasing the best of her abilities at each stop.

At 6-foot-2, Green’s ability to finish through contact and play either guard spot makes her a welcome addition to any team in the WNBA. After playing alongside Sarah Ashlee Barker at Alabama last season, Green’s ability to be effective in transition has vastly improved. She enters the WNBA with a high motor and a heightened level of confidence.

Moreover, her length adds to her value as a rebounder and defender.

The argument for Zaay Green to make the final roster in DC is nearly identical to the reasons why Olsen should. Another guard capable of being impactful off the ball, what separates Green from Olsen is her rebounding and defense. Green enters the WNBA averaging 5.3 rebounds per game, a welcome sight for the worst rebounding team in the WNBA last season.

The same can be said for her defense. The Mystics hovered around league average in several key statistical categories, including field goal percentage allowed (9th), three-point percentage allowed (6th), and assists allowed per game (6th). Green’s presence as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions and being active in the passing lanes would be just another boost to a revamped defensive mindset for the Mystics in 2025.

Final Thoughts

As second and third round picks, the path to the final roster is not as clear-cut for Olsen and Green as it may be for their first-round counterparts.

Nevertheless, Washington’s lack of clarity in the guard rotation behind Sykes, Citron, and Amoore (once healthy) should bode well for their chances. If that’s not enough, Olsen’s capabilities as a scorer on and off the ball and Green’s versatility would be great additions to the Mystics’ revamped roster.

Most importantly, the Mystics are clearly looking to go all-in on their youth movement to get them back to the promised land.

If we’re being honest, Washington would be hard-pressed to find any two young players better suited for their roster than Lucy Olsen and Zaay Green.