The Washington Mystics finished their season with a meager record of 14-26.
Despite all the injuries they had, Washington almost made the postseason. The Mystics had to 1) win their final game against the Indiana Fever and 2) have Dream had to lose their game to the Liberty to make the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the Liberty decided to rest their players and the Dream walked away with the victory. As a result, the Dream made the postseason and the Mystics didn’t. Here are some key things that the Mystics should plan for this offseason.
ELENA DELLE DONNE’S SITUATION
The former MVP missed significant time in the last few seasons due to injuries.
But more recently, she decided to miss the entire 2024 season, opting out of the one-year supermax the Mystics offered her. It is not clear how long Delle Donne plans to stay away from the game. Washington placed the core designation on her when she said she was unclear about her next move. This gives the Mystics the option to explore a sign-and-trade scenario for her.
HEALTH
The opening-day lineup of Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin, Stefanie Dolson, Karlie Samuelson, and Brittney Sykes only played four games together (0-4).
Only Atkins, Julie Vanloo, and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough played all 40 games. Austin only played 12 games and dealt with ankle and hip injuries all season. Having the offseason to rehab and recuperate will pay dividends for a unit that was stifled by the injury bug.
DEVELOP YOUNG STARS
The Mystics have been a lottery team for some seasons now.
Austin was the third pick in the 2022 draft. Aaliyah Edwards was the sixth pick in the 2024 draft. General Manager Mike Thibault looks at Austin and Edwards as pieces to lead their team into the future. Keeping them together and helping them reach their full potential is crucial for the Mystics.
BUILD THROUGH THE DRAFT
The Mystics are projected to draft Azzi Fudd in the next draft per Bleacher Report.
Fudd is a shooting guard going into her senior year at UConn. Fudd missed some time with injuries, but the talent is there. She was named Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year during her sophomore year in high school. She led St. John’s College to the District of Columbia State Athletic Association tournament title. The draft is a gamble, but the pick for Fudd could go down as a turning point for the Mystics.
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