The Phoenix Mercury's journey to building an elite roster is a fascinating tale of strategic drafting and savvy trades. In 2006, the franchise made a pivotal decision by selecting Cappie Pondexter, a move that proved to be crucial as she played a vital role in leading the team to its inaugural championship victory. Yet, this was not the first time the Mercury had made a game-changing choice; just a few years earlier, they drafted Diana Taurasi, who would later achieve the remarkable feat of becoming the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.
Fast forward to 2007, when the Mercury capitalized on their success with a bold strategy during the draft. They held the coveted first pick and chose Lindsey Harding. However, rather than keeping her, the franchise quickly traded Harding in exchange for seasoned veteran Tangela Smith, whose experience was instrumental in securing the championship title for Phoenix.
Harding embarked on her WNBA career with the Minnesota Lynx, where she showcased her skills by averaging impressive stats: 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a steal per game in her rookie season. Throughout her career, she achieved notable milestones, and eventually, she made her way back to the Mercury for her last season.
In the subsequent year, 2008, the Mercury once again leveraged their first-round draft pick to select LaToya Sanders. During her tenure with the team, Sanders managed to average 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. However, her time in Phoenix was relatively short-lived as she was traded to the Lynx the following season before joining the Los Angeles Sparks. Ultimately, Sanders found a home with the Washington Mystics, where she celebrated a championship victory.
The turning point for the Mercury came in 2009 when they discovered DeWanna Bonner, whom they selected as the fifth overall pick. Bonner quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise, significantly contributing to their second championship win. In her rookie year, she averaged 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, earning the prestigious Sixth Woman of the Year award—a title she would secure three consecutive times. As she transitioned into a starting role, Bonner had the finest season of her career and played a crucial part in the Mercury's championship run in 2014. Now, she's back with the team, further solidifying her legacy.
Despite not having first-round picks in the following two drafts after bringing Bonner on board, the Mercury continued to scout for talent. It wasn't until 2012 that they made another first-round selection, bringing in a guard from Ohio State to bolster their lineup.
The Mercury’s ability to identify and nurture promising players has been a hallmark of their success, especially following the impactful careers of stars like Pondexter and Taurasi. Their ongoing commitment to excellence in drafting and trading continues to shape a bright future for the franchise.
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