Washington Mystics hope to profit from rebuild

This 12 months’s Washington Mystics roster will look a lot totally different than it did a 12 months in the past. With the departure of Natasha Cloud and Elena Delle Donne stepping away from the group, it’s time to begin wanting on the new core of younger gamers.

What can we anticipate from the Mystics this season?

How will the rookie carry out?

Aaliyah Edwards could have large sneakers to fill on the energy ahead place this 12 months. Her ability set matches very nicely subsequent to Shakira Austin within the frontcourt, particularly defensively, which is the place she will actually make her mark within the league. Edwards’ versatility on that finish permits her to amplify any defensive scheme that exists.

Washington has developed from an elite offensive group to an elite defensive group because the flip of the last decade. With Edwards within the lineup, will probably be tough for groups to hunt anybody within the projected beginning lineup. Clearly, the WNBA brings its personal set of challenges for rookies so the query for Edwards might be can her protection translate instantly?

On the offensive finish, she has nice passing instincts and a decent midrange shot that would enhance over time. Turnovers had been on the excessive aspect throughout her time in school, which makes her a polarizing participant. Washington’s offense seemingly received’t be excellent this 12 months, particularly with out having a real level guard on the roster, however Edwards nonetheless has an opportunity to be an excellent impactful rookie regardless of being in a rebuilding state of affairs.

Will Shakira Austin make the leap?

Final season was a tough one for Shakira Austin. Whereas accidents hampered what may have been a spectacular 12 months, it additionally appeared like she hit a sophomore droop from a manufacturing side; her numbers had been similar to her rookie season. As she now turns into the face of the franchise, can she take the leap offensively?

Austin has Defensive Participant of the 12 months potential, but when she will emerge right into a professional pick-and-roll risk and develop considerably of a midrange or dependable put up recreation, it can open up a lot for her and the Mystics offense for years to return.

Austin had good indicators as a post-up participant, ending final 12 months within the 98th percentile in post-up effectivity (1.33 PPP) in response to Synergy; nonetheless this was on low quantity. She’s going to seemingly have extra touches this season, which may imply extra post-up alternatives. If she will keep nice effectivity whereas taking over a bigger offensive load, that might be an incredible signal that she’s made the leap.

Can Brittney Sykes replicate final season’s manufacturing?

Brittney Sykes had one of the best season of her profession final 12 months, posting profession highs in factors and assists per recreation. What she was capable of do for Washington with all of the accidents was outstanding. Her athleticism stands out as she was the one Mystics guard that would put constant strain on the rim along with her drives.

Any such benefit creation is one among, if not the, most essential features of basketball. It’s one of many explanation why she had among the finest on/off scores within the league final season. The Mystics had been 13 factors higher when Sykes was on the court docket, which is a mirrored image of how invaluable her two-way play is.

A lot of the superior metrics labeled Sykes as a top-20 participant, which appears fairly correct primarily based on the state of the league; nonetheless, I believe that she will make one other leap this 12 months into the top-15. She has that kind of two-way impression that only a few guards have and it’ll be attention-grabbing to see if she will replicate final 12 months’s efficiency.