The Washington Mystics have been that laughing stock of the WNBA for some moments in the league's history. Coined the "Mystakes", Washington has had it's fair share of odd departures, poor coaching, trades lost, and shots missed. In 2009, Washington is looking to set the record straight that they aren't dwelling the past, but looking to the future.
A Year to Forget
In 2008, the Washington Mystics had one of it's worse seasons in franchise history. Technically, their record didn't prove that to be true. But once you saw this group play for a good 2 minutes, you realized things weren't gelling. Throughout the season, the Mystics struggled for consistency. Their roster lacked quality stars, besides Beard and Sanford, who each had their droughts. This was a team that most expected to finish near the bottom of the league, but yet people didn't expect it to be this bad.
Out with the Old, In with the New
America vote for change in November, and Mystics did the same in preparation for the 2009 season. First, the Mystics made several in-season moves in 2008, first dismissing head coach Tree Rollins. After that, the Mystics traded star Taj McWilliams-Franklin to Detoit in exchange for Tasha Humphrey, Eshaya Murphy, and a second round pick in this year's draft. The Mystics then dismissed GM Linda Hargrove who had made many poor decisions in her time in the Capital. Once they trimmed the fat, they named Julie Plank as the Head coach and Angela Taylor as the GM. It's safe to say the Mystics are going young on both fronts. Adding Humphrey and Murphy added to their already young roster. Taylor and Plank don't have a lot of experience in the WNBA (at their respective positions), but both offer a breath of fresh air which is needed at this point. Taylor's first real move as a GM was trading for Lindsey Harding, filling their void at the point guard spot. So far, so good.
Breaking it down
Okay, let's see what actually went bad for the Mystics in 2008. To start, they were last in the league in scoring and gave up, on average, 7 more points to their opponents. The Mystics were also one of the worst defensive teams, finishing third from last in opponent's field goal percentage. Also, the Mystics finished last in the league in free throw percentage, converting on just sixty-six percent of their attempts. To be honest, the Mystics could choose best available at ever pick and get someone they need. Overall, they need committment to approvement by both the coaching staff and players.
Marissa or Courtney
Two months ago, it was so easy. Courtney Paris, duh! The Mystics needed a post player who could counter Nakia Sanford, who looked all by her lonesome at times for most of the season. Paris' low block skills would help Washington tremendously. The Mystics have lacked a true center for quite some time (shout out to Vickie Bullett) and Paris would fill that long time void. However, Coleman has emerged as one of the nation's hottest players. Coleman is both a savvy defender, but a versatile score. She can post up small guards, shoot from three, or go off the bounce to either score at the rack, or pick and pop. Adding to that, shes a tenacious rebounder and has a legit WNBA frame coupled with great size at her position. Adding to that, she's also from Maryland, where many Washington Mystics fans reside. If they could pick up Coleman, she might help on both fronts. The problem is that they need a center more. They traded for Monique Currie a season ago and while she's not the best, they have absolutely no one who can start at center (Sorry Chas). It's going to be either best player available or what the need is. We'll see what Taylor and Plank decide.
