The Mercury has made several roster changes over the past few years. In 2010, they traded a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks to get Cappie Pondexter, who has been a late threat to win WNBA MVP. The team also added Candice Dupree, an off-ball threat to their already formidable duo. Griner is now on the team's return journey.
Griner's teammates are trying to get her home safely
Griner's team is doing everything they can to make sure Griner's safe return, despite the lack of information. They are trying contact Griner's family in order to inform them about the situation. Griner is in good mental and physical health but the situation is not ideal.
Griner is being returned home by the American government. This has taken a long and tedious effort. Griner's privacy concerns have prompted many lawmakers to withdraw their support.
Mercury traded a first round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010
The Phoenix Mercury acquired Temeka Johnson and Kara Braxton in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2010. Johnson was drafted by the New York Liberty, in the first round, of the 2005 WNBA Draft. Johnson went on to play for the Mercury and Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks traded for a first round pick in the 2010 draft. Johnson and Braxton were also acquired by the Mercury. The Mercury also signed Ticha Penicheiro and LaToya Pringle from the Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sparks were in search of a center, so they exchanged Candace Parker. Parker is an excellent defender with an average of 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Parker will turn 35 in 2020. She was the WNBA's Defensive player of the Year last year.
Diggins Smith has been a late push towards the WNBA MVP
Sarah Diggins-Smith has been one of the most consistent players in the league in recent years, and she has made a late push for the MVP award. She is the league's leader in scoring, minutes played, assists and scoring per game. Her team has been in many games this season. She is a popular franchise player, and is well-known both on the court and off. Her exceptional play earned her MVP votes and made them an All-Star First Team member.
Diggins Smith currently leads the league for minutes played. But she did request a rest after a recent game. This is a sign that her team needs all of her energy to reach the playoffs. She's still only 32 years old so she has plenty of basketball skills.
Cunningham is a solid off-ball threat
This season, Cunningham has been a strong off-ball threat to the Mercury. He is not only a great scorer, but he's also a solid defender and an excellent offensive rebounder. Cunningham has contributed to the growth of their offense.
Since Charles' departure the Mercury have been without a scoring option. Cunningham has shown great leadership in Charles' absence. Curt Meller was pleased with Cunningham’s defensive efforts against the Sun. The team has been mixing in zone defense to make up for the lack of size. They used bodies in paint to defend Jones' frontcourt.