The Phoenix Mercury, a team with a rich history and a seasoned veteran in DeWanna Bonner, is embarking on a new season with a renewed goal: to claim the WNBA title. However, the journey has begun with a slow start, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the team is ready to take on the challenges ahead. The Mercury's 30th season kicked off with a whimper rather than a bang, as they suffered an 88-84 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, a team they've faced in the playoffs in the past two years. Despite the setback, the Mercury's performance was not without its bright spots, as they played an upbeat and entertaining brand of basketball, considering their incomplete roster. Several players have just returned from international play, and the team is still in the process of coming together.
The Mercury's goal is clear: to reach the WNBA Finals and win the championship. Last year, they made a surprising run, defeating the Liberty and Lynx in the opening rounds before ultimately falling to the Aces in the Finals. However, the team has undergone significant changes since then, with the retirement of Diana Taurasi and the departure of Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream and later the Connecticut Sun. The Mercury have been in a state of transition, and the new season presents an opportunity for them to rebuild and refocus.
One of the key factors in the Mercury's success this season is the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has benefited players like Bonner. The salary cap has increased from $1.5 million per team last season to $7 million this year, and the Mercury have spent to the cap both seasons. Bonner, a veteran forward, has seen a significant increase in her salary, from $78,831 last year to $500,000 this year, just under the projected league average. This has allowed her to approach the season with more comfort, excitement, and refreshment, as she had to adapt quickly last year due to her late arrival.
However, the Mercury's current situation is not without its challenges. They have several missing pieces, including Satou Sabally, who signed as a free agent with the Liberty, and Sami Whitcomb, who is recovering from surgery. The team is still in the process of coming together, and it may take some time for them to find their rhythm and identity. The Mercury's offense, in particular, has been choppy and all over the place, with everyone looking a step slow. Bonner acknowledges that it will take time for everyone to get comfortable, and she believes that once they do, the team will be better across the board.
Despite the slow start, it's still early in the season, and the Mercury have a chance to turn things around. They have a few games at home before hitting the road for a three-game swing. It's important to give the team at least another two weeks to settle in and find their footing. One disappointing home opener does not define the entire season. The Mercury have a talented core, and with some adjustments and time, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.
In my opinion, the Mercury's slow start is a result of the team's transition and the challenges of coming together after a period of change. However, I believe they have the talent and determination to turn things around. The new CBA has provided an opportunity for players like Bonner to thrive, and the team's experienced coaching staff will play a crucial role in guiding them through this transition. The Mercury have a rich history, and I'm confident they will find their way back to the top, winning the WNBA title they so desperately desire.
