The Mercury's last rookie is Lexi Held. Held went undrafted in the 2022 WNBA Draft, and she spent time overseas. She signed a training camp contract with Phoenix and made the final roster. She was off to a good start, and she was averaging 8.7 points and 1.5 steals.

Despite the loss, rookie JJ Quinerly had a career-high 18 points and a career-best four made threes during the game.

Thomas and Whitcomb played a major role on defense, limiting Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, who had averaged 29 points against the Mercury in the previous two meetings. Given Bueckers’ history against the Mercury, Thomas specifically asked for the assignment of defending her before being moved off because of foul trouble.

Pondexter wasted little time getting accustomed the league, and she averaged 19.5 points. She became a member of the 2006 WNBA All-Rookie Team. The following year, she 17.2 points. The Mercury won the championship that year, and Pondexter won Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).

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Jordan Ott and the Phoenix Suns continue to build their coaching staff, this time adding Jesse Mermuys from the Orlando Magic.

Over the years, the Phoenix Mercury have had numerous coaches. Phoenix hired their current head Nate Tibbetts before the start of the 2024 season. Tibbetts, a c