The WNBA's expansion era began with a bang in 1998, as the Detroit Shock and Washington Mystics entered the league, shaping their rosters through strategic allocations and drafts. However, this growth came at a cost for some teams, including the Phoenix Mercury, who lost a key player, Tara Williams, to the Shock. Williams, who had signed with Phoenix in 1997, was drafted away after just one season.
But here's where it gets controversial... The WNBA continued its expansion in 1999, welcoming the Minnesota Lynx and Orlando Miracle. These teams acquired players through allocation, with the Lynx receiving Kristin Folkl and the Miracle landing Nykesha Sales. And this is the part most people miss... the expansion draft then claimed another Mercury player, Brandy Reed, who was selected first by the Lynx.
Reed, drafted by the Mercury in 1998, had modest stats with 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. But when she joined the Lynx, her performance skyrocketed, averaging an impressive 16.1 points, 6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. She started in 24 of the 25 games she played for Minnesota.
After her successful season with the Lynx, Reed returned to the Mercury. The Lynx traded her, acquiring a first-round pick in return. Reed's return to Phoenix was a triumph, as she averaged a career-high 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals. Her stellar performance earned her All-Star status, making her the third Mercury player to achieve this feat, following Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms, who accomplished it in 1999.
In the 2000 playoffs, Reed averaged 14.0 points, 4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds as the Mercury faced the Los Angeles Sparks. Unfortunately, the Sparks swept the Mercury, advancing to the next round. Reed's Mercury tenure continued with a single game in 2001 and five games in 2002 before she signed with the Sparks, only to be waived shortly after.
The WNBA's growth story continued, with the Lynx and Miracle taking different paths while drafting talented players like Reed.
So, what do you think? Was Reed's journey a success or a missed opportunity for the Mercury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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