We ask what key question faces each of the Mystics’ top players for this year.
The Washington Mystics are in training camp right now for the 2024 WNBA season. Roster cuts are still a week or so away, but we can reasonably assume which players will be franchise cornerstones, key contributors and more based on the type of contract they have. So we have listed the entire roster and put forth a question that each player faces as she continues training camp.
Today we’ll focus on the cornerstone players. The cornerstones are the best players on the team. All have (or will soon have) guaranteed contracts. And all have the potential for being All-Stars or Team USA players this June.
Ariel Atkins: Can she become an All-WNBA guard?
Throughout her career, Atkins has made the WNBA All-Defensive team until last year when injuries hampered her. Besides health, can Atkins become known for much than being a 3-and-D player? She has shown that potential recently and 2024 will be her best chance yet.
Brittney Sykes: Can she make the All-Star Team and be a guard that Team USA wishes that they had?
Despite a disappointing 2023 season overall, the Mystics had one of the top free agent signings by signing Sykes. She made the WNBA All-Defensive Second team, averaged a career-high 15.9 points and 3.8 assists per game and was often the spark Washington needed when other guards like Atkins were away.
I’m thinking that Sykes is ready to take that next step. Washington has the room for her to grow into that role and I’m looking forward to seeing it.
Shakira Austin: Can she make the All-Star Team or Team USA and regain her rookie form?
Like Atkins, Austin missed much of the season due to injury in her sophomore season. It looks like Austin may have recovered from a hip injury earlier than we feared, which is good news. So could we see her build on her All-Rookie campaign in 2022, perhaps …. steal a spot on Team USA or at least make the All-Star team? Last season, she averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds a game in 19 appearances, so again, I think there’s room for her to have a breakout season.