Mercury’s Satou Sabally reflects on move to Phoenix and praises rookies

The All-Star spoke on the trade that sent her to Phoenix from the Dallas Wings. She praised the Mercury’s system for its players and how the organization ensures they are well taken care of.

Sabally credited Phoenix for its ability to adapt to what works, and what doesn’t, for its players to create an environment where they can flourish.

“I felt like I left everything in Dallas,” Sabally said. “And I poured so much into a club where I felt there’s no stability that would really give me the stability that I need…[The Mercury have] had players like Diana Taurasi, [Brittney Griner], come through the organization already that are legendary. So, it’s just different and being able to follow legacy and try to fill those big shoes is another challenge.”

The Mercury have clinched a playoff spot with a revamped roster, as Kahleah Copper is the only returning player. With Sabally, Copper and Alyssa Thomas — the team’s Big Three — each sidelined by injuries at different points this season, the Mercury have relied on rookies to fill the lineup.

Lexi Held, Kathryn Westbeld, Kitija Laksa and Monique Akoa Makani played critical moments in the first half of the season due to injuries. Even without the Big Three during certain parts of the season, the Mercury never had a losing record.

“They’ve just been at it,” the All-Star said. “They’ll get a bucket. They’re high-level on defense.”

Sabally’s journey to Phoenix has brought her to an organization where she feels empowered and to a team that has believed in each other on its way to the playoffs.

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