How Phoenix Found A Future Most Improved Player

Originally posted on Phoenix Mercury On SI
By Davion Moore | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 9:00 AM ET

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The Phoenix Mercury have found some great players over the years, and some of them were selected in the second round of their respective drafts.

Adrian Williams-Strong is a player who comes to mind, and after the Mercury drafted her, she became an All-Star. She was drafted by the Mercury in 2000, and in 2003, she became the fourth Mercury player to receive that honor. Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms were All-Stars in 1999, and Brandy Reed was named one in 2000.

Since drafting Williams-Strong, the Mercury have found some other talented players in the second round. All of them had different journeys, but in some cases, Phoenix's second-round picks played a significant role in their success.

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When it comes to the 2007 WNBA Draft, the Mercury selected Tyresa Smith. That draft was significant, as the Mercury had the first pick of the draft. They selected Lindsey Harding, but she was moved shortly after. Phoenix sent her to the Minnesota Lynx, and the franchise received a veteran in return.

After that, the Mercury drafted Smith in the second round, and they waived her a month later. She signed a deal with the Detroit Shock, and she played a game with them.

The following year, the Mercury found a hidden gem. They selected Leilani Mitchell in the second round, and while she was traded to the New York Liberty, she came to Phoenix years later.

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Mercury bring in future Most Improved Player

Mitchell had the best season of her career in 2019, as she averaged 12.8 points, four rebounds and three assists. She played 32 games, and she started in 27 of them. She won Most Improved Player, which made her the first player and only player to win the award twice. She was playing for the Mercury, and she helped the Mercury make the playoffs.

The Mercury did not have a second-round pick in 2009, but they did in 2010. They had two late picks that year, and when it came to the second round, they drafted Tyra Grant. Grant was one of Penn State's stars, and while she was drafted by the Mercury, she did not play in the WNBA.

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Phoenix was in a similar situation the following year, as they drafted late in 2011 draft. The franchise selected Brittany Spears, and she played for Colorado. She did not play in the WNBA, but she played internationally.

The Mercury found some talented players, and in Mitchell's case, she won an award for her efforts.

This article first appeared on Phoenix Mercury On SI and was syndicated with permission.

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