How Phoenix's Veteran Guards Helped Them Succeed

The Phoenix Mercury made their debut in 1997. That was the WNBA's first season, and each team underwent a process to build its roster. Players like Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie were a part of the allocation phase, and in Phoenix's case, the franchise brought in two future All-Stars . There was also a draft where players who played in other leagues, such as one overseas, were selected. That phase was called the elite draft. Then, the league had another phase, and players fresh out of college were selected. When it comes to the elite draft, the Mercury had the seventh pick and the 15th pick. They selected Bridget Pettis with the first pick, and they selected Nancy Lieberman with their second. Pettis got off to a nice start, and when the Mercury stepped on the court, she was the first player to make a basket for them. She was the team's leading scorer in that game, and she had 17 points in Phoenix's victory. In her first season, Pettis averaged 12.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals. The Mercur