Mercury re-sign Williams to third 7-day deal as rotation questions rise

Williams has been with the Mercury on two separate occasions during the season. In six games with Phoenix, Williams averaged 5.0 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field.

“I’m super thankful for Nick [U’Ren] and Nate [Tibbetts] being transparent with me and stuff,” Williams said after practice on Wednesday, according to Desert Wave Media’s David Veenstra. “I love Phoenix, I love this organization. It’s a really great group. I’m just thankful for the opportunity as always.”

However, questions were raised after the news broke of how Williams would be utilized with the Mercury’s new eight-player rotation. Kalani Brown, Kitija Laksa and Lexi Held have seen less playing time with this system.

Head coach Tibbetts has said he likes the eight-player rotation and doesn’t see it changing soon, after Phoenix’s game against the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 10. Although rotations aren’t set, he wants to continue the setup.

“We’re gonna have to continue to look at different lineups throughout the year and from game to game,” said Tibbetts, according to the team’s post-game recording. “But yeah, I like it.”

While Williams brings depth to the roster, it’s uncertain what her role will be with Tibbetts’ eight-player rotation in place.