Mercury's 2002 Picks Go Different Paths

The Phoenix Mercury finished the 2002 season with a record of 11-21. They were going through a rebuilding period, and before that season got started, the Mercury drafted three players. The Mercury did not have a first-round pick that season, but they had at least one in the remaining rounds. The first pick of that year's draft was Sue Bird, and after that, several talented players were selected. Phoenix had to wait to make their first pick, and with the 25th pick, they selected Tootie Shaw. Shaw attended Wichita State, and in her final season, she averaged 12.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. In her four years, she averaged 10.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Shaw did not play for the Mercury, as she was waived less than a month after the draft. The Mercury drafted Kayte Christensen in the third round, and she attended UC Santa Barbara. She averaged 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds. In her four years, she averaged 11.9 points and 7.3 rebounds. She played four seasons with the Mercury in her first stint, and she had her caree