Ready to Fly: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2023 Phoenix Mercury Roster

Meet the Team Aiming for a Championship Return

Leadership and Experience

* **Diana Taurasi (Guard):** Future Hall of Famer and 10x All-Star, leading the team with her unmatched experience and clutch play. * **Brittney Griner (Center):** Reigning Defensive Player of the Year, providing unmatched size, defense, and scoring prowess.

Rising Stars

* **Skylar Diggins-Smith (Guard):** Dynamic playmaker with lightning-fast speed and a knack for creating scoring opportunities. * **Kia Nurse (Guard):** Canadian Olympian with versatile skills and an ability to impact the game in multiple ways. * **Sophie Cunningham (Forward):** Emerging talent with a well-rounded game and a consistent shooting threat.

Proven Depth

* **Shey Peddy (Forward):** Reliable veteran with excellent defensive skills and a developing offensive game. * **Alanna Smith (Forward):** Energetic and athletic forward who brings energy and rebounding to the team. * **Rebekah Gardner (Forward):** Young forward with a promising future, showing flashes of her scoring and defensive potential.

New Additions

* **Yvonne Turner (Forward):** Brings an experienced presence and a strong inside-out game. * **Stephanie Talbot (Forward):** Adds depth and shooting ability to the frontcourt rotation.

Key Stats

* The Mercury averaged 86.3 points per game in 2022, ranking 4th in the league. * They held opponents to 80.6 points per game, tied for the 5th best defensive rating. * Brittney Griner led the league in blocks per game (2.0) and was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Outlook for 2023

The Phoenix Mercury enter the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win the WNBA Championship. With a veteran core led by Taurasi and Griner, and a promising group of rising stars, the Mercury have the experience, talent, and depth to compete for a title.