The 2004 WNBA season was a turning point for the Phoenix Mercury, and it all started with a bold move that reshaped their future. After a disappointing 2003 season, the Mercury found themselves in a unique position—one that would set the stage for a remarkable comeback. But here's where it gets interesting: their poor performance granted them not just one, but two major draft picks, and the story of how they capitalized on this opportunity is nothing short of inspiring.
With the Cleveland Rockers folding, the WNBA held a dispersal draft, a process that had only occurred once before when the Miami Sol and Portland Fire disbanded. Cleveland, one of the league’s original teams, was now history, and the Mercury had the first pick. They selected Penny Taylor, a player who would quickly become a cornerstone of the franchise. But the Mercury weren’t done yet. In the 2004 WNBA Draft, they landed the first overall pick again, this time selecting Diana Taurasi—a name that would go on to define WNBA greatness.
Taurasi’s impact was immediate and profound. She averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in her rookie season, finishing third in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race with 126 points. While Lisa Leslie took home the MVP title with 425 points, Taurasi’s performance was a clear sign of her future dominance. And this is the part most people miss: Taurasi didn’t just compete for MVP—she also won the Rookie of the Year award, solidifying her status as a rising star.
But the Mercury’s success wasn’t limited to Taurasi. Penny Taylor tied for sixth in the Most Improved Player race, and Anna DeForge finished fifth, showcasing the team’s depth. Even Carrie Graf, the Mercury’s coach, received recognition in the Coach of the Year race. This wasn’t just a team on the rise—it was a team that was redefining what it meant to rebuild.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Taurasi’s rookie season was undeniably impressive, some argue that her impact was overshadowed by the league’s established stars. Do you think Taurasi deserved more recognition in her first year, or was the competition simply too fierce? Let us know in the comments!
By the end of the 2004 season, the Mercury had transformed from a struggling team to a 17-17 contender, setting the stage for a championship just a few years later. Their story is a testament to the power of strategic drafting and player development. And this is just the beginning.
Want to dive deeper into Phoenix’s 2004 season and the award races that shaped their future? Follow us on X for more insights and exclusive content. Click here to join the conversation: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
