3 options the Mystics should consider if they win the No. 1 pick

The Washington Mystics finished the 2024 season with a 14–26 record and ranked ninth in the league. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the season they were hoping for.

It wasn’t a good offseason for them either, after Natasha Cloud decided to sign with the Phoenix Mercury at the start of free agency. Then, a week later, Elena Delle Done announced that she would sit out the season after being the face of the franchise for years. Two of Washington’s top three scorers from the 2023 season are gone. But then, early in the season, Brittney Skyes suffered a high ankle sprain and missed three weeks. This led to an 0-12 start to the season and a hole the Mystics had a hard time digging themselves out of.

Delle Done’s status is uncertain for the 2025 season, but they saw potential in 2024 from Ariel Atkins, Aaliyah Edwards and Karlie Samuelson. But this season, the Mystics needed another scorer and a true point guard. Skyes and Atkins found themselves very offensive, which is not realistic for a winning team.

Washington has a lottery pick, but hurt its lottery position by making the playoffs late in the season. Right now, the Mystics hold 10.4 percent of the first overall pick, however, if Washington gets lucky and finds themselves in first place, here are some players they should target.

Whichever team gets the No. 1 pick, they are expected to take UConn Huskie Paige Bueckers. After missing the 2022-23 season due to a knee injury, she returned the following season and picked up where she left off. She averaged 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists while leading UConn to the Final Four and setting the sports world on notice with her talent.

The Mystics need another scorer and point guard, and Bueckers fits that role almost perfectly. In her three seasons with the Huskies, she shot 53.3% from the field and 41.9% from long range. As a player who can play either guard role and defend the ball exceptionally well, this would be an ideal addition for Washington. Edwards and Bueckers also have experience playing off each other and have had success doing so. For Washington’s reunification, the Huskies could make them a young and dangerous team in the league.

Another UConn Huskie who could end up in Washington is junior Azzi Fudd. Although Fudd only played in 42 college games, she averaged 13.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists. When healthy, Fudd has immense potential, but also has a reputation for being injury-prone. She played just two games last season before missing the rest of the season with a knee injury. Her upcoming season will largely determine whether she can make the jump to the WNBA and fit in.

But she is known for her elite 3-point shooting. It has a smooth, quick release that allows you to fire under pressure and in tight windows. His mechanics are perfect, which contributes to his consistency as a long-range threat. And while the Mystics need a consistent shooter, she’s also effective at mid-range. She can dribble or hit shots in catch-up situations.

Olivia Miles is a player who has had trouble staying healthy throughout her college career at Notre Dame. But when she’s healthy, she’s been strong on the court. She averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists for the Irish. While she could return to college instead of entering the WNBA Draft, if she has a productive season she could see her draft stock increase.

Miles is a dynamic and versatile point guard known for her elite vision, creativity and playmaking ability. Her style of play combines talent with high basketball IQ, making her a standout. As a true point guard, she fills a need in Washington. She has a knack for threading the needle with precise passes, whether in transition or half-court sets. Her ability to see plays develop before they happen allows her to make highlight-worthy assists, often finding teammates in places where defenders are unable to react. Additionally, she has a natural feel for the game, which allows her to make quick, instinctive decisions on the court. Her creativity, especially with no-look and behind-the-back passes, makes her an exciting player to watch.