The Washington Mystics — losers of 6 straight video games — have formally been eradicated from playoff rivalry. The Mystics, who’ve a 16-24 file, are 5 video games behind the Golden State Valkyries for the eighth seed and are now not within the playoff combine, because of Saturday’s 99-62 loss to the Valkyries.
Nonetheless, the way forward for the Mystics is as shiny as ever.
The staff’s first-round rookie picks have put collectively sensational seasons; No. 3 choose Sonia Citron is averaging 15.2 factors on 47.1% taking pictures (and 43.1% from three), whereas No. 4 choose Kiki Iriafen is averaging 12.9 factors and eight.5 rebounds. Each have exceeded expectations and are having stronger rookie campaigns within the WNBA than most projected.
And, it’s not simply Citron and Iriaifen. Beneath new head coach Sydney Johnson, Shakira Austin has discovered her footing within the frontcourt; the 25-year-old ahead is having the perfect season of her profession, averaging 12.7 factors and 6.3 rebounds per sport. Guard Sug Sutton, who’s a restricted free agent this offseason, has additionally had a profession yr, averaging 7.6 factors and three.8 assists.
Along with Citron, Iriafen, and Austin, the Mystics have level guard Georgia Amoore below contract, who missed her rookie season with a torn ACL however could possibly be simply the playmaker the staff wants subsequent season. Amoore, the undersized level guard who was the sixth choose within the 2025 WNBA Draft, has been visibly recovering from surgical procedure and will are available in subsequent yr and make an instantaneous impression.
The Mystics traded away their greatest likelihood at making the playoffs after they shipped Brittney Sykes to the Seattle Storm forward of the commerce deadline. Sykes, who reportedly requested a commerce, was the staff’s main scorer this season, however didn’t match Washington’s rebuilding timeline. In alternate, they acquired the Storm’s first-round choose for subsequent season, which they will use to draft yet one more high-impact participant.
The Washington Mystics have a plethora of draft picks
The Mystics even have a robust draft stash for the upcoming season. Because it presently stands, per Tankathon, they’d have the No. 4, No. 9, and No. 11 picks in subsequent yr’s draft — although information aren’t solidified and the WNBA lottery remains to be months away.
And, in 2027, the Mystics have their very own draft choose in addition to the rights to a choose swap with the Chicago Sky, because of the offseason’s Ariel Atkins commerce.
This offseason, the Mystics must shield six gamers forward of the Toronto Tempo’s growth draft. Who they may select to guard stays to be seen, although Iriafen, Citron, Amoore, and Austin all seem to be no-brainer picks.
After the Mystics traded away Sykes, it turned clear that making the playoffs this season was unlikely to be a precedence.
However in the end, the Mystics’ late-season fall within the standings could possibly be a blessing in disguise, as it can enhance their lottery odds for the upcoming 2026 Draft.
On the identical time, Citron, Iriafen, and the opposite members of the younger Washington core accrued significant successful expertise this previous season, positioning them properly for future success within the WNBA.
