The Evolving Role of Playmaking in the WNBA: Lessons from the 2017 Phoenix Mercury
The 2017 Phoenix Mercury season, while ultimately ending in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, offers a fascinating case study in the evolving dynamics of playmaking within the WNBA. A look back at their assist numbers reveals a shift beyond relying solely on established stars, highlighting the increasing importance of versatile offensive contributions.
Beyond the Star: A Diversified Assist Chart
Traditionally, WNBA offenses revolved around a primary playmaker – a point guard dictating tempo and creating opportunities. However, the 2017 Mercury demonstrated a more distributed approach. While Diana Taurasi remained a key figure, the team’s assist leadership was surprisingly diverse. Leilani Mitchell led the team with 121 assists, followed by Danielle Robinson with 110. This suggests a system that empowered multiple players to initiate offense and find open teammates.
This trend isn’t isolated to the Mercury. Across the league, teams are increasingly valuing players who can both score and facilitate. The ability to read defenses, make quick passes, and create scoring chances for others is becoming a premium skill, even for players who aren’t traditional point guards.
The Impact of Versatility and Team Chemistry
Danielle Robinson’s story exemplifies this shift. Joining the Mercury in 2017, she immediately contributed significantly to the team’s playmaking, averaging 3.4 assists per game. Her early impact, including nine assists in the season opener, showcased her ability to step into a facilitating role. This highlights the value of players who can seamlessly integrate into a team’s offensive system and contribute in multiple ways.
The Mercury’s assist distribution – Mitchell (121), Robinson (110), Taurasi (83), Talbot (55), and Smith (49) – demonstrates a team-oriented approach. It wasn’t about one player dominating possessions; it was about a collective effort to move the ball and find the best shot. This type of chemistry is crucial for sustained success in the WNBA.
The Rise of the Multi-faceted Player
The emphasis on playmaking isn’t just about assist numbers. It’s about basketball IQ, court vision, and the ability to make the right read in a variety of situations. Players like Mitchell and Robinson demonstrate that a player doesn’t demand to be a primary ball-handler to be an effective playmaker. They can create opportunities through off-ball movement, smart cuts, and timely passes.
This trend is likely to continue as the WNBA evolves. Coaches are increasingly looking for players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, and playmaking is becoming a key component of that overall skillset.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Future of the WNBA?
The 2017 Phoenix Mercury provides a glimpse into the future of WNBA offenses. Expect to witness more teams prioritizing versatility and empowering multiple players to share playmaking responsibilities. The league is moving away from the traditional reliance on a single point guard and towards a more fluid, dynamic offensive approach.
This shift will likely lead to:
- Increased scoring efficiency as teams find more open shots.
- Greater offensive flexibility, making it harder for defenses to key in on one player.
- A higher demand for players with strong basketball IQ and court vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is playmaking becoming more important than scoring in the WNBA?
A: Not necessarily *more* important, but it’s becoming equally valued. The best teams have players who can both score and create opportunities for others.
Q: What qualities make a excellent playmaker?
A: Strong court vision, quick decision-making, accurate passing, and a high basketball IQ are all essential qualities.
Q: How can teams develop better playmakers?
A: Focusing on skill development, emphasizing team concepts, and empowering players to take initiative are key strategies.
Q: Will we see more teams adopting a distributed playmaking approach like the 2017 Mercury?
A: Yes, this trend is likely to continue as the WNBA evolves and teams seek to maximize offensive efficiency.
Did you understand? Leilani Mitchell had a season-high of eight assists in a game against the Sun.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to players who consistently make the extra pass and demonstrate a willingness to set up their teammates. These are often the unsung heroes of a successful offense.
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