The WNBA's Phoenix Mercury has a rich history of talented players, but 2020 brought a unique challenge and a standout performer. A year of isolation and adaptation saw the team's resilience shine through, and one player, in particular, rose to the occasion.
Bria Hartley, a seasoned guard, joined the Mercury in 2020 after a series of trades that took her across the league. Drafted by the Seattle Storm, Hartley began her career with the Washington Mystics, where she showed promise in her rookie season, averaging nearly 10 points and 3 assists per game. But here's where her journey gets interesting...
Traded to the New York Liberty, Hartley continued to develop, improving her stats each season. And then, in 2020, she signed with Phoenix. The WNBA season was like no other, taking place in an isolation zone, but Hartley's impact was immediate. She averaged 14.6 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 13 games, starting in three of them. A true testament to her versatility and skill.
Hartley's standout performance earned her a third-place finish in the Sixth Player of the Year race, an impressive feat considering the circumstances. And it wasn't just the stats; she had a career-high 27 points against her former team, the Liberty, leading the Mercury to a dominant win.
But the story doesn't end there. Hartley's time with the Mercury was brief, as she was traded again, this time to the Indiana Fever, and eventually landing with the Connecticut Sun. And this is the part most fans might miss—the impact of a player who leaves a lasting impression despite a short stint.
So, was Hartley's contribution to the Mercury in 2020 enough to be considered a franchise great? Or are there other players who deserve more recognition for their longer-term commitment? The debate is open, and we'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your opinions on the impact of short-term players versus franchise mainstays in the comments below!
