Remember how last year, under new head coach Nate Tibbetts, the Phoenix Mercury were trying to bounce back from a rough 2023 season? They kicked things off with a 3–5 record and, well, it wasn’t looking too hot. But they found some rhythm midseason and ended with a 13–12 record. However the postseason was short-lived. Now Coach Tibbetts is heading into Year 2. The twist is the franchise’s longtime pillars, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, are no longer in the picture.
So, it’s a whole new chapter for Mercury. Their whole offseason was filled with big moves. Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen shipped off to Connecticut. But that trade brought in none other than MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas Oh, and Sophie Cunningham is in Indiana after six season . Then, they pulled off a power move and snagged two-time WNBA All-Star Satou Sabally from Dallas in a three-team deal involving the Fever.
And alongside her came center Kalani Brown and guard Sevgi Uzun. A fresh squad. Last year, the Mercury had the oldest roster in the league. Now this preseason, their average age sits at 26.5—and that’s even with 36-year-old vet Sami Whitcomb joining from Seattle.
With all the roster shakeups, Coach Nate Tibbetts is clearly betting on a new Big 3—AT, Sabally, and the returning Kahleah Copper. And this squad is aiming big. But it’s not exactly a smooth transition. “Day 2 felt good. It’s a new system for me…. very challenging and demanding. It’s a new place,” Brown said after her second day of training camp. Fair enough.
At Day 2 of Phoenix Mercury training camp, Kalani Brown said adjusting to coach Nate Tibbetts’ offense and the pace he wants to play at is “very challenging and demanding” #WNBA #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/LOloOrr2Hu
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) April 28, 2025
She’s coming off a two-year stint in Dallas, where things ran a bit differently. There, she played under Coach Latricia Trammell—who’s all about defense and structure, not really the up-tempo offensive blitz Coach Tibbetts is rolling out now. The Wings coach is fresh off the NBA carousel—G-League head coaching experience, assistant stints, most recently with the Trail Blazers. He’s brought that modern NBA flair to the Mercury. Think quick ball movement, lots of threes, and everyone doing a little bit of everything. Four-out spacing, pick-and-rolls, backdoor cuts.
He’s also mixing in some advanced actions like “ram” and “horns” sets to keep defenses guessing. On the other end of the court, te appaoech is aggression. Lots of it. So yes, it’s a new vibe in Phoenix. And while the foundation looks promising, players like Brown, who are new, are still adjusting to the rhythm. It’s going to take a minute.
Still, if the pieces fall into place, this Mercury squad could be dangerous. You’ve got a legit trio up top. Then you add veterans like Whitcomb and Brown, and even a sharp-shooter like Kitija Laksa, who’s yet to make her WNBA debut but has the tools.
The goal now is to find the right fits. The camp invitees have a shot to shine by proving they can mesh with this newly built core. Meanwhile, an unexpected one could end up being the biggest difference-maker.
Sami Whitcomb could be the actual spark for Nate Tibbetts squad
So, with all the buzz around AT, Sabally, and Copper, you might be thinking they’ve got it all figured out. But someone else might be just as crucial—Sami Whitcomb. When Phoenix picked up the 3-point sniper, they didn’t just get a shooter. They got a champion. A two-time WNBA title winner with Seattle and the reigning WNBL MVP in Australia. Oh, and in that tourney, she dropped 33 in a single game.
Even though she came off the bench in the W, Whitcomb has firepower. Now she’s bringing that experience—and confidence—to Phoenix. And she’s not shy about what she brings to the table. “I’ve been in locker rooms that haven’t been great, and I’ve been in ones with championship pedigree,” she said. “I know what it looks like. I know what it doesn’t look like.” That’s the kind of voice this reloaded Mercury squad needs.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Basketball – Women’s Quarterfinal – Serbia vs Australia – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 07, 2024. Sami Whitcomb of Australia celebrates a three-point basket REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Sure, Copper has a ring too. But Whitcomb has done it twice. With one of the most dominant squads the W has seen. Hence, while most fans were busy hyping the flashy trades, Tibbetts was already dialed in on what Whitcomb brings, especially her leadership. “We’ve been super excited with Sammy’s voice,” he said. “She’s gonna be huge for our culture.”
See, it’s not just her shot that matters. It’s the work ethic, the accountability, the veteran savvy. She’s been in the gym, on championship runs, and she knows how to bring the best out of a team. So, it’s safe to say that in a camp full of new faces trying to find their place, Whitcomb’s already looking like the glue.
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