Phoenix Mercury Find Talent in Third Round Picks

The WNBA franchise has unearthed several key contributors over the years through later draft selections.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:31am

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The Phoenix Mercury have a rich draft history, finding talented players in various rounds beyond just the first. While the team has selected superstars like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner early, they've also discovered contributors in the second round, such as Adrian Williams-Strong and Leilani Mitchell. In the third round, the Mercury have uncovered gems like Brandy Reed, who became an All-Star, and Kayte Christensen, who had a productive stint with the team. Other third-round picks like Telisha Quarles, Marion Jones, and Crystal Smith also spent time with the Mercury, showcasing the franchise's ability to identify and develop talent throughout the draft.

Why it matters

The Mercury's success in finding contributors in the later rounds of the WNBA Draft highlights the team's scouting prowess and ability to develop talent. This has allowed the franchise to maintain a high level of competitiveness over the years, even as star players have come and gone. It also demonstrates the value of a deep, versatile roster in the WNBA, where teams must navigate injuries and other challenges throughout the season.

The details

The Mercury have found several key players in the third round of the WNBA Draft over the years. Brandy Reed, drafted in 1998, became an All-Star and had a career-high season in which she averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals. In 2002, the team selected Kayte Christensen, who spent several productive seasons with the Mercury and had a career-high 16-point game. Other third-round picks like Telisha Quarles, Marion Jones, and Crystal Smith also spent time with the team, with Jones later finding success with the Tulsa Shock and Smith having a career-high 18-point game against the Mercury.

  • The Mercury have been drafting players since the WNBA's inception in 1997.
  • Brandy Reed was drafted by the Mercury in 1998.
  • Kayte Christensen was drafted by the Mercury in the 2002 WNBA Draft.
  • Telisha Quarles and Marion Jones were drafted by the Mercury in 2002.
  • Crystal Smith was drafted by the Mercury in 2005.

The players

Diana Taurasi

A legendary player who was the first overall pick by the Mercury in the 2004 WNBA Draft and has spent her entire career with the team, winning multiple championships and individual awards.

Brittney Griner

The first overall pick by the Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft, Griner has been a dominant force in the league and helped the team win a championship.

Brandy Reed

A third-round pick by the Mercury in 1998 who became an All-Star and had a career-high season in which she averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals.

Kayte Christensen

A third-round pick by the Mercury in the 2002 WNBA Draft who spent several productive seasons with the team and had a career-high 16-point game.

Marion Jones

A third-round pick by the Mercury in 2002 who later played for the Tulsa Shock and had a career-high 14-point game in her first season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to find talented players throughout the draft, not just in the early rounds. The third round has been a source of valuable contributors for us over the years.”

— Penny Taylor, Mercury General Manager (Mercury Press Release)

What’s next

The Mercury will look to continue their success in identifying and developing talent in the upcoming WNBA Draft, with an eye on finding more third-round gems to complement their core of star players.

The takeaway

The Phoenix Mercury's ability to uncover talent in the later rounds of the WNBA Draft, particularly the third round, has been a key factor in the team's sustained success and competitiveness over the years. This scouting prowess and player development expertise have allowed the franchise to maintain a high level of play even as star players have come and gone.