Phoenix Mercury's Playmaking Shift Highlights WNBA's Evolving Dynamics

The 2017 season showcased the increasing importance of versatile offensive contributions beyond relying on star players.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:10pm

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The 2017 Phoenix Mercury season offers a fascinating case study in the evolving dynamics of playmaking within the WNBA. While the team's offense was traditionally centered around a primary playmaker, the 2017 season saw a more distributed approach, with multiple players contributing to the team's assist leadership. This trend reflects the league's increasing emphasis on versatile players who can both score and facilitate, rather than relying solely on a single point guard.

Why it matters

The shift towards a more distributed playmaking approach in the WNBA highlights the growing importance of versatility and team chemistry. Players who can seamlessly integrate into an offensive system and create opportunities for their teammates are becoming increasingly valuable, as teams look to maximize efficiency and create more open shots.

The details

The 2017 Mercury's assist leadership was surprisingly diverse, with Leilani Mitchell leading 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. The Mercury's assist distribution, which also included contributions from Diana Taurasi, Briann January, and Essence Carson, demonstrates a team-oriented approach focused on ball movement and finding the best shot.

  • The 2017 Phoenix Mercury season ended in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

The players

Diana Taurasi

A key figure in the Phoenix Mercury's offense, known for her scoring and playmaking abilities.

Leilani Mitchell

The team's assist leader in the 2017 season, showcasing the increasing importance of versatile players who can both score and facilitate.

Danielle Robinson

A player who joined the Mercury in 2017 and immediately contributed significantly to the team's playmaking, highlighting the value of players who can seamlessly integrate into a team's offensive system.

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What’s next

The 2017 Phoenix Mercury's success with a distributed playmaking approach is likely to inspire other WNBA teams to adopt similar strategies, as the league continues to evolve towards a more fluid, dynamic offensive style.

The takeaway

The 2017 Phoenix Mercury's case study highlights the WNBA's shift towards valuing versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, including playmaking. This trend is expected to continue as teams seek to maximize offensive efficiency and create more open shots through a team-oriented approach.