Shakira Austin has made her position on the roster requirements of the Mystics unmistakably clear, and it’s stirring up excitement among fans.
As a restricted free agent, Austin's recent breakout season, coupled with the Mystics’ decision to trade Aaliyah Edwards to the Sun, suggests that General Manager Jamila Wideman is likely to re-sign her once the free agency period kicks off. With a promising lineup that includes Austin alongside Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and their upcoming lottery pick, the Mystics are laying the groundwork for a team that could contend for championships in the future.
However, there are still gaps that need addressing. This season, Austin has been showcasing her skills in the Unrivaled league, where she has made it known that partnering with an elite point guard would significantly enhance her growth as a player. Her coach at Unrivaled, Nola Henry, has expressed strong belief in Austin’s untapped potential, stating that she has only begun to showcase what she can truly achieve.
In response to her coach’s remarks, Austin voiced her agreement, saying, "I definitely agree that I haven’t scratched the surface at all with what I can do. I’ve just been playing with a great point guard. I haven’t really played with one in a long time. So, just getting some easy stuff, but there’s definitely a lot more that I want to capitalize on." This demonstrates her confidence in her abilities and her desire to further develop her skill set.
With the combination of Austin, Iriafen, and Citron, the Mystics boast a formidable wing and frontcourt talent. Additionally, they drafted Georgia Amoore last year, who unfortunately missed her rookie season due to a torn ACL. During her collegiate career, Amoore averaged 5.5 assists per game, peaking at 6.9 in her final season. The pressing question now is whether the Mystics are convinced that Amoore can transfer her playmaking finesse to the WNBA and emerge as the point guard they need for the future, or if they will have to seek out another option.
Austin has been fortunate to be paired with Chelsea Gray in Unrivaled, who is widely regarded as the top point guard in the WNBA. Gray is not only a remarkable passer but also boasts an impressive resume—she has clinched four WNBA championships, was named Finals MVP in 2022, and has earned six All-Star selections. Last season, Gray led her team, the Rose, to an Unrivaled championship and again received the Finals MVP title.
The skills that Gray possesses are rare among point guards. Among younger talents who may be available, Olivia Miles stands out as a potential match in terms of passing ability. Though she still faces challenges on the defensive end, Miles is recognized as the best passer in college basketball, having achieved ten or more assists in five games this season. However, there’s uncertainty regarding her availability when the Mystics make their lottery selection, particularly since they hold the fourth overall pick while teams like the Lynx and Storm are also in need of a young point guard like Miles.
So, as the Mystics navigate their roster decisions, the looming question remains: Will they take a chance on developing Amoore into their point guard of the future, or will they pursue other prospects? This is a pivotal moment that could shape the team's direction for years to come.
