In the thrilling saga of women's basketball, few chapters stand out like the 2013 WNBA Draft—especially when it comes to the Phoenix Mercury and the legendary figures they've ushered into the league. Picture this: a team rebuilding, facing challenges, and wielding the power of the top draft pick to shape their destiny. But here's where it gets controversial: were these choices strokes of genius, or did they spark debates that still rage among fans today? Let's dive into this unforgettable class and explore how the Mercury navigated the highs and lows, while uncovering the stories of players who changed the game forever.
The Phoenix Mercury had been through some tough times back in 2012, much like they did before the 2004 season, when they snagged the coveted first overall pick. That earlier opportunity led them to Diana Taurasi, whose rookie year was a powerhouse performance that only skyrocketed from there. Fast-forward to 2007, and history repeated itself with another top pick—this time, they chose Lindsey Harding. But in a bold move that raised eyebrows, they traded her to the Minnesota Lynx. In return? Tangela Smith, who proved to be a game-changer. Under her steady influence, the Mercury clinched their first championship that very year, etching themselves into WNBA history. And this is the part most people miss: how a single trade can redefine a franchise overnight.
Fast-forward again to 2013, when the Mercury once more held the first pick. Their selection? Brittany Griner, the towering center from Baylor University. For those new to the sport, a center is like the anchor of the defense and offense, dominating the paint with blocks and rebounds. Griner's college career was nothing short of spectacular. In her senior year, she dazzled with averages of 23.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 2.4 assists per game—think of her as a one-woman wrecking crew on the court. The year before, those numbers were equally jaw-dropping: 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.2 blocks, and 1.6 assists. And let's not forget her role in Baylor's championship win during her junior year; it was a clear signal that she was primed for WNBA stardom.
Griner wasn't alone in this powerhouse draft class; she was the top pick, but the second went to Elena Delle Donne, snagged by the Chicago Sky. Delle Donne's rookie season was a masterclass in skill, earning her Rookie of the Year honors. She stayed with the Sky for several seasons before a blockbuster trade sent her to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Kahleah Copper heading to Chicago. This deal, much like the Harding trade, sparked endless debates—did the Sky give up too much for a future star? While with Washington, Delle Donne achieved the pinnacle: a championship in 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun in a hard-fought series. Her career was a tapestry of triumphs—she became a two-time MVP, joined the elite 50-40-90 club (a rare feat meaning at least 50% shooting, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line over a season), and earned countless accolades. Before the 2025 season, she announced her retirement, leaving fans to reflect on a legacy that redefined the forward position.
Then came the third pick: Skylar Diggins, who remains a force in the league today. She kicked off her career with the Tulsa Shock, sticking with the team even through their rebranding as the Dallas Wings. Later, she joined the Mercury, where her 2022 season shone brightest—averaging 19.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and even a block per game. Imagine the versatility: a guard who could score, pass, and defend at an elite level. Now playing for the Seattle Storm, Diggins has helped them secure playoff spots for two consecutive years, a comeback after skipping the postseason in 2023 despite a seven-year streak beforehand. Her consistency has made her a seven-time All-Star, proving that reliability often outshines flash-in-the-pan brilliance.
These three—Griner, Delle Donne, and Diggins—steal the spotlight from the 2013 class, but don't overlook the five other All-Stars who emerged right after them. Each player's path has been unique, filled with ups, downs, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers. And here's where the controversy really heats up: some argue that the Mercury's early picks, like Harding's trade for Smith, were visionary gambles that paid off, while others contend they could've held onto stars longer for even greater success. What about the debates around player valuations in trades—does sending a young talent away for a proven veteran always work out? This class, with its mix of trailblazers and under-the-radar heroes, invites us to ponder the 'what ifs' of WNBA strategy.
If you're intrigued by the twists and turns of this draft, follow us on X for more deep dives into the 2013 class and the Mercury's enduring connections to it—just click here to join the conversation! But before you go, let's spark some discussion: Do you think trades like Harding for Smith were the right calls, or should teams cling to their picks longer? And who from this class do you believe had the most underrated career? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your takes and debates!
