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It may not have been a banner year overall for the Phoenix Mercury (7-27) last season, but they were able to give opportunities to other, young, talented players that were able to shine. That is exactly what Krystal Thomas did.
In 29 total games Thomas dominated the glass grabbing 233 total boards (8.0 per game) good for tops on the team. That total was good for ninth best in the WNBA, on a per game she was sixth overall, and fourth in offensive rebounds per game. When Thomas was brought in she was in competition with Avery Warley as the teams dirty worker, but Thomas proved to be one of the best rebounders in the league individually.
Those rebounding performances were just what the team needed to see to make it official in re-signing Thomas going forward. Terms were not disclosed per team policy.
Additionally the Mercury signed sharp shooting big Lynetta Kizer.
The two give the Mercury two centers of different skills providing depth and youth to the position. This creates a unique situation for the team as they are positioned No. 1 Overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, that is headlined by two stellar bigs.
How does this effect the teams draft strategy?
Notes
***The Mercury currently have eight players under contract: Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor, Candice Dupree, Samantha Prahalis, Charde Houston, Alexis Hornbuckle, Krystal Thomas, and Lynetta Kizer.
***The WNBA Draft will take place April, 15th on ESPN at () p.m. EST.
***A WNBA roster is allocated 11 total spots unless they are grated injury waivers, which the Mercury took advantage of last season.
***After the WNBA Draft and the Mercury will have eight roster spots locked up freeing just two spots for the likes of DeWanna Bonner, Nakia Sanford, Dymond Simon, and other draft picks.
***Spoke to a high ranking source with the team, no chance the team let's Bonner leave, she is a restricted free-agent.