Mystics Have Draft Options

GM Taylor Says They'll Take Best Player, Regardless of Position

General Manager Angela Taylor is reluctant to put too much emphasis on the impact the Washington Mystics' second overall pick in this afternoon's WNBA draft could have on the franchise. But she knows the player they select could be a crucial determinant in the team's rebuilding efforts.

At the conclusion of last year's dismal 10-24 season, the Mystics' lack of consistency at point guard and in the post was glaringly apparent. With those two positions in mind, Taylor traded to acquire point guard Lindsey Harding and signed free agent veteran center, and former Mystic, Chasity Melvin.

"We couldn't solely rely on the draft to improve," said Taylor, who will also make two second-round selections (23rd and 24th overall) and a third-round pick (28th).

"We had to address those two areas," Taylor said. "With that solidified it allows us to come into a draft where we don't have to get a particular position, we can wait to see what Atlanta does and then pick the best player."

Taylor said the Mystics' wish list includes the handful of players many basketball pundits expect to be chosen early in the first round: point guards Renee Montgomery (Connecticut) and Kristi Toliver (Maryland); swing players DeWanna Bonner (Auburn), Marissa Coleman (Maryland) and Angel McCoughtry (Louisville); and center Courtney Paris (Oklahoma).

While the Mystics did make moves to shore up weak spots, it remains to be seen what impact the offseason acquisitions will have on the court. Despite being the No. 1 overall pick in 2007, Harding has yet to play in a full WNBA season and was hampered by a knee injury last year in Minnesota. Melvin brings a dependable presence in the paint, but it's uncertain how much longer the 10-year veteran plans to continue playing.

"I think they could use a big," ESPN WNBA analyst Nancy Lieberman said during a conference call. "Maybe this is the place for Courtney Paris. I think Courtney would fit in well with this team. They need to improve depth, defense and consistency."

Lieberman isn't alone in her assessment. Despite concerns that the 6-foot-4 Paris needs to slim down to play in the WNBA, her reliability is unquestioned after her 112-game double-double streak, and she became the first player in college basketball history, male or female, at any level, to record at least 2,500 points and 2,000 rebounds in their career. The Atlanta Dream seems fairly comfortable with its inside players, so it's likely Paris could be available when Washington makes its selection.

The Mystics must also adjust to the WNBA's new maximum roster of 11 players. In 2008, teams could keep up to 13 players with two listed as inactive for each game. The Mystics have 17 players on the roster even before they add the four draft picks.

"That one extra player changes your way of thinking quite a bit," Taylor said. "We have to have a lot of versatility players who can play different positions. . . . The biggest difference will be the number of jobs out there for players."

Because of the roster limitations, Washington could seek flexibility in the form of lanky 6-4 guard Bonner, whom Taylor said reminded her of Candace Parker in her ability as a sizable perimeter player; Coleman, a 6-1 local favorite; or the 6-1 McCoughtry, perhaps the most explosive player in the draft.

Taylor wouldn't show her hand but did say the Mystics expect whomever they pick to make an immediate impression.

"We're looking for a player who we feel can come in and play and have an impact this year as a starter or backup," Taylor said. "Someone who's going to have longevity and improve with time."