The Washington Mystics have the top three picks out of the six picks in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, which will take place on Monday.
The Washington Mystics experienced many notable changes throughout last season, starting with the additions of Jamila Wideman as general manager and Sidney Johnson as head coach.
WELCOME TO D.C & THE MYSTICS FAMILY GM Jamila Wideman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mtV7RXWEl2
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) February 12, 2025
In the last two off-seasons, the team has dealt with Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins’ departures through free agency or trades. After spending a decade in the league, Elena Delle Donne retired from the WNBA after spending the last six seasons with the Mystics and missing last season.
Those moves have ushered the Washington Mystics into rebuild mode, starting with three first-round picks in this year’s draft. They also have forwards Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards that the team can rely on in the paint.
“We’re really excited to be at three, four and six [in the first round],” Wideman said Thursday. “It creates an opportunity for us to build strength in a couple of different ways. We have a chance to build depth [and] strength positionally at the same time. We’re really excited about bringing in a group of young players into an environment that will essentially inspire growth and development.
“And not only in that in those young players, but also more generally, just looking at our existing roster, think we’ve got a great blend and some veterans still looking to grow and improve their games. And so we look forward to welcoming that energy and youth to that environment as well.”
Wideman is eager to see the additions of younger players while also welcoming back the returning members of the Mystics, such as Brittney Sykes and Stefanie Dolson. The veterans will help provide guidance to the newcomers as they begin their careers in the league.
Last season, Washington nearly secured a playoff spot by winning essential games in the final stretch, but ultimately fell short. The Mystics also finished ninth in team points per game with 79.3 and 12th in rebounds per game with 31.9.
“We’re generally excited about the folks that we have returning on our roster, and certainly including Shakira [Austin],” Wideman said. “We all enjoyed the unique opportunity to watch players on our teams during the off season, whether that was overseas or during Unrivaled. The Mystics happened to have a bunch of folks playing down in Miami, and it was great to see that group on the court and healthy.
“Gaining some confidence [and] having the opportunity to be in a different moment in a different setting is always good and refreshing for folks. We’re excited to see the skill improvement for all of our players in the off season, both here and abroad.”
The Ballislife’s 2025 WNBA Mock Draft has Notre Dame shooting guard Sonia Citron going at third overall, as the Mystics need to fill in the void for Atkins. It also has USC forward Kiki Iriafen going at fourth overall, as she brings in the versatility. The mock also has Maryland point guard Shyanne Sellers going at sixth overall. She’s known for her leadership skills and being an all around player. It will be interesting to see how this year’s draft will turn out for the Washington Mystics.
