As free agency opened today in the WNBA, the Washington Mystics made a move to bring back veteran wing Monique Currie. It’s no surprise that Washington was active as they shared that Emma Meeseman will be sitting out the 2018 WNBA season about 24 hours ago. Obviously that’s going to be a tough hole to fill for the Mystics, but this news didn’t come out of the blue, they were
prepared for it.
“Emma has played year-round for almost six consecutive years, without time to rest her body from the wear and tear that results from that kind of schedule. In addition, Emma feels that her National Team preparation in August and September, ahead of the 2018 World Cup of Basketball, is a priority for her at this point in her career. We are sorry that Emma will not be with us this season, but we have been preparing for this possibility for a while.” – Mike Thibault
Currie played for two teams last season, she was traded from San Antonio to Phoenix midway through the year. Despite the move, the veteran played in 36 games last year and averaged 10.8 points on 42% shooting from the floor. In the games against Washington last season, Currie gave the Mystics fits on the offensive end. Bullying smaller guards and beating big's off the bounce when the opportunity presented itself.
As for how she fits in with this current roster, Thibault had this to say. “Mo will fill a huge role for our team. Her ability to score on the wing and get to the lane and free throw line will be an important part of our offense. In addition, she has worked hard to become a bigger factor from the three-point line, which will allow us to stretch the floor with Elena and Kristi. I think this will be a comfortable fit all around for our team.” That will be key, her addition also gives Washington another perimeter defender with length. For a team that prided itself on it’s versatility, Currie only adds to that.
“I am excited to be back with the Mystics in my hometown! It feels great to be back with such an amazing organization that I spent many years with. I look forward to joining with the new players in Washington as well as the ones I’ve played with in the past.” – Monique Currie.
The Mystics may not be done, so they’re definitely worth keeping an eye on as free agency goes on. They hold the seventh pick in the draft and that may change how they attack both areas now that Emma’s out for the year.
