Shakira Austin has made her position regarding the roster requirements of the Mystics unmistakably clear. As a restricted free agent, the anticipation surrounding her potential re-signing has intensified, especially after she enjoyed a breakout season and the Mystics made a significant trade by sending Aaliyah Edwards to the Sun. Fans are eagerly expecting GM Jamila Wideman to prioritize bringing Austin back when free agency kicks off. With a promising lineup that includes Austin, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and the addition of their next lottery pick, the Mystics appear to be laying a solid foundation for a future championship contender.
However, there are still some gaps that need addressing. Austin, who is currently showcasing her skills in the Unrivaled league this season, has openly expressed her belief that being paired with a top-notch point guard would significantly enhance her development as a player. Her coach in Unrivaled, Nola Henry, has been vocal about the potential Austin has yet to unlock, suggesting she is just beginning to tap into her capabilities.
When reflecting on her coach's insights, Austin stated, "I definitely agree that I haven’t scratched the surface at all with what I can do. I’ve just been playing with a great point guard. I haven’t really played with one in a long time. So, just getting some easy stuff, but there’s definitely a lot more that I want to capitalize on."
With Austin, Iriafen, and Citron forming an impressive wing and frontcourt duo, the Mystics are in a strong position. They also drafted Georgia Amoore last year, who unfortunately missed her rookie season due to a torn ACL. Throughout her college career, Amoore averaged 5.5 assists per game, peaking at an impressive 6.9 assists in her final season. This raises an important question: do the Mystics believe that Amoore can translate her playmaking abilities to the WNBA and step into the role of the team's future point guard, or will they need to seek another option?
Austin’s experience in Unrivaled has been significantly enhanced by playing alongside Chelsea Gray. After competing for the Lunar Owls last season, she was chosen by Nola Henry to join the Rose—a team that also features notable players such as Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Sug Sutton, and Azurá Stevens.
Gray is currently recognized as the most accomplished point guard in the WNBA, celebrated for her exceptional passing skills. With four WNBA championships, the 2022 Finals MVP title, and six All-Star selections under her belt, Gray played a pivotal role in leading the Rose to an Unrivaled championship last season, where she also earned the Finals MVP accolade.
There are very few point guards who can match Gray's level of skill. Among younger players who might be available, Olivia Miles stands out as a potential candidate, particularly for her passing abilities. Although she has areas to improve defensively, Miles has established herself as the best passer in college basketball, achieving ten or more assists in five games this season. However, it’s uncertain whether she will still be available by the time the Mystics make their lottery pick, as they hold the fourth overall selection, and both the Lynx and Storm could be eyeing a promising young point guard like Miles.
