Mystics hire new coaches to focus on player development

The Washington Mystics have made significant changes to their coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA Draft. They hired Emre Vatansever and Jessie Miller as assistant coaches. Both coaches are known for their strong focus on player development. In a recent trade, the Mystics sent two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to gain the No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This move reflects the team’s strategy to build for the future rather than seeking immediate wins. The Mystics now hold three top draft picks: No. 3, No. 4, and No. 6. The team finished last season with one of the lowest records in the league. They are looking to add new talent alongside last year’s standout rookie, Aaliyah Edwards. Potential draft picks include players like Dominique Malonga and Sonia Citron, among others. Experts predict different combinations of new players for the Mystics. Sydney Johnson, the new head coach, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table. He previously worked as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky and has a history coaching men’s college basketball. Johnson expressed excitement about his new staff, highlighting Vatansever and Miller's strong coaching backgrounds. Vatansever has a successful history in player development, contributing to the Chicago Sky’s championship win in 2021. Miller recently worked with the Indiana Fever, helping talented guards, including rookie Caitlin Clark. The Mystics aim to cultivate young talent as they move into this new era of basketball.