2023 WNBA Draft preview: With Griner back, how will the Mercury roster look?

One week after LSU won the national title, the 2023 WNBA season officially will take shape with the annual draft Monday at 4 p.m. on ESPN.

Although the Phoenix Mercury won’t pick until the third round, there are a bevy of players to select from and several question marks surrounding the roster this season.

Due to the COVID-19 waiver from 2020-21, many seniors and fifth-year players have opted for the draft, including Arizona players Jade Loville, Cate Reese, and Shaina Pellington.

The Mercury will hold the 27^th and 29^th pick in the draft. The Indiana Fever have the top pick after winning the WNBA Draft Lottery.

Here is where the Mercury stand ahead of the draft.

Griner’s availability

The biggest offseason storyline with the Mercury is Brittney Griner’s release in December after being detained for nearly 10 months in Russia after her arrest in February of 2022. 

Since returning home, Griner has made it clear that she fully intends to play this season for the Mercury. Her wishes were followed by a one-year, $165,100 deal with the Mercury to mark her 10^th season with the team. Griner is a seven-time All-Star and one-time WNBA champion. 

Last season’s draft was dominated by the team searching for forwards to try and add length in Griner’s absence at center, but this year could look different if she starts playing as soon as the beginning of the season.

It’s still unclear whether Griner will take the court as early as opening night, but she has been practicing at the team’s facility and has met up with several Phoenix Suns players, including Kevin Durant.

More: Kevin Durant video embracing Brittney Griner at Phoenix Suns facility brings out smiles

What will point guard look like

Another offseason surprise for the Mercury came when starting point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith announced her pregnancy in October.

With only two regular-season games left last season, the Mercury announced that she would not return to the team due to "personal reasons," causing a partial season suspension of her contract.

Diggins-Smith is under contract with through the 2023 season and under the WNBA's new CBA, will receive her full salary of $234,350 while on maternity leave.

The Mercury made several moves to accommodate her likely absence this season and signed six-year point guard Moriah Jefferson in free agency.

Jefferson averaged 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season in 30 games with the Minnesota Lynx.

Additionally, the Mercury also signed guards Destiny Slocum and Sug Sutton to help add depth to the position.

How the roster looks

The Mercury have 14 players on the roster for the season with regular season rosters able to fit 12 players.

Over the offseason, the re-signed Diana Taurasi, Sophie Cunningham, Shey Peddy, Megan Gustafson, Jennie Simms, and Sam Thomas. Brianna Turner signed a two-year contract extension last season.

One latest mock draft had the Mercury selecting South Carolina small forward Victaria Saxton at 27^th overall and LSU power forward LaDazhia Williams, LSU Tigers at 29^th overall.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2023 WNBA Draft: Griner's return and other questions about the Mercury