The Mystics\u2019 rebuild is off to a great start![\"Washington](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01kvz81jepn9812bjkzg.jpg\" "\\"Washington")
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Apr 20, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; (L-R) Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts (51), Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22), Mystics guard Georgia Amoore (8), and Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) pose for a portrait during Mystics Media Day at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
There are many great young cores in the WNBA. The Seattle Storm are starting to see what their future with Dominique Malonga<\/a>, Awa Fam, and Flau\u2019jae Johnson could look like. The Dallas Wings are very much in the playoff picture with Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Awak Kuier, Maddy Siegrist, and Aziaha James all contributing to the team\u2019s success. Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston in Indiana are only 24.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Mystics belong in that same conversation. Citron and Iriafen were All-Stars in their very first WNBA season and are continuing to play well. Citron currently leads the Mystics in scoring with 18.3 points per game alongside 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. Iriafen, meanwhile, is averaging 15.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists and has already recorded five double-doubles.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shakira Austin is playing her best basketball yet. After dealing with injuries early in her career, the 25-year-old has finally found her rhythm, averaging 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Citron, Iriafen, and Austin are the Mystics\u2019 foundation to build around, but the roster is full of other intriguing young players. Lauren Betts, their lottery pick in this year\u2019s draft, is still getting used to the W, but she has shown flashes of the potential that comes with her size and interior presence. Moreover, Cotie McMahon was a very interesting pickup late in the first round.\u00a0<\/p>\n The confidence a young team gains from knowing that it can hang with more proven veteran squads will only help the Mystics\u2019 core continue to grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n With an 8-8 record, the Mystics are just one spot behind the final playoff berth in the standings. If they wanted to, they could try to take advantage of the Los Angeles Sparks\u2019 and Toronto Tempo\u2019s injury struggles<\/a> and sneak into the playoff picture instead of aiming for a losing record and a high chance at a top pick.<\/p>\n They own their first-round pick in a strong 2027 draft, but also have the right to swap picks with the Chicago Sky. Chicago is currently 13th and will have to face an uphill battle to get into playoff range, so, much like the Lynx did this year, the Mystics could end up with a lottery pick even if they push for a playoff spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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