Why Maddy Westbeld should be in Mercury’s 2027 plans

PHOENIX– Maddy Westbeld could be exactly what the Phoenix Mercury needs. Her shooting, size, versatility, and ability to play a bit more grit are only glimpses of why the team sent an offer her way when she was with the Chicago Sky.

When the latter failed to match, she reunited with her sister, Kathryn Westbeld, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Although she hasn’t played this season, it’s been obvious that her impact is missed.

Much like her sister, Kathryn provides steady shooting, spacing, and screening, and has a physicality that most don’t expect. Bringing in Maddy Westbeld gives that same vibe, and the entire team has taken notice.

The Westbeld sisters shared a moment when both took the floor at the same time last season. But now, both wear the same jersey.

Following Thursday’s practice, she explained what she brings that this team needs. However, there was an important element that stood out when talking with reporters.

These last eight games are a legitimate chance and opportunity to prove that she belongs for the long haul.

“My biggest goal…. seize it,” Maddy explained when asked about her biggest goal.

Seize it? Eight games left in the season might not be enough time, but there is more length to the season thanks to the FIBA World Cup.

Although she isn’t a participant, it’s two more weeks of working on her craft before the season concludes. Not to mention, being alongside USA basketball representatives Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum will prove beneficial to some degree.

How has Maddy Westbeld enjoyed the Mercury?

It’s too early to tell, but she did elaborate that Kathryn gave her schematic pointers about the offense and defense. Most importantly, the fit alongside stars like Copper, Plum, as well as Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner will prove crucial.

After all, her sister gelled so nicely with Thomas and Bonner, but that’s not what stood out to the younger sister.

“Great energy, great group of girls,” she explained. “I think no matter how the season has gone for them, I know it’s a lot of high expectations, and you walk in, and the energy is so good. You would have no idea what the record was, you know what I’m saying?

“I just appreciate the energy that they walk into the gym with. And I mean just the level of eliteness. You’re amongst greatness, and so I’ll never take that for granted. I’ll always be a sponge; I’ll always be a student of the game and ask questions, even if maybe they don’t want to be asked.”

The 24-year-old center/forward has the right blend of youth, size, and positional versatility that fits the Mercury’s idea of positionless basketball.

If her older sister can fit that mold, then it might only be a matter of time before her younger sister catches on.

The Westbeld sisters can highlight a nice end to the Mercury’s season

As mentioned before, Kathryn tore her ACL during the final stretch of her overseas season. It tore the team apart, especially considering how close it was to the WNBA preseason.

Safe to say that injury was the beginning of the end in some ways. Head coach Nate Tibbetts shared on Tuesday that he doesn’t want to talk about it, but he thinks about that injury and what could’ve been had she not sustained it.

Someone who has seen the progression up close would be Maddy. On FaceTime calls, the work was showing, but it came as no surprise to her.

Watching the diligence, commitment, and even showing up when she didn’t want to show up made her all the more proud.

“I’m so proud of her. The mindset that she has; she’s a champion. Every day, like I’ve been saying, she maximizes her days, and even after our workouts, being able to see her move a little bit on the court, she talks about it. We’ll talk about it on FaceTime.

“Now I’m able to see it in person, and it’s inspiring. The level of positivity that she has every day, and she does everything at a high level. She’s my biggest role model.”

An all-too-familiar tale is happening in the Valley of the Sun, but these final eight games will be indicative of whether or not the reunion will continue.

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