Haley

Jones

Quinerly made her first career start on Saturday, stepping into the spot vacated by Paige Bueckers (knee). And the former West Virginia guard took advantage of her opportunity, recording new highs in points and rebounds while matching her previous high in assists. Quinerly is rostered in less than one percent of ESPN leagues, so few managers benefited from her career night. Bueckers’ absence also meant rotation minutes for Haley Jones, who contributed eight points, seven rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes off the bench.

Signed to a hardship contract on June 1, Jones appeared in four games for the Mercury as the team navigated multiple absences due to injury. The 2023 first-round pick of the Dream averaged 2.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 12.0 minutes per game. Phoenix’s decision to waive Jones could mean the team will get some key players back soon, as Alyssa Thomas (calf), Kahleah Copper (knee) and Natasha Mack (back) are among those who have been out.

Mere hours after signing her contract with the Mercury, McConnell suffered a right knee injury during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s loss to the Lynx. The good news is that, while she will miss time, the injury is not considered to be a season-ender. McConnell’s absence will not significantly impact fantasy basketball, but it does leave the Mercury light on bodies, with Kahleah Copper (knee), Alyssa Thomas (calf) and Natasha Mack (back) also out. The recently signed Haley Jones has played rotation minutes off the bench to give Phoenix a boost on the perimeter.

Whitcomb is dealing with a right foot injury, hence her appearance on the Mercury injury report. The good news is that she’s considered probable, making it likely that the guard will be in the starting lineup. If Whitcomb cannot play, Lexi Held is the player most likely to fill the void, with Haley Jones also in line for additional minutes.

The Mercury are among the teams hit hard by the injury bug recently, with Thomas being the most notable absentee. Thursday’s game will be the fourth she’s missed with a calf injury, and Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said Tuesday that she does not have a timeline for return. As for Mack, she has yet to appear in a game this season. Kitija Laksa will continue to start for Thomas, with Lexi Held and Haley Jones playing rotation minutes off the bench.

McConnell left the game against the Lynx on Tuesday night with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter. After getting a steal and driving the ball the other way with 1:46 left in the fourth, McConnell was tripped up going the other way and banged her right knee against Lynx forward Alissa Pili. McConnell held onto her knee in pain and as a result had to be carried off the floor. The Mercury announced earlier on Tuesday that they signed McConnell to a rest of the season contract after previously waiving guard Sevgi Uzun. If this injury is as serious as it looked, Phoenix will have to rely upon more minutes from facilitating wing Haley Jones coming off the bench.

The sixth overall pick of the 2023 WNBA Draft found a new home on Sunday, signing a deal with the Mercury after being waived during the preseason by the Dream. With Jones having the versatility to play either guard or forward, her addition to the roster could serve Phoenix well in the short term, as the team has been hit with several injuries to begin the season. She holds career averages of 3.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.4 steals and 0.3 blocks in 16.2 minutes per game.

Jones, the sixth overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, made 24 starts for the Dream last season. However, with a coaching change and the additions of players like veteran Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and draft pick Te-Hina Paopao, there wasn’t room for Jones on the team’s final roster. Once she clears waivers, the former Stanford standout can sign as a free agent with any team.