The Phoenix Mercury's journey in the WNBA began with a bang, igniting a fire that would shape the league's future. The 1997 season marked a pivotal moment, with the Mercury leaving an indelible mark on the league's early days.
The WNBA was still in its infancy, but Phoenix was determined to make its presence felt. They assembled a formidable roster, starting with the allocation period. Michele Timms and Jennifer Gillom were the first pieces of this puzzle, and the team continued to build through strategic drafts. In the inaugural draft, they added Bridget Pettis and the legendary Nancy Lieberman. The following draft saw the arrival of Toni Foster and Tia Jackson, further strengthening the team's depth.
With their roster complete, the Mercury embarked on a successful inaugural season. They finished atop the Western Conference with a 16-12 record, securing a playoff berth in their very first year. Although they fell to the New York Liberty in the playoffs, their impact on the league was undeniable.
Despite not advancing to the WNBA Finals, the Mercury's players left their mark on the award races. Michele Timms, in particular, had an impressive season, finishing fifth in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) race. Her stats spoke volumes: 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Cynthia Cooper took home the MVP award, but Timms' performance didn't go unnoticed.
But here's where it gets controversial... Timms wasn't just a contender for the MVP; she also found herself in the running for the Defensive Player of the Year award. She tied for second place with Elena Baranova, while Teresa Weatherspoon took home the honors. It's a testament to Timms' all-around talent that she was in the conversation for two major awards.
And this is the part most people miss... While Timms didn't make it onto the All-WNBA Teams, her teammate Jennifer Gillom did. Gillom earned a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team, alongside Wendy Palmer, Rebecca Lobo, Weatherspoon, and Andrea Stinson. It's a clear indication of the Mercury's depth and talent.
The Mercury's impact extended beyond the players, as head coach Cheryl Miller made her mark as well. She finished third in the Coach of the Year race, showcasing her strategic prowess. Van Chancellor ultimately took home the award, but Miller's presence in the race is a testament to her coaching abilities.
As the WNBA continued to evolve, so did its award system. The Rookie of the Year award made its debut in 1998, with Tracy Reid claiming
