Shakira Austin's Future with the Mystics: A Clear Stance and a Bright Outlook
Shakira Austin, a restricted free agent, is poised to make a significant impact on the Mystics' future. Her recent career-best performance and the team's trade of Aaliyah Edwards to the Sun (https://highposthoops.com/aaliyah-edwards-quietly-forcing-connecticut-sun-face-surprising-reality) signal a promising direction for the franchise. With a strong foundation already in place, including Austin, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and their lottery pick, the Mystics are building a contender.
However, there are still areas for improvement. Austin, playing in Unrivaled this season, has emphasized the importance of playing with a top-tier point guard for her development. Her coach, Nola Henry, agrees, stating that Austin is just scratching the surface (https://highposthoops.com/nola-henry-confirms-what-mystic-fans-already-suspected-about-shakira-austin).
In an interview, Austin expressed her agreement, saying, 'I definitely agree that I haven’t scratched the surface at all with what I can do. I’ve just been playing with a great point guard. I haven’t really played with one in a long time. So, just getting some easy stuff, but there’s definitely a lot more that I want to capitalize on.'
The Mystics' current wing and frontcourt duo, featuring Austin, Irifen, and Citron, is impressive. Additionally, the team drafted Georgia Amoore last year, who missed her rookie season due to a torn ACL. Amoore's college career showcased her playmaking skills, averaging 5.5 assists per game, including a career-high 6.9 in her final year. The question now is whether Amoore can replicate this success in the WNBA and become the team's point guard of the future, or if the Mystics need to explore other options.
The Unrivaled team, led by Austin, benefited from her partnership with Chelsea Gray. After playing for the Lunar Owls, Austin joined the Rose, a team also featuring Gray, Kahleah Copper, Lexie Hull, Sug Sutton, and Azurá Stevens. Gray, a four-time WNBA champion, 2022 Finals MVP, and six-time All-Star, is one of the best passers in the league. While there are few point guards like Gray, Olivia Miles, a potential young talent, could be a close match in terms of passing ability. However, Miles may not be available for the Mystics' lottery pick, as the Lynx and Storm could also benefit from her skills.
