In a surprising move, Kristi Toliver has opted to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, leaving the Washington Mystics after three seasons.
Shock is the best way to describe the thought when High Hoops Post first reported Toliver’s decision to return to the Sparks, a team she played seven seasons with before joining the Mystics in 2017.
It’s safe to assume the lost of Toliver will hurt the Mystics’ depth. It will also take a leader out of the locker room.
Toliver was instrumental along with the addition of Elena Delle Donne in transforming the Mystics into a title contender over the course of the previous three seasons.
Last season, Toliver averaged 13 points, team-leading 5.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 23 games. She shot a career-high 49.4% from the field, including 36% from three.
Mystics Had Preview of Team without Toliver Last Season
However, last season the Mystics withstood Toliver missing 11 games, going 10-1 in the regular season in her absence with a knee injury. That was thanks in part to Delle Donne having a historic season that led to her second WNBA MVP. And the return of WNBA Finals MVP Emma Meesseman.
While Toliver led the team in assists and was the third-leading scorer, her absence allowed Natasha Cloud to be more ball-dominant. Cloud averaged 5.6 assists in the regular season and increased that number to 6.2 in the playoffs during the Mystics run to the WNBA title.
Aerial Powers also got more and that was integral to the team’s depth in the playoffs. The increased minutes also helped Powers to a career-high 11.4 points during the regular season.
Monday was the first day of the free agency, and they could add to their backcourt depth. However, Cloud will have the ball more, something Washington is more comfortable with than ever before.
Sparks and Other WNBA Title Contenders Are Stronger
But Toliver’s departure still hurts the Mystics on the court by strengthening the Sparks. Los Angeles took a step back the last two seasons while Toliver was in Washington. Naturally her addition will push them back in the running for the WNBA title in 2020. Toliver will join Candace Parker, Chesea Gray, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes and Maria Gulich, who the Sparks acquired Monday in a trade from Atlanta.
Throw in the fact Seattle Storm, the team that beat the Mystics in the 2018 WNBA Finals, will be get back Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart on the court, Washington will feel the lost of Toliver unlike last year with her injury.
The Connecticut Sun, who the Mystics beat in the 2019 WNBA Finals, and Las Vegas Aces, who the Mystics beat in last year’s semifinals, are also expected to be part of the list of title contenders.
Toliver Expected to Remain on Wizards Coaching Staff
If there is any solace, her departure to LA won’t affect Toliver’s role as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Washington Wizards, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, for now.
Toliver joined Scott Brooks’ coaching staff during the 2018-19 season. She has played a huge part in the Wizards’ player development. Teh team’s young core features 10 players under the age of 25.
The players including John Wall and Bradley Beal love the contributions Toliver provides.
Whether she stays with the Wizards beyond this season remains to be seen. Traveling back and forth from coast to coast could be an issue. Also, Brooks will be entering a contract year in 2020-2021 which could factor in Toliver’s decision to return with the team after this season.
But for now, the Wizards won’t be affected by Kristi Toliver signing with the LA Sparks.
