The Phoenix Mercury’s entry into this season matched that first episode of a shōnen anime. The idea of a ‘Big 3’ carrying the top-heavy roster with a bunch of classic plus trusty role-players standing ready to lend just the right jutsu at precisely the right time. No doubt, Nate Tibbetts had big dreams for this team. He was ready with his positionless basketball to take over the W. But the thing is that while it could be an innovation, it was more out of necessity. With Kahleah Copper as the only returning player, it is not surprising that the roster lacks depth. And now, with their anchor out for a major chunk of time, the story has either turned interesting or boring; it all depends on how you see it.
The 6-foot-1 guard is a WNBA champion, a four-time All-Star, and a reliable piece to build upon. The franchise was looking to keep her at the center of their plans moving forward. But now, the player injury crisis hit them hard, shattering most of their plans to the ground. Copper did not participate in the pre-season game following a back issue. Then she was declared unfit for the season opener against the Seattle Storm due to a knee injury, and now the new update is more concerning.
As per reports from ESPN, Kahleah Copper underwent a successful left knee arthroscopy. But the timeline for her return is approximately four to six weeks. Mercury will be playing 12 regular-season games in the next four weeks. That amounts to 28% of their total fixtures, and if the recovery period is extended to six weeks as mentioned, she could miss a total of 17 games – nearly 40% of the season. Only God might do a miracle with Copper’s speedy recovery. The 30-year-old guard certainly believes so.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” She posted Bible verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, right from the hospital following the surgery. The hope to get back on the court early is there, and there is reason for that.
Kahleah Copper to miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee arthroscopy.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 17, 2025
With the competition in the league already fierce, missing an offensive star like Kahleah Copper for a long period would be a massive blow to their playoff aspirations. Losing Copper for a month and a half not only deprives Phoenix of its leading scorer but also disrupts the chemistry of its freshly minted core. Then there is their second-leading rebounder, Natasha Mack, who is out for 2-3 weeks due to a back injury.
“I think it’s the beauty of sports and the [expletive] part about sports, right? People don’t care about injuries,” Tibbetts said. “The games just keep coming. I feel really bad for Kah, she had a great camp. I feel unfortunate for our team.” One can easily feel the frustration in his words. However, the HC is not yet losing hope. “There might be some bumps along the way, but [every] team goes through that,” he further said. “Even if Kah and Mack were playing tonight, we wouldn’t be at our best. I would’ve slept better last night, but this is what it is.”
So, fans will be eagerly awaiting Copper’s return whenever it comes. In the meantime, does Coach Tibbetts need to shake things up, or can he trust his “Big Two” to carry the load?
Can the Phoenix Mercury rely on Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas?
Just to give you an idea about Kahleah Copper’s influence on the Phoenix Mercury’s 2024 season, here are some facts. Copper was not only the team’s leading scorer but also ranked third in the league with a 21.1 points per game average. She dished out nearly three assists and collected 5 rebounds per game, clocking most minutes for the franchise.
While the assist and rebound gaps can be gradually addressed, her usage rate and scoring threat will be much harder to cover. The team’s acquisitions, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, will have to shoulder the load for the Mercury. Upon their arrival, GM Nick U’Ren praised both veterans for the versatility and leadership they bring to the roster.
“Alyssa (Thomas) is one of the most complete players our league has ever seen. She is an elite facilitator, defensive stopper and as fierce a competitor as they come.” Nick said in an interview. “Satou is an exceptional and rare talent who is still hungry to develop and improve her game. Her positional versatility, diverse skillset and competitive drive make her one of the biggest difference-makers in our league. Teaming her with Kahleah and Alyssa will allow us to play the kind of dynamic brand of basketball we want to play.”
So, yes, they are both not to be underestimated. Sabally has already made it clear that she doesn’t want to disappoint, especially after receiving Brittney Griner’s message before the game. And truly, she left nothing to doubt as she racked up 27 points and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Thomas wasn’t far behind as she chipped in with 20 points, 7 rebounds, a team-high 5 assists, and 2 steals.
But things on the court can quickly get shaky, too. The 27-year-old Satou Sabally has never played a complete season in her five-year career. She has not been able to stay healthy, playing only 97 games over five WNBA seasons. So, with injuries already plaguing the roster, Nate Tibbetts cannot afford this one, too.
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