The WNBA Whispers: Phoenix Staff Shuffle, a DePaul Star's Shot, and Thomas's Historic Roar

You know, the WNBA season — even when it’s not in full, exhilarating swing — still hums with activity, a constant undercurrent of moves and milestones. And this week, honestly, has given us a delightful little mixed bag of happenings from around the league. Let's dive in, shall we?

First up, some news from the desert, where the Phoenix Mercury, a team always seemingly in motion, has officially rounded out its coaching staff. It’s Nate Tibbetts joining the fold, now an assistant coach under the guidance of head coach Nate Tibbetts. Yes, you heard that right; it’s a shared name situation, which, you could say, adds a certain quirky charm to the bench dynamics. But beyond the name, the younger Tibbetts brings a rather intriguing resume to Phoenix. He’s not just stepping onto a WNBA sideline; he’s also, rather impressively, serving as the head coach for the USA National Team at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. That’s a significant responsibility, and it speaks to a certain versatility, a knack for coaching at a high level in varied formats. He’s filling the spot previously held by Vanessa Nygaard, a move that certainly solidifies the Mercury’s leadership structure as they gear up for whatever challenges the new season throws their way.

And while we’re talking Phoenix, there's a fresh face looking to make her mark: Lexi Held. The former DePaul guard has officially inked a training camp contract with the Mercury. For any athlete, especially an undrafted free agent, this is a golden opportunity, a chance to really show what you're made of. Held, a four-year starter during her collegiate career, put up some solid numbers—12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. She brings that undeniable experience, that grit forged over many games, and a court vision that can be invaluable. It’s a shot, a real, honest-to-goodness shot for her to earn a spot on a WNBA roster, and you can bet she’ll be giving it everything she's got in camp. Every team needs those hungry players, after all.

But for once, our gaze pivots slightly east, away from Phoenix, to the incredible, almost mythical, season that Alyssa Thomas is crafting with the Connecticut Sun. In truth, what she’s doing is just jaw-dropping. She's not just playing; she's etching her name into the league's history books, setting a WNBA record with her fourth triple-double in a single season. Think about that for a moment. Four! Before her, the record for most triple-doubles in a season was three, a mark she herself shared with the legendary Candace Parker. What makes this feat so remarkable isn't just the sheer statistical achievement—though those numbers are certainly dazzling—but the sheer force of will, the relentless energy, and the all-around dominance she displays every single night. She’s a one-woman wrecking crew, a player who truly impacts every facet of the game, and watching her operate is, well, it's a masterclass in modern basketball. The WNBA, it seems, just keeps delivering these incredible narratives, these unforgettable moments, one game, one signing, one historic performance at a time.