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WNBA free agency 2023: 3 most impactful signings of the offseason

By Zackery Rogers

The official Spalding basketball used for the WNBA Western Conference basketball game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Charlotte Sting on 21st July 1997 at the Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. (Photo by Craig Jones/Allsport/Getty Images)
The official Spalding basketball used for the WNBA Western Conference basketball game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Charlotte Sting on 21st July 1997 at the Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. (Photo by Craig Jones/Allsport/Getty Images) /
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Kristi Toliver
Kristi Toliver (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

WNBA free agency did not disappoint as it kicked off with an exclamation point on February 1st. Many players shocked the world with their selections and future destinations.

The 2023 free agency class has changed the landscape of the WNBA and this upcoming season will be unpredictable. Superstars such as Breanna Stewart, and Candace Parker have shocked the world with their free-agency destinations.

The WNBA 2023 season will tip off on May 19th with a four-game lineup featuring four teams that are championship contenders.

During free agency teams are looking to enhance their rosters, shred salary caps, and/or stock up on draft picks.

At the end of the 2022 season, the Las Vegas Aces lifted up the championship trophy causing the other 11 franchises to return to the drawing board.

Although free agency is still occurring, it’s clear what franchises won in free agency.

Let’s review the three most impactful signings of the summer.

3. Free agency signing: Kristi Toliver

Obviously, the selection of Kristi Toliver at number three can ruffle some feathers for some. At the three slot, you can argue that Courtney Vandersloot should be the third most impactful signing in free agency.

However, Toliver is a colossal signing simply because of her history with the Washington Mystics. She played with the team from 2017-2019 and won a championship with the team during the 2019 season.

After Washington won the championship, Toliver tested the free agency market and signed with the Los Angeles Sparks. Unfortunately, the pairing in Los Angeles didn’t work out for the two-time champion the second time around.

The Virginia native is a floor general who the Mystics desperately need and missed. During her time in the nation’s capital, she made sure the team spaced the floor and was able to score at will.

The Toliver effect

Washington retained a majority of the nucleus from their championship team. This offseason Elena Delle Donne stated that she had the best offseason of her career, Natasha Cloud continues to grind during the offseason, Ariel Atkins continues to develop each year and Myisha Hines-Allen can be utilized anywhere on the floor.

https://twitter.com/KristiToliver/status/1620999428189421569?cxt=HHwWgoC8pYeZ-f4sAAAA

Not to mention, Shakira Austin will be entering her second season and can use a point guard like Toliver. Coupled with Austin, the Mystics signed Amanda Zahui B and Brittney Sykes in the offseason.

Toliver will be able to lead this team and help run the offense in all game situations. She can also score from all three phases of the floor and play situational defense.

The two-time champion can get to the basket or draw two defenders and kick it out to the open women. She will be able to help improve this team’s three-point percentage and floor spacing.

Last season the Maryland product shot 36.1 percent from three while only appearing in 11 games.

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