How Phoenix's Early Star Paved The Way For Others

The Phoenix Mercury have had multiple players who made the All-WNBA Teams, and it all began with their first star.

Aug 9, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Sparks coach Jennifer Gillom during the game against the Indiana Fever at the Staples Center. The Fever defeated the Sparks 82-76. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury had some successful years in the beginning, and it led to some accolades. They reached the playoffs three times in their first four seasons, and it began in 1997. The Mercury finished the season with a record of 16-12, and they faced the New York Liberty in the postseason. However, the Liberty beat them, and they faced the Houston Comets in the first-ever WNBA Finals.

In those early years, the Mercury had some great players. Their current players are carrying on that legacy, as one of the Mercury's new stars made the All-WNBA First Team. Alyssa Thomas made that team, and she joined A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Allisha Gray and Kelsey Mitchell.

Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) talk during a time out in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Thomas had a great and historic season, and it led to her receiving a high honor with fellow MVP candidates. She also became the first Mercury player to make the First Team since Skylar Diggins did in 2022.

In terms of the first Mercury player to make an All-WNBA Team overall, that honor belongs to the Mercury's first star.

Jennifer Gillom was the Mercury's first star, and in the 1997 season, she made the Second Team. She averaged 15.7 points and 5.4 rebounds in her first season, and as a result, she was on the Second Team with Teresa Weatherspoon, Andrea Stinson, Wendy Palmer and Rebecca Lobo.

Mercury legend Jennifer Gillom comes on the court during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The following year, Gillom became the first Mercury player to make the First Team. She had a big year, as she averaged a career-high 20.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 assists. She was on that season's First Team, and she was with some big names.

Gillom joins Comets stars

Gillom joined Cythia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson and Ruthie Bolton. It was a great year for the Mercury star, and a year later, she and Michele Timms became the first Phoenix players to become All-Stars.

Mercury legend Michele Timms comes on the court during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Mercury star had a nice career, and she paved the way for players like Diana Taurasi and Thomas. Taurasi made the First Team in her time, and Thomas added her name to Mercury history this year. Since Gillom, Phoenix has had a lot of talent, and with every accolade they accomplish, they add to the franchise's legacy. And it all began with players like Gillom.

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