Phoenix Mercury Lose Kahleah Copper 4-6 Weeks After Knee Surgery

The Phoenix Mercury will begin their 2025 WNBA season without their top returning player, Kahleah Copper, who is sidelined for four to six weeks following successful left knee arthroscopic surgery. Copper, a four-time All-Star and 2024 Olympian, led the team in scoring last season with 21.1 points per game, ranking third in the league, and was named to the All-WNBA Second Team. Additionally, forward Natasha Mack will miss two to three weeks due to a lower back injury, further challenging the Mercury's depth after the retirements of legends Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. The team has undergone significant roster changes, acquiring All-Stars Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas but currently lacks the continuity and experience of previous seasons. Coach Nate Tibbetts described the current roster as closer to an expansion team, highlighting the challenge of integrating three rookies and no returning players from the 2024 campaign besides Copper and Mack. The Mercury will face the Seattle Storm in their season opener without these key players, placing greater responsibility on the new acquisitions to lead the team.