Imagine a basketball player stepping into a new team during an unprecedented season, isolated from the world, and not only thriving but earning league-wide recognition. That's exactly what Bria Hartley did with the Phoenix Mercury in 2020. But here's where it gets controversial: Was her success a product of her own talent, or did the unique circumstances of the WNBA's bubble season play a significant role? Let's dive in.
The Phoenix Mercury have always been a team of remarkable talent, with players like Diana Taurasi, who dedicated her entire career to the franchise after being drafted in 2004. Yet, the Mercury's story isn't just about long-term loyalty. It's also about players like Hartley, who, despite shorter stints, left an indelible mark.
Hartley's journey to Phoenix was anything but straightforward. Drafted by the Seattle Storm, she was swiftly traded to the Washington Mystics, where she spent her rookie season averaging 9.7 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds. Over the next two seasons, she continued to grow with the Mystics before being traded to the New York Liberty in a complex multi-team deal. In New York, Hartley solidified her role, averaging 7.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in her first season, with her performance steadily improving each year.
In 2020, Hartley joined the Mercury during the WNBA's bubble season—a season like no other, played entirely in an isolation zone. Despite the challenges, the Mercury adapted brilliantly, finishing with a 13-9 record and securing a playoff spot. Hartley was instrumental in this success, averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 13 games, including three starts. Her performance earned her third place in the Sixth Player of the Year race, behind Dearica Hamby and Riquna Williams.
And this is the part most people miss: Hartley's career-high game came against her former team, the New York Liberty. She scored 27 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded two steals—all off the bench. Her performance led the Mercury to a commanding 96-67 victory, with five players scoring in double figures.
Hartley's time with the Mercury was brief, playing only six games in 2021 before being traded to the Indiana Fever. She then spent the last two seasons with the Connecticut Sun. Yet, her impact in Phoenix remains unforgettable.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: In a season defined by isolation and uncertainty, did the bubble environment amplify Hartley's performance, or was it simply a testament to her skill and adaptability? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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