The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics made a trade on Tuesday. On Friday night, when the teams meet in Washington, they’ll get an early chance to see how it works out.
Indiana dealt second-year post Queen Egbo to the Mystics in exchange for veteran center Amanda Zahui B., giving the Fever much-needed experience while providing Washington with immediate help inside amid injuries.
The Mystics (9-7) are without center Shakira Austin (hip) for at least two more weeks and lost their star forward, Elena Delle Donne, to an ankle injury on June 30. Already ninth in the 12-team WNBA in rebounding, Washington needs Egbo’s physical presence to shore up a present weakness.
“Queen’s a young post player with a lot of upside,” Mystics coach Eric Thibault said. “The things that jumped out right away are her rebounding and rim protection. We kind of needed that person that could come in and get some rebounds and anchor us a little bit defensively.”
Washington hasn’t played since an 89-72 loss Sunday in Dallas, where it allowed 42 points in the paint. A 30-point third quarter by the Wings doomed them.
Meanwhile, the Fever (5-12) dropped their fifth straight game Wednesday night at Minnesota to the Lynx, 90-83. Defense has been the issue of late for Indiana, which has allowed 90.6 points per game during their slide.
The acquisition of Zahui B. not only adds an older player to the roster but also offers more versatility. Zahui B. is more of a stretch five, capable of making 3-pointers, and could open up the lane for new teammates Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith.
“Amanda’s versatility and ability to play the 4 and 5 spot make her a great addition,” Fever general manager Lin Dunn said.
Boston and Smith combined for 40 points and 20 rebounds in the defeat at Minnesota. Boston, who will join teammate Kelsey Mitchell in the All-Star Game next weekend, was named WNBA Rookie of the Month.
Indiana walloped Washington 87-66 last month in the teams’ first meeting of the season.
–Field Level Media
