The early days of the Women’s National Basketball Association, or WNBA, were a period of groundbreaking innovation, as franchises like the Phoenix Mercury emerged to define a new era of professional women’s sports. As one of the league’s inaugural teams, the Phoenix Mercury navigated a unique formative process, establishing their roster through a combination of player allocations and the foundational 1997 WNBA Draft. This era saw the league’s first eight teams, including the Mercury, build competitive squads to rival early powerhouses like the Houston Comets and the New York Liberty.
Among the pivotal figures in the Mercury’s nascent stages was Nancy Lieberman, a true WNBA pioneer whose experience and skill set immediately bolstered the team. She joined the Mercury via the Elite Draft, a crucial mechanism that allowed teams to acquire established talent alongside their initial draft picks. Alongside players like Bridget Pettis, Lieberman brought a veteran presence to the young league, contributing to the Mercury’s foundational identity. Her arrival underscored the league’s commitment to showcasing both rising stars and seasoned basketball legends.
Lieberman’s tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, though brief, was significant. At 39 years old, she played in 25 games during her single season, demonstrating her enduring prowess on the professional stage. Her contributions included averages of 2.6 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 rebounds, highlighting her all-around game and strategic court vision even in the twilight of her playing career. Her presence helped to legitimize and popularize the fledgling league, drawing attention to the high caliber of play.
Following her initial stint with the Mercury, Nancy Lieberman transitioned seamlessly into coaching and management roles, further cementing her status as a versatile figure in basketball. From 1998 to 2000, she served as the head coach and general manager for the Detroit Shock, taking on a leadership position that showcased her deep understanding of the game beyond the court. This move marked the beginning of a successful coaching career that would span multiple leagues and levels.
Lieberman’s coaching journey continued to evolve, leading her to diverse opportunities across the basketball landscape. She later became a coach for the Texas Legends in what was then the NBA Development League, now known as the NBA G-League, underscoring her commitment to player development. Her expertise was also sought at the highest level, as she spent time as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings. More recently, she has contributed her insights as a head coach in the BIG3, a testament to her adaptability and lasting influence in professional basketball.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable chapters in Nancy Lieberman’s story was her unexpected return to the court at 50 years old. Years after her original season with the Phoenix Mercury, she signed with the Detroit Shock for a brief period, making an appearance in a game against the Comets. Although she was subsequently waived, the Shock went on to win a championship that year, adding another unique footnote to Lieberman’s unparalleled career and solidifying her status as one of basketball’s most enduring figures.
Lieberman’s legacy extends far beyond individual statistics; she is rightly considered a true basketball legend whose impact on the sport, particularly the WNBA, is immeasurable. Her involvement with the Phoenix Mercury as one of its original players ensures her place in the franchise’s rich history, symbolizing the foundational spirit and determination that characterized the league’s inception. Her multifaceted career, from player to coach to a pioneering figure, continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans within the ever-growing narrative of WNBA history.
