The Washington Mystics announced early Wednesday morning that 2012 MVP Tina Charles was acquired in a trade with the New York Liberty.
Details of the trade include Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, a 2020 first round pick, and first, second, and third round draft picks in 2021 tp the Liberty for Charles.
It is exciting news for the Mystics. Tina Charles joins the defending WNBA Champions roster of talent including the 2019 regular season and finals MVPs in Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman. The Jamaica, NY native has a decorated resume of accomplishments including, but not limited to the following:
- An unanimous choice for WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2010
- Seven WNBA All-Star appearances (2011, 2013-2015, 2017-2019)
- Named First Team All-WNBA five times (2011-2012, 2015-2017)
- First Team WNBA All-Defensive honors following the 2017 season
- Two Olympic Gold Medals with the USA Basketball Women’s National Team (2012, 2016)
“We are extremely excited to bring Tina Charles to the Washington Mystics. It gives us a dynamic new weapon at both ends of the floor,” said Mystics General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault. It is evident what her talents will bring to all aspects of the game as she joins the Mystics entering her 11th season in the league.
Let’s first look at the offensive end. A big factor of the Mystics success in the 2019 season was their scoring ability and depth. It was hard for opponents to key in on just one player and it looks like it just got tougher. As said by Thibault on Tina, “Her ability to score inside and out will make our offense even more dangerous than in the past. Her willingness to share the ball will make it tough for opponents to double team her or Elena (Delle Donne) or Emma (Meesseman) or any of our other scorers.”
Standing at 6’4, Tina Charles will also bring a great presence on the defensive end and on the boards. In her first decade in the league, Charles’ 9.5 rebounds per game lands her third all-time in WNBA history. She averaged 7.5 boards last season.
“She is one of the best rebounders in the history of the league and that is an area that we have been looking to improve going into the upcoming season,” said Thibault.
Tina Charles has her name cemented in many WNBA history books including becoming the fastest player in league history to record 400, 500, 600 and 700 career rebounds plus set the WNBA record for the first player to post three 20 point-20 rebound games.
As for Shatori Walker-Kimbrough who joins the Liberty, she will be greatly missed from the team having appeared in 80 games over the last three years where she averaged 5.2 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. She has been part of the Mystics roster since being drafted sixth overall in 2017.
“It’s always tough to have to trade a player, especially with the close-knit group that we have,” said Mystics General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault, “Shatori was an important part of our success the last few years. We wish her well in New York.”
With the start of the 2020 season being postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it is unsure when fans will get to see the new look Mystics. However, one thing is for sure, and that is Thibault’s confidence in the way the 2010 first overall draft pick and UConn alum, Tina Charles, will help lead his team.
Having had the chance to coach Tina before during his time in Connecticut, Mike Thibault is well aware of what she brings to the floor in terms of team chemistry, her mentality, and her talents. “I also think her competitive fire will be appreciated by her new teammates and she will in turn thrive in our environment. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Tina again.”
Renee is a reporter and analyst with ESPN covering college athletics. She also hosts a daily show called "Locked on Wizards" with the Locked on Podcast network.