NatashaMack

News: 4 hours agoMack posted 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, two steals and an assist in 22 minutes during Wednesday's 86-60 preseason win over the Japan National Team.

Spin: Mack has been efficient during the Mercury's two preseason games, as she posted five points, six rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes during Saturday's exhibition win over Chicago. She came within one rebound of posting a double-double during Wednesday's matchup while tying for the team lead in steals. The 28-year-old averaged 4.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 18.3 minutes per game across 34 regular-season appearances (23 starts) last year, and she should see a consistent role in the frontcourt once again in 2026.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mack returned to the WNBA in 2024 and has spent the past two seasons in a reserve role for the Mercury, but she's been thrust into expanded roles at times. The 6-foot-4 center was an exclusive rights free agent and officially agreed to return to Phoenix, where her role should remain steady. In 2025, she averaged 4.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks in just 18.3 minutes per game. Her elite per-minute defensive production makes her an intriguing late-round dart throw. However, Phoenix retained most of its core by bringing back Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner, and even though the team lost Satou Sabally, Mack profiles mainly as a high-upside streamer given the talent around her. Mack's ceiling is undeniable, including a 10-point, 12-rebound, five-block explosion against Chicago on Aug. 28 last season, but her production can be minimal at times.