Exploring Jennie Simms' Journey with the Phoenix Mercury
Jennie Simms made her debut in the WNBA with the Washington Mystics, but later carved out a significant chapter of her career with the Phoenix Mercury.
Drafted in the second round of the 2017 WNBA Draft, Simms initially played just 10 games for the Mystics before being waived. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Indiana Fever, where she participated in a limited number of games. After that stint, there was a noticeable gap in her WNBA presence, as a few years passed before she returned to the league.
The Phoenix Mercury recognized her potential and signed her for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In her inaugural season with the Mercury, she averaged 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds across 23 games, often serving as a reserve, although she started in four of those contests.
In 2023, a season marked by challenges for the Mercury, Simms played in six games, maintaining her average of 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds.
One of the highlights of Simms' tenure with Phoenix came when she achieved her career high of 14 points in a game against the Dallas Wings—a performance that significantly contributed to the Mercury's victory, sealing an 86-74 win. In this game, Phoenix showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, featuring four players scoring in double figures. Diamond DeShields led the charge with an impressive 24 points, complemented by five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Shey Peddy and Sophie Cunningham also made notable contributions, scoring 18 and 16 points respectively, while Simms rounded out the group with her solid performance that included not only her 14 points but also four rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
This victory over the Wings was one of the key moments when Simms found herself in the starting lineup, demonstrating her capability to shine in a competitive environment. Both the 2022 and 2023 seasons proved to be tough for the Mercury, but players like Simms were given opportunities to showcase their abilities. During the playoffs, she continued to demonstrate her skills, averaging 5.5 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the series against the Las Vegas Aces.
Before her professional journey, Simms was a standout player in college basketball. She began her collegiate career at West Virginia before transferring to Old Dominion, where she truly excelled. In her final college season, she posted impressive averages of 21.4 points, eight rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Today, Simms holds a place in Mercury history as a player who significantly contributed to the team's success during her time there.
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Are you surprised by Simms' journey and contributions to the Mercury? What are your thoughts on her potential future in the league? Share your opinions in the comments!
