When it comes to WNBA legends, Candice Dupree's name shines brightly, especially for fans of the Phoenix Mercury. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: her impact wasn't just on offense—she was a defensive powerhouse, too. Dupree's journey to becoming a Mercury icon began after a stellar college career, where she dominated the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference. In 2005 and 2006, she wasn't just named the A-10 Player of the Year; she also snagged the Defensive Player of the Year title both times—a rare feat that highlights her all-around brilliance. Her final college season was a masterclass in versatility, averaging 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Drafted sixth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2006, Dupree later joined the Mercury, where she became a cornerstone of their 2014 championship run. That season, she averaged 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, proving her consistency and value. But here’s the part most people miss: Dupree’s defensive prowess was just as crucial as her scoring ability, a trait shared by other Mercury greats like Shey Peddy and Natasha Cloud.
Shey Peddy, for instance, won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012 after averaging 3.1 steals in her final college season at Temple. Peddy’s tenacity on defense carried over to her time with the Mercury, where she played several seasons starting in 2020. Natasha Cloud, another Mercury standout, averaged two steals in the year she won the defensive award, later becoming a key player for the Washington Mystics and then the Mercury. In Phoenix’s 2024 season, Cloud averaged 11.5 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals, playing a pivotal role in their playoff push against the Minnesota Lynx.
And this is where it gets controversial: Megan McConnell, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2025, averaged an astonishing 4.1 steals per game. Despite her undrafted status, she earned a spot with the Mercury, only to have her debut cut short by injury. Her story raises questions: Do teams undervalue defensive specialists? Should the WNBA prioritize recognizing these players more prominently?
Dupree, Cloud, Peddy, and McConnell all share a common thread: their defensive excellence and ties to the Mercury. Their impact extends beyond stats, shaping the team’s identity and success. What’s your take? Do defensive players get the recognition they deserve? Let us know in the comments!
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