A decision was looming of whether the Phoenix Mercury would bring back Monique Billings or let her hit free agency as her seven-day contract was set to expire.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Just as time in Arizona was close to striking noon on Sunday, the team rewarded her with a contract for the remainder of the season and she signed it to officially have some stability going forward.
Billings receives more clarity, sticking around in Phoenix
Playing six years of her WNBA career with the Atlanta Dream since she was drafted, the 28-year-old then agreed to terms to a hardship contract with the Dallas Wings during a chunk of this season in which their roster was decimated by injuries.
Once the Wings’ injury woes started to disappear, Dallas released her from her contract and after receiving proposals from multiple teams, Billings picked the Mercury.
During her first seven days in Phoenix, she instantly made an impact as she has been averaging 9.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.
With the coaching staff and front office impressed by what she has shown, giving her this deal made her future became clearer.
“It’s a blessing, first of all,” Billings said after Sunday’s practice. “I have been bouncing around a couple of times this season, but I think it has helped me be more adaptable. I am able to come into a team, contribute, do what I do best which is bring energy, be a pro and help uplift my teammates and those around me. I am just so excited to be here, it’s a great group.”
“It’s a blessing.”
After her rest-of-season contract was made official, Monique Billings (@moniquebillings) is excited to remain a Phoenix Mercury.#ValleyTogether #WNBA pic.twitter.com/g2bUOPfhwZ
— Burn City Mercury (@BurnCityMercury) August 25, 2024
Though she has come on the bench in all three games thus far, her wealth of experience as a pro and her skillset on both ends of the floor have seen her become a key contributor already when called upon.
By general manager Nick U’ren and the front office bringing Billings in, they hope she can be the missing piece to be a WNBA championship contender. Having Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud already, bolstering the bench depth is always a benefit no matter how stacked a team is.
Playing alongside the likes of WNBA legends Taurasi and Griner, Billings wants to keep learning different techniques and ways to improve in certain areas from them as long as she is a teammate of theirs.
“It’s so dope, they have really taken me under their wing which I am so grateful for,” Billings said. “I look up to them so much. I just love getting knowledge from the OGs of this game.”
“I look up to them so much.”
Our @AlecCipollini asked Phoenix Mercury F Monique Billings (@moniquebillings) about learning from #WNBA legends like Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi.#ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/LXVLbpULAC
— Burn City Mercury (@BurnCityMercury) August 25, 2024
From the time Billings landed in Phoenix to suiting up in a Mercury jersey, head coach Nate Tibbetts credited her for her determination and the way she carries herself on and off the court.
“Mo has given us a level of professionalism,” Tibbetts said. “She’s a worker, just have been very impressed with her approach day to day. Think she’s excited for the opportunity, the situation.”
Sharing the same level of respect toward each other and what they bring individually, Billings is excited for the opportunity to work with Tibbetts since he has full confidence in her performing at her best.
“Coach Nate has been super uplifting,” Billings said. “I feel like I am going to thrive here because he allows me to be me. He’s not trying to put me in a box or anything like that, he wants me to be the best Mo that I can be. Also for me to be able to improve my game which is exciting to just be in that environment. I am excited to be coached by him.”
“I feel like I am going to thrive here because he allows me to be me.”
Getting to work alongside coach Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix Mercury forward Monique Billings talked to our @AlecCipollini about her time working with him so far.#ValleyTogether #WNBA pic.twitter.com/zD9nDgrA4X
— Burn City Mercury (@BurnCityMercury) August 25, 2024
Securing this deal to lock in Billings, she will be eligible to compete in the playoffs and chase a league title. The Mercury are currently in sixth place in the WNBA with a 16-14 record and three wins above the Indiana Fever (13-16) who are in seventh.
Having the weight off of her shoulders with where she was going to play after Sunday, Billings can strictly focus on basketball and continue to do whatever it takes for Phoenix to win.
Mercury sign Monique Billings to rest-of-season contract after impressive start with team
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers ASU Athletics, the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
