What a turnaround an offseason can make. After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in their three-year history, the Mercury acquired Brandy Reed and Tonya Edwards, who were Minnesota's top two scorers last season. With Jennifer Gillom on top of her game and forward Michelle Griffiths returning from maternity leave, Phoenix figures to be a team to watch in the competitive Western Conference.

Michele Timms' numbers have declined over the past two seasons, but getting Edwards gives Phoenix the No. 2 scorer it lacked last season. If the Mercury want to be among the league's elite, they must prove they can win away from home. Phoenix has had a losing record on the road in all three of its seasons, including a 3-13 mark last year.

The basics

Coach: Cheryl Miller, fourth year, former USC head coach

1999 finish: 15-17, tied for fourth in Western Conference

Arena: America West Arena

Average home attendance: 12,219

Story Lines

The acquisitions of Tonya Edwards and Brady Reed in separate trades with Minnesota will take some of the scoring pressure off center Jennifer Gillom.

The Mercury missed the playoffs for the first time last season -- doomed by a 3-10 start against a rugged road schedule. Phoenix faces a similar road grind this season as 11 of the Mercury's first 15 games are away from home.

Players to watch

Jennifer Gillom: The Mercury's leading scorer in each of her three seasons in Phoenix, Gillom won't have to carry as much of the offensive load this year.

Brandy Reed: Back for her second stint in Phoenix, it's no secret the Mercury are expecting big things from Reed. Offense won't be a problem, but the Mercury also need her to commit to defense.

Michelle Griffiths: Despite the offseason acquisitions, Griffiths could be the key to the Mercury's season. She was a member of the Mercury's 1998 WNBA Finals team, but missed all of last season while on maternity leave.

Games to watch

July 8 at Indiana 2 p.m.: Mercury visit expansion Fever in intriguing backcourt matchup.

July 21 vs. Los Angeles 9 p.m.: Up-tempo Phoenix and high-scoring Sparks should have plenty of offensive fireworks.

July 30 vs. Sacramento 4 p.m.: Mercury and Monarchs could be jockeying for playoff positioning.

What you didn't know

A new women's athletic complex at the University of Mississippi was named after the Mercury's' Jennifer Gillom and her sister Peggie, who both played at Ole Miss. The Gillom Sports Center was dedicated to the Gilloms during a public ceremony on April 28.

Sports Ticker contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2001 CNN/Sports Illustrated An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.