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Washington Mystics Add Size and Length With Six Picks in 2026 WNBA Draft
Sydney Johnson (Image Credits: Imagn)

Washington Mystics Add Size and Length With Six Picks in 2026 WNBA Draft

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The Washington Mystics are looking to add up top young talent with six picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft and added players providing size and length on the floor.

The 2026 WNBA draft witnessed history as UCLA clinched a record number of first-round picks with five players entering the league within the first 15 selections. The side also set a record for the most players joining the league, as six national champions joined the league. Interestingly, the Washington Mystics also matched this massive number, absorbing six rookies from the league.

The franchise was in rebuilding mode, midway into the 2025 season, though they still had two young stars, Sona Citron and Kiki Iriafen, getting All-Star honors. While the team would also welcome Georgia Amoore from injury, they officially have six players from the 2026 draft.
Sydney Johnson, though, took a strong step and added players that would satisfy his one particular requirement

Lauren Betts
Lauren Betts (Image Credits: Imagn)

Washington Mystics Priortizing Size And Length In WNBA Draft

The 2019 champions never became a real threat on the floor as bigger teams like Las Vegas Aces, Minnesota Lynx and even New York Liberty dominated the proceedings with their star-studded rosters. Two of these superpowers are still in the top starting lineups for the 2026 season. But the Mystics will now enter the 2026 season with a new identity: a young, physically imposing juggernaut.

Following a busy offseason under the leadership of new General Manager Jamila Wideman and Head Coach Sydney Johnson, the franchise has executed a masterclass in modern roster construction by prioritizing size, length, and versatile defensive profiles.

This “long-ball” strategy was most evident during the 2026 WNBA Draft, where the Mystics utilized a historic six selections to completely overhaul their frontcourt and defensive rotation.

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Washington Mystics’ 2026 Draft Picks

The franchise had three picks in the first round, making it easier for the franchise to select players suiting their strategy in the deep and talented draft class. The cornerstone of this new era is center Lauren Betts, selected fourth overall to anchor the interior. Check out the Mystics’ masterstroke with their draft selections.

Lauren Betts (No. 4 Overall)

A 6-foot-7 powerhouse from UCLA, Betts provides the Mystics with elite rim protection and an efficient interior scoring threat.

Coming off a national championship and Final Four MOP honors, her presence allows Washington to dominate the glass and force opponents into difficult perimeter shots rather than challenging the paint. The player won the defensive player of the year honor and also showed her top pick credentials throughout the season.

Angela Dugalić (No. 9 Overall)

Reuniting with her collegiate teammate, the 6-foot-4 Dugalić brings exceptional defensive versatility and high-level basketball IQ.

Her ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor as a mobile forward fits perfectly into Coach Johnson’s vision of a modern, “jumbo” lineup that can switch seamlessly on defense. The duo will join their assistant coach, Michaela Onyenwere, who joined the Mystics on a $1.4 million deal.

Cotie McMahon (No. 11 Overall)

Standing at 6-foot-0 with a physical, downhill playing style, the Ole Miss standout adds aggressive wing depth.

McMahon is a high-volume scorer who excels in transition and uses her strength to finish through contact, providing the Mystics with a relentless secondary scoring option in the half-court.

Cassandre Prosper (No. 19 Overall)

This 6-foot-3 guard-forward hybrid from Notre Dame also hands the Mystics the “length” at the guard position.

Prosper’s long wingspan and lateral quickness make her a potential lockdown defender on the perimeter, capable of disrupting passing lanes and making life difficult for the league’s most elite scoring guards.

Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (No. 30 Overall)

From the later draft picks, the size might have dropped a bit, but the franchise kept pushing for players with high ceilings and energy on the floor. A 6-foot-1 forward from Baylor, Littlepage-Buggs is another such example. The rebounding specialist could provide high-energy minutes off the bench. Her knack for tracking the ball and securing offensive boards will be vital for a team looking to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and maintain a physical edge.

Rori Harmon (No. 34 Overall)

The draft’s final addition is a 5-foot-6 elite floor general from Texas. While smaller in stature, Harmon provides “mental length” through her tenacious point-of-attack defense. She is a master at navigating screens and pressuring ball-handlers, ensuring that Washington’s defense remains disruptive from the very top.

This revamped side represents a clear pivot toward a defensive-first culture. By surrounding their established young stars with elite collegiate talent, the Washington Mystics addressed their need for size and also built a roster capable of matching up with any style of play in the modern WNBA.

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