Phoenix Mercury players Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, along with third-year coach Nate Tibbetts and his assistant Kristi Toliver, earned votes in the 2026 WNBA GM survey questions released May 5.
The survey tallied responses from the league’s 15 general managers, who were asked 42 questions to assess the best teams, players, coaches, offseason moves and more, prior to tip-off of the league’s 30th season. GMs weren’t allowed to handpick from their own team or personnel.
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Among the questions was, “Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?” Thomas came in No. 2 behind A’ja Wilson of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Wilson came in No. 1 in many categories and is a favorite to win her record-fifth league MVP award this season.
When asked to identify the best defensive player, Thomas came in No. 3, behind Wilson (No. 1) and Gabby Williams (No. 2) of the Golden State Valkyries. Thomas tied with the Seattle Storm‘s Ezi Magbegor at No. 3 for best interior defender. She also tied with Williams for second as the league’s most versatile player, behind No. 1 Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty.
Toliver is tied for No. 2 with Indiana‘s Briann January for Best Assistant Coach.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) drives into the lane against Team Japan during their preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on April 29, 2026.
Copper received votes in the best perimeter defender and most athletic player questions.
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For coach who’s the “best motivator/manager of people,” Tibbetts finished in a three-way tie for No. 2 with the Indiana Fever‘s Stephanie White and the Golden State Valkyries’ 2025 Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase, trailing the Aces’ Becky Hammon at No. 1.
Tibbetts also is No. 2 for, ”Which coach runs the best offense?” behind the Minnesota Lynx‘s Cheryl Reeve. He is tied with Nakase for No. 3 in, “Which coach makes the best in-game adjustments?”
After the Mercury training camp ends May 7, they will travel to face the Aces in their season opener on Saturday, May 9. The game will air at 12:30 p.m. (MST) on ABC. The Mercury were eliminated in a four-game sweep by the Aces in last year’s WNBA Finals.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Mercury’s Thomas, Tibbetts ranked in WNBA 2026 GM survey
