PHOENIX — WNBA All-Star voting is now open, with fans casting ballots for who they believe are the league’s best. One name that should be part of that conversation is Phoenix Mercury’s Natasha Mack.
Jun 11, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward-center Natasha Mack (4) controls the ball as Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith (8) defends during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
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In what has been a turbulent 2026 season for Phoenix, Mack has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent players, providing size, defense and confidence on both ends of the floor. There is no doubt her impact has been felt, and her development suggests the work she put in during the offseason is paying off.
A look at the numbers underscores her efficiency, especially on the glass. She is tied for sixth in the league with 112 total rebounds this season, consistently helping Phoenix extend possessions and limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities. She also ranks fifth in blocks with 19 and is averaging 1.4 blocks per game, anchoring the Mercury’s interior defense.
Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward-center Natasha Mack (4) shoots the basketball over Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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Offensively, Mack has been one of the most efficient players in the WNBA. She leads the league in field goal percentage at .686, with many of her makes coming from two-pointers (.687 on those attempts), where she has shown improved touch, patience and shot selection.
Mack’s ability to finish through contact and convert high-percentage looks has given Phoenix a reliable scoring option in the paint, even in difficult stretches.
Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward-center Natasha Mack (4) celebrates with Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) after the basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
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Beyond the numbers, Mack’s value shows up in ways that don’t always dominate headlines. She has stabilized Phoenix’s interior rotation during a season marked by inconsistency. Her presence has allowed the Mercury to stay competitive in games where perimeter shots aren’t falling, and she has often taken on the toughest defensive assignments in the post without needing constant help defense.
The center also complements the Mercury’s higher-usage perimeter players by doing the dirty work: setting solid screens, cleaning up missed shots, and protecting the rim. Those contributions often go unnoticed in box scores, but they are essential to how Phoenix wants to play.
As All-Star discussions tend to center on scoring leaders and highlight-reel guards, Mack represents a different but equally important style of play. Her production, efficiency and defensive impact reflect a player who changes the game without always dominating the spotlight.
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In a league filled with headline-grabbing stars, Mack’s steady two-way presence also deserves to be part of the conversation.
