Elena Delle Donne has not played for the Washington Mystics since 2019. In fact, it has been 682 days since she has played in a WNBA game. The last time she did play, she led the Mystics to its first WNBA championship.
Last season she opted out of playing in the bubble as a pandemic took over the world — not that it was easy since doctors denied her appeal to not play due to health concerns. She also underwent two back surgeries which kept her sidelined even longer. But with the second half of the year back underway from the Olympic break, she is set to make her return as Washington host reigning WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm.
Delle Donne is expected to start and all eyes will be on her as the former MVP is an instant game-changer. As it stands before today’s matchup, the Mystics are sitting just outside the top eight which would mean they would not advance to the playoffs. They are in 10th place however do have a chance to make a push to finish in the top eight.
With Delle Donne back, she could push Washington to where they want to be. It’ll be interesting to see how well she blends with her team after missing so much time with them.
