Where are the Mercury's Alyssa Thomas, coach in WNBA 2026 GM survey?

Yahoo Sports3h ago12 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Alyssa Thomas and coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury received recognition in the 2026 WNBA GM survey. Thomas ranked second for her impact on opposing teams, while the survey assessed various players and teams ahead of the league's 30th season.

Key points

Alyssa Thomas ranked second in the WNBA GM survey.
Nate Tibbetts is the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury.
The survey included responses from 15 WNBA general managers.
A'ja Wilson was ranked first in the same survey.
The survey assessed players and teams ahead of the 30th WNBA season.

Mentioned in this story

Nate Tibbetts

Phoenix MercuryLas Vegas Aces

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.

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.

Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) leaps into guard Sami Whitcomb (30) as they are introduced before playing Team Japan during a preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on April 29, 2026.

Phoenix Mercury forward Morgan Maly (30) drives past Team Japan forward Minami Yabu (37) during their preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on April 29, 2026.