Aaliyah Edwards has a golden opportunity to take the reins as the best player on the Washington Mystics.

Washington is finally embracing a rebuild. They have drafted well over the last two off-seasons. Elena Delle Donne has retired. Ariel Atkins is with the Chicago Sky. They have hired new management.

With all the changes, it’s time for a new face to step up and become the Mystics’ best player.

Aaliyah Edwards was the Mystics’ lottery pick in 2024, coming out of a stellar career with UConn. She had some good moments during her first season in the WNBA, averaging 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in just under 22 minutes per game.

Mike Thibault, the Mystics’ general manager during the 2024 draft, said they wanted to get Edwards to complement Shakira Austin in the frontcourt.

But Edwards showed she was one of the most consistent players on the squad, appearing in 34 out of 40 games. Edwards helped her team almost make the postseason, despite them being struck by the injury bug.

Edwards then had an amazing offseason, competing in the new women’s league, Unrivaled. Her skills were on full display as she went on to the 1v1 finals before losing to Napheesa Collier 2-1.

En route to her finals trip, she beat former league MVP, Breanna Stewart 12-0.

Edwards also beat Arike Ogunbowale 11-2. The entire basketball world was in a frenzy when Edwards showed she can go up against the best in the world.

During her first season in the WNBA, Edwards demonstrated a strong motor as a rebounder, finishing fourth among her rookie class in rebounds per game. This offseason, during Unrivaled, she appeared to have added more to her game. Edwards demonstrated the ability to play off the dribble to get to her jumper, as well as get to the basket, utilizing her size effectively. She also showed her ability to defend at a high level, locking up Stewie, Arike and Phee, three premier scorers.

With the team in a rebuild, Edwards can become a go-to player.

Her unique size and skill set, despite her youth, can propel her to become the team’s best player. The trio of Edwards, Austin and newly drafted forward, Kiki Iraifen can be a three-headed monster with their unicorn-like games.

The team has a lot invested in these three. Aaliyah Edwards is primed for a big season.