New Era, New Mystics: Jamila Wideman & Sydney Johnson Set the Vision

The Washington Mystics made it very clear. They want to build an organization that has sustainable success. Newly appointed general manager, Jamila Wideman, and head coach Sydney Johnson are both on the same page. They are working in lockstep to make sure that the opening phase of their tenure includes rebuilding, competing, and setting a long-term foundation for success.

The Bigger Picture: Culture, Legacy, and Belief

For her first general manager position, Jamila Wideman is bringing grand expectations for the Mystics. As a former player in the WNBA, her knowledge extends beyond the basketball court. Wideman was responsible for creating the first points in WNBA history. She dished out the assist to Penny Toler for the first two points of the WNBA, and now she has the ability to assist the Mystics back into glory.

“We’re digging in. Some movement isn’t instantly visible. We’ve been studying our group and the league. What we’re trying to do is build sustained excellence…Yes, we want to win championships…we see it as an outcome of an environment and a culture.”

This league has always been more than basketball, and Wideman truly understands that.

“The WNBA has a historical DNA of players being more than players…we imagined this league could happen before it existed…we believe in things we can’t quite see yet…in that space, then you have all this room to see the talent, the uniqueness, the creativity of other people…the reality is I think it’s simply a desire to listen and develop.”

Wideman is taking a holistic approach as the general manager. Her belief is that the best franchises have a culture that’s established. The Mystics now are trying to create the type of culture that not only cares about basketball but also about connecting with their players, understanding the human side of the game, and translating that into success.

“First time in the seat as a GM…why now?…at the center of this opportunity is a foundational notion of learning players as people…this is an incredible game…It’s essentially a translation of people, culture, a moment…it’s always changing because it’s a reflection of people who are in the room.”

Both Johnson and Wideman have vast knowledge and a clear vision on the culture they want to create. Each of them has a deep understanding of elite basketball IQ. They want to establish much more player development, and they each are setting the tone for how the next chapter of Mystics basketball will look.

Evolving Into the Modern Era

When it comes to play style, the Mystics are looking to move their offense into the modern era. They have a lineup that’s very unique and will have the ability to play in several different play styles.

“Freedom of movement. The style of play that also drives and creates a sense of creativity among the players. We have a group of players that are exciting to watch…the style of play should reflect what we are creating and developing as an organization,” Wideman said.

Johnson also continued to add to this speaking about his coaching pholopshiy.

 

“We want to play fast…In terms of the modern era and just being attack-oriented…defensively, we want to disrupt. We want to break people’s rhythm. Slim & Shakira are two wonderful players…but they missed 40 games between them…we have to have them available in those performance moments.”

Injuries were a huge problem for the Mystics last season. Additionally, the team missed the playoff race. A lot of that was due to their injury-laden roster. Major players for this team got hurt during the season, causing them to lose games. Both Shakira Austin and Brittany Sykes were gone for extended periods of time. “Injuries are a part of the game…we’re excited to welcome back two talents we didn’t have on the court as much as we would like last year,” Wideman said.

In spite of missing two of their best players on the roster, there were some positives.

Firstly, the Mystics were fighting to make the playoffs up until the last day of the WNBA season. Secondly, because of the injuries, the coaching staff had the opportunity (and did) to develop their first-round pick, Aaliyah Edwards. The young forward put on a clinic in the second half of the season as she routinely scored in double-figure points and had large impact games.

Additionally, the evolution for this franchise in the modern era is not only about their returning players. Instead of focusing on the now, the Mystics have been thinking about the draft. Now, knowing the type of players that are coming into the WNBA ready to play and impact the game, rookies are expected to make impacts from their first day on the job. Some of these examples include Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Cameron Brink. Sydney Johnson went on to speak about the draft and also mentioned Reese and Cardoso by name, noting that they were able to change the culture because they were stars for their teams.

“Not only college scouting, and international scouting. Two rookies in Chicago made an immediate impact. So many good players playing in Chicago right now. Our eyes will be on growing emergent talent…player development is a big thing in this league…there’s a lot to juggle, but we will have our eyes on draft-eligible players…there’s some stars that were hidden away like a KC and Angel.”

Johnson understands that winning in the WNBA requires both immediate talent and long-term development. The Mystics are looking at all angles to ensure they’re not just filling a roster, but building a future contender.

The DMV Basketball Legacy

The part that is the most intriguing when it comes to setting the culture is how Johnson is ready to make the Mystics a household name in Washington. The DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) has been a staple of the basketball community. It is a basketball hotbed for the most talent-rich basketball in the country. From high schools such as DeMatha, Bishop McNamara, and St. Paul VI to colleges such as the historic Georgetown, University of Maryland, Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Even in the professional ranks, with the former Washington Bullets, and now Washington Wizards. The Mystics want to make sure that the community thinks of them as well when they bring up basketball.

“We want to add the Mystics to the teams that the DMV has rallied around. I hail from the DMV… there are so many good players… whether we’re singing the praises of the Wizards or Georgetown… there’s a pride. This is where ballers come from… DMV is not coming short to anyone in that regard. We have a challenge and an opportunity and work to do to add the Mystics to that. Perennially, year in and year out” said Johnson.

What Comes Next for the Mystics?

The blueprint is there. The foundation is laid. Now it is time for execution.

With Shakira Austin and Brittany Sykes returning, this team can get back to its winning ways. The front office is establishing a clear focus on development. They’ve already implemented a new vision for how this team plays. Now, it’s time for the Mystics to fully embody that identity and turn it into a winning franchise—year in and year out.