Time is starting to run out before teams have to submit their six protected players. And the longer the Mystics are silent about this role, the more logical it is for Monumental Basketball’s President to take the reins.
Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger is starting to implement his vision for the Washington Mystics after parting ways with Mike and Eric Thibault last month. After the 2024 WNBA Draft Lottery, it is clear that the team doesn’t have a General Manager in time for the deadline when teams have to submit their protected player rosters before the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion draft on Dec. 6.
Here’s something I’m thinking about. Since we don’t know what Winger plans on doing with the Mystics from a personnel perspective, perhaps he should be the General Manager. It’s one thing for roles to not be filled. But when there isn’t any rumbling of whom the Mystics could be interviewing, I’m starting to feel that this may be a realistic option as well.
Right now, Winger is the de facto General Manager and at the end of the day, he gets to set the vision for Monumental Basketball.
If he truly intends on deconstructing the Mystics’ roster and building through the draft like the Washington Wizards have, hopefully he is able to construct trades that will give the team some value. After all, many teams will be doing the same thing in 2026 given the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Since he’s not a WNBA scout by trade, he could get that talent by outside hires.
Of course, the Mystics could also name a General Manager today right before Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t seem likely.
Let us know if you’re open to seeing Winger be both Monumental Basketball’s President AND the Washington Mystics General Manager in the comments below.