After she was waived by the New York Liberty, what should the Washington Mystics expect from Betnijah Laney-Hamilton?

The Washington Mystics have added veteran forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton to their roster following her release from the New York Liberty, offering a potential boost both on and off the court as the team pushes toward the WNBA playoffs. Currently positioned eighth with a 19-14 record, the Mystics have secured a significant lead over the nearest playoff contenders but still face challenges in solidifying their postseason status.

Laney-Hamilton’s arrival comes after a notable decline in her role with the Liberty under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. Once a reliable starter and consistent contributor during the Brooklyn era under Sandy Brondello, Laney-Hamilton’s performance this season has been hampered by lingering effects from a meniscus injury that sidelined her for the entire 2025 campaign. At 11 years into her professional career, and with multiple seasons impacted by injury, her recent shooting efficiency has dipped considerably.

In 17 games this season for New York, Laney-Hamilton struggled particularly from beyond the arc, shooting just 24 percent on three-pointers, a stark contrast to her previous reputation as a dependable floor spacer. Her assist-to-turnover ratio also regressed, indicating difficulties adapting to the Liberty's offensive schemes. These factors contributed to the Liberty’s decision to waive her despite the team’s strong 21-14 record and ongoing playoff ambitions.

For the Mystics, Laney-Hamilton represents more than just her on-court output. Washington’s roster, one of the youngest in the league, lacks extensive playoff experience. Prior to Laney-Hamilton’s acquisition, only Shakira Austin and Michaela Onyenwere had tasted postseason play, both exiting in the first round. Laney-Hamilton brings the distinction of being a 2024 WNBA champion and the only player on the Mystics’ current lineup to have advanced beyond the initial playoff stage, offering invaluable leadership and composure under pressure.

Her presence is expected to enhance the Mystics’ locker room dynamics, providing mentorship for emerging talents navigating their first postseason campaigns. This intangible contribution could prove critical as the team prepares for the heightened intensity of playoff basketball.

On the court, Laney-Hamilton’s role remains flexible. If she regains her three-point shooting touch, she is likely to absorb minutes previously shared by rookies Angela Dugalić and Cassandre Prosper, providing the Mystics with much-needed perimeter scoring. Early signs have been cautiously optimistic; in her first two games with Washington, she made 3 of 5 three-point attempts and posted positive plus/minus ratings in matchups against the league-leading Las Vegas Aces.

However, the extent of her offensive impact will depend largely on her ability to find consistency and rhythm in Washington’s system. The Mystics’ offense could benefit significantly if Laney-Hamilton reclaims her earlier form, as shooting remains a vital area of improvement for the team.

Defensively, her physicality and experience add depth to an already solid Mystics unit. Yet, it is her scoring and veteran savvy that hold the greatest potential to influence the season’s final stretch.

While uncertainties persist about whether Laney-Hamilton can fully regain her peak performance, her acquisition off waivers represents a strategic move by Washington to strengthen their playoff readiness. Such a seasoned presence is rarely available so late in the season and could provide the Mystics with a competitive edge as the gap between top-tier and lower-ranked teams widens.

Details about how the Mystics will integrate Laney-Hamilton into their rotation and her long-term role remain limited. Nonetheless, her blend of championship experience and professional resilience signals a meaningful addition for a team eager to navigate the challenges of the postseason with greater confidence and depth.