Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Eva Nemcova Starter/Star (1.10) 29.8 High (1.20) 11.1 3.7 1.6 1.7 47.89 Cleveland leaned on Nemcova as its primary floor spacer after Isabelle Fijalkowski remained overseas, and opposing defenses regularly chased her around the arc. Even as the club struggled, independent game coverage highlighted her ability to keep the offense functional with timely perimeter scoring and disciplined off-ball movement. (The Washington Post) None
Merlakia Jones Key Contributor (1.05) 26.7 High (1.20) 10.8 3.8 1.6 1.5 44.65 Jones evolved into Cleveland’s most aggressive downhill scorer, attacking the rim instead of settling for jumpers. Early-season reporting spotlighted her career-high 24-point effort against Detroit, reinforcing the growing trust she earned as the offense searched for consistent shot creation. (The Washington Post) None
Chasity Melvin Key Contributor (1.05) 22.2 Medium (1.10) 8.1 4.0 1.2 1.3 33.26 The rookie forward quietly became one of Cleveland’s most dependable interior pieces, bringing activity on both ends rather than demanding touches. Game reports frequently praised her rebounding instincts and willingness to battle veteran frontcourts despite her limited professional experience. (Wikipedia) WNBA All-Rookie Team (1999)
Michelle Edwards Starter/Star (1.10) 24.0 Medium (1.10) 7.6 2.3 2.6 1.1 32.91 Edwards filled the secondary playmaking role, often creating offense late in possessions when Cleveland’s sets stalled. While her efficiency dipped, local coverage continued to emphasize her importance as one of the few guards comfortable attacking defenders off the dribble. (Wikipedia) None
Suzie McConnell Serio Starter/Star (1.10) 28.4 Medium (1.10) 6.0 2.4 4.2 0.7 32.19 A foot injury interrupted what was expected to be another season directing the offense, forcing Cleveland to adjust throughout the summer. When available, her passing and leadership remained central, but preseason reporting made clear the club never fully recovered from the early absences of several starters. (The Washington Post) None
Alisa Burras Starter/Star (1.10) 18.2 Medium (1.10) 7.5 4.0 0.5 0.8 30.25 Burras supplied efficient interior minutes without needing designed plays, finishing around the basket and cleaning the glass. Independent game coverage increasingly identified the rookie as a bright spot during a difficult rebuilding campaign because of her steady effort and physical presence. (Wikipedia) WNBA All-Rookie Team (1999)
Janice Braxton Key Contributor (1.05) 18.3 Low (1.00) 5.8 4.3 1.3 1.2 26.46 Although retirement plans changed before the season, Braxton shifted into a reduced veteran role that emphasized mentoring younger post players and providing dependable minutes off the bench. Her experience helped stabilize a roster that underwent major turnover. (The Washington Post) None
Rushia Brown Bench (1.00) 14.5 Low (1.00) 4.4 2.9 0.7 0.9 17.80 Brown’s assignments centered on rebounding, interior defense and bringing energy against opposing reserve bigs. Independent season-specific reporting was limited, but game coverage consistently reflected her value as a physical frontcourt option rather than a featured scorer. (Wikipedia) None
Jamila Wideman Bench (1.00) 15.4 Low (1.00) 2.2 1.3 2.0 0.8 12.60 Wideman handled backup point guard duties after arriving via trade, focusing on ball movement and perimeter defense instead of offensive volume. Contemporary coverage of her individual season was limited outside roster and transaction reporting. (Wikipedia) None
Tracy Henderson Bench (1.00) 11.4 Low (1.00) 2.6 2.9 0.3 1.0 13.60 Henderson filled a depth role in the frontcourt, providing size and rebounding whenever Cleveland needed another interior body. Independent coverage of her rookie campaign remained sparse beyond routine game stories. (Wikipedia) None
Mery Andrade Bench (1.00) 11.4 Low (1.00) 2.2 1.6 1.5 0.7 12.00 Andrade brought defensive activity and versatility to the second unit, often guarding multiple positions in short stretches. Contemporary independent reporting rarely focused on her individually, reflecting her role as a rotational specialist. (Wikipedia) None
Tricia Bader Binford Bench (1.00) 8.0 Low (1.00) 0.6 1.2 1.2 0.3 6.60 Binford saw brief reserve opportunities as Cleveland searched for consistent guard depth. Independent season coverage was minimal, with only passing mentions outside standard game reports. (Wikipedia) None
Vanessa Nygaard Bench (1.00) 5.0 Low (1.00) 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.5 5.20 Nygaard appeared only in limited minutes, giving the coaching staff another perimeter option while adapting to the professional game. Independent reporting on her short stint was very limited. (Wikipedia) None
Kellie Jolly Harper Bench (1.00) 4.0 Low (1.00) 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 2.00 Harper’s lone appearance came in a depth role during a season marked by roster instability. Independent contemporary coverage did not meaningfully discuss her on-court contribution beyond transaction records. (Wikipedia) None
Jennifer Howard Bench (1.00) 3.8 Low (1.00) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 Howard appeared briefly before being traded during the season as Cleveland reshaped its backcourt. Independent reporting focused on the roster move rather than her limited playing time. (Wikipedia) None
Team Totals — 261.5 — 69.7 32.7 21.0 11.7 317.43 After reaching the WNBA semifinals a year earlier, injuries, overseas absences and roster turnover reshaped Cleveland’s identity. The Rockers leaned on emerging contributors such as Merlakia Jones and Chasity Melvin, but the disrupted lineup never regained the continuity that had defined the previous season. None