Mercury's Copper out 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper will miss about four-to-six weeks following arthroscopic surgery on her left knee, the team announced Saturday.
Copper played in Phoenix's first preseason game against the Las Vegas Aces earlier in May but didn't participate in practices over the final week of training camp, Ben Pickman of The Athletic reports.
The 30-year-old averaged 21.1 points per game last season, ranking third in the league. Copper also contributed 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 37 regular-season contests to earn her fourth consecutive All-Star nod.
The 2021 Finals MVP was to become Phoenix's leader after the retirement of franchise legend Diana Taurasi and the departure of longtime center Brittney Griner, who signed with the Atlanta Dream in the offseason.
Phoenix finished seventh last campaign with a 19-21 record before losing to the Minnesota Lynx in Round 1.
The Mercury open their 2025 season Saturday night against the Seattle Storm.