At the start of the New Year, the Phoenix Mercury brought back Natasha Mack on a training camp contract. As training camp started on Sunday, the forward is extremely eager for what's to come.

On Tuesday, she spoke with reporters and explained her feelings about this year's Mercury squad.

“It's very competitive because it's a brand new team, so it's a lot of spots open,” Mack said. “I only signed a training camp contract, but I'm having fun, so it's a learning experience.

“I'm playing with some of the greatest people (and) Hall of Famers. It's not totally new.”

Last season, Mack played alongside Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Those two are some of the greatest the league has ever seen. With Taurasi retiring and Griner now with the Atlanta Dream, there isn't a clear spot open at the center position.

Despite the team bringing in Kalani Brown, there has been a hard yet respectable fight for the starting spot.

Luckily for Mack, she's in pristine physical condition. With her overseas team in Spain, they play similarly to head coach Nate Tibbetts's offensive scheme.

It's very much a pace and space, and push the ball in transition offense. On a fastbreak, the team doesn't want to have to slow down and create a play. They want something on the fly.

Mack talked about that, and shared some of the comparisons between the 2024 and 2025 Mercury squads.

“Compared to last year's a lot faster, but like I said, in Spain, he played the same way he wants to play up and down, up and down. Like, don't call plays unless you have to, like just run.”

Mercury's Natasha Mack is embracing the uncertainty

Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) reaches for the ball against LA Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) and guard Layshia Clarendon (25) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As mentioned earlier, her and Brown are fighting for that center spot. Both players have similar games, with being post-centric and operating around the basket.

For Mack, she's embraced her Spain team and used those memories into Phoenix's training camp. Playing alongside Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally makes it a field day for the forward.

She can run the floor and be wide open, thanks to the attention those three create.

Luckily for Tibbetts and the rest of the coaching staff, she has familiarity with the organization. Mack understands the coaching philosophy, as well as what is expected.

Related Phoenix Mercury NewsArticle continues below
Kahleah Copper in street clothes with hearts around her, and medical signs, as well as Phoenix Mercury forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas.
Mercury’s Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas guarantees on Kahleah Copper injury
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts celebrates with forward Satou Sabally (0) and Sami Whitcomb (33) during the Mercury home opener against the Seattle Storm in the PHX Arena in Phoenix on May 17, 2025.
Satou Sabally reveals Brittney Griner call that motivated historic Mercury debut
Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas in Mercury jerseys looking hyped, and giving each other a high-five with a background of the Mercury's home arena (PHX arena)
Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally’s historic start fuels new era for Mercury

The head coach even shared on Monday about her being more of a leader on the floor.

Regardless of what happens, Mack is confident in whatever outcome there is.

“I've been through this before,” Mack said. “This is not my first rodeo, and so if they don't believe in me, somebody out there believes in me. Whether it's in the W overseas… somebody.”

How can Natasha Mack secure a roster spot?

Judging from the first three days of training camp, she's done a masterful job. In an offense with Copper, Sabally, and Thomas, she'll do the little things.

After all, Mack embraced the cleanup role with the Mercury last season. She could surely be in that position again. Not to mention, the defensive intensity will skyrocket.

That's also been a major point of emphasis the past three days.

Pairing Mack with Thomas can give a full-send for the defensive pressure, both on the perimeter and in the paint.

The former Oklahoma State forward played in all 40 games last season. Her durability is a major sigh of relief, especially considering her play style.

In eight of her 11 starts, she grabbed six or more rebounds. Mack made a statement replacing Brittney Griner when she had a foot injury to begin the 2024 season.

Her consistency, familiarity, and her knowledge of the system might be some of the reasons she makes the final Mercury roster.