From New York to Washington, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s veteran impact is on full display. And Washington Mystics rookie Cotie McMahon didn’t miss it.

“Honestly, she came in as if this is her squad. She's adjusting really well. She's a vet. So the IQ's already there,” said McMahon, per Washington Wizards and Mystics beat reporter Jarrett Spence on X. “She's a great addition. We definitely love having her, and it's only been a couple of days.”

It’s been only four days since the Mystics claimed Hamilton after the NY Liberty waived her and signed Marine Fauthoux to a multi-year contract. The 6’0 guard dressed up for the Mystics against the Las Vegas Aces on August 11.

Though Washington suffered an 86-76 upset by the Aces, Hamilton logged in for 14 minutes, scored 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her stats don't tell the full story yet, but her locker-room presence does.

“I would say, honestly, she is just instilling even more confidence in me,” McMahon added to the same segment. “She's gotten on me multiple times to shoot the ball when I'm open, and just certain things like that.”

And McMahon is certainly not the only player who felt Hamilton’s impact.

Kiki Iriafen’s Candid Take On Betnijah Laney-Hamilton

In her first season with the Liberty (2021), Hamilton averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists, a little less than the 17.2PPG she averaged with the Atlanta Dream a season before.

However, her production dropped to 4.7 PPG as she spent more time on the bench in 2026. But her veteran presence is still invaluable to a young Mystics roster.

“She got here today, and you could already hear her,” Iriafen said of Hamilton in a postgame conference, following the Mystics’ recent 95-75 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, per The Ballers Magazine. “She has great advice and great feedback for us.”

“As a young team… having someone who has championship experience and knows what it takes to really make a final push in the playoffs, I think, is really important,” Iriafen added.

Hamilton won a championship with the Liberty in 2024. Now, she aims to guide the Mystics, who are currently ranked 6th with a 19- 13 record.

How much do you think she’ll be able to? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy