Former Arizona forward Sam Thomas makes Phoenix Mercury’s final roster

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty ImagesSometimes getting passed over in the draft isn’t the worst thing. At least, that’s true in most leagues. In the WNBA, with just 144 positions available, it can seem like a death knell to not get your name called on draft day. Even many first-round draft picks don’t make a team.

For Sam Thomas, it didn’t matter. She had someone in her corner helping to find a good situation.

“I was Agent Barnes for the last couple weeks,” Arizona head coach Adia Barnes said after the draft. “It’s actually fun because most of my friends are like coaches or GM. So I was hoping there was a chance to possibly go to the third round, and I was trying to rally for it, but I…