WNBA Draft Breakdown & Grades

Maybe the second highest anticipated WNBA Draft is now in the books. Second highest because last year's featured just unbelievable talent, not to mention one of the more highly-touted players in recent college basketball history as well- that being Caitlin Clark. But this new crop of rookies should be as exciting as last year, and most will have immediate impact for their new clubs and definitely improve them. So lets go team by team, pick by pick and round by round and see how each team stack up to each other with their picks and give them grades.

Dallas Wings

R1, P1: G, Paige Bueckers, UConn

R1, P12: G, Aziaha James, NC State

R2, P14: G, Madison Scott, Ole Miss

R3, P26: G, JJ Quinerly, W. Virginia

R3, P30: C, Aaronette Vonleh, Baylor

Grade: B+

Obviously when you're able to select one of the most prolific players in NCAA history, you would think "slam dunk" right? Yes, the Paige Buckets pick was the obvious choice and is an A+, but this team is mostly made up of guards. Yes, there will be a filtering out process in which some ladies will not make the team, but when you add Bueckers to a team that already features Arike Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, McKenzie Forbes, Kaila Charles, plus- you add fellow draftees who make up three guard spots as well, Dallas will have some fun not only seeing who makes the cut, but spreading around minutes. James and Scott also made fairly deep runs in the NCAA tournament and all these rookies are capable of playing big minutes if needed. Question for some of the vets is- should they be looking over their shoulders?

The grade given may be unpopular, but again when it comes to overall roster construction, where will all these guards fit. But we do know one thing, it starts with Paige and you build from there.

Seattle Storm

R1, P2: F/C, Dominique Malonga, France

R3, P25, G, Serena Sundell, Kansas St.

R3, P28: G, Madison Conner, TCU

R3, P33: G, Jordan Hobbs, Michigan

Grade: B

Coming into the draft, Malonga's nickname was "The Female Wemby" meaning obviously- her fellow countryman, Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs. Now when you're compared to Wemby, something is going well for you. Also, when you are 6-6 and can shoot the mid-range, that's also a good thing heading into a draft. She adds much needed length and the ability to spread the floor for guard Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike. Malonga is also a pretty talented passer for her size, and also based on what we saw winning a silver medal in last summer's Olympics. It was a little shocking that Serena Sundell fell to the third round, but lucky for Seattle that she did. Sundell was a very good three-and-d player for Kansas State for basically her whole time there- but we especially saw it in the Wildcat's run in this year's tourney. She has great size for a guard and the defensive prowess that the Storm needs to kick-start fast breaks with the speedy Diggins-Smith.

But much like the Wings, they have a whole lot of guards with perhaps very little space to keep them.

Washington Mystics

R1, P3: G, Sonia Citron, Notre Dame

R1, P4: F, Kiki Iriafen, USC

R1, P6: G, Georgia Amoore, Kentucky

R2, P23: G, Lucy Olsen, Iowa

R3, P31: G, Zaay Green, Alabama

Grade: A

The Washington Mystics are finally reaping the benefits of struggling the last couple of seasons- and that's not knocking them at all. They've stock piled picks and now are able to stock-pile good, young talent. Almost a complete overhaul of their roster, only left with some young and bright futures. Center Stephanie Dolson (11 years) and guard Brittney Sykes (8 years) are the most tenured players on the roster, everyone else only has 3 years or less experience. Sonia Citron out of Notre Dame is another well-sized guard that can be their 3-and-D. She can also guard a multitude of positions and help stretch the floor on offense. Kiki Iriafen from USC is exactly what the Mystics needed to compliment the powerful Aaliayah Edwards. If Washington were to play them at the same time, and there is no reason why they wouldn't, look out opposing offenses and defenses. Kiki can also stretch the floor, create her own shot for a taller player and be a rim protector along-side the 6-5 Dolson. From the taller players on the floor to one of the smallest- Georgia Amoore. Quick, elusive and fierce- Amoore doesn't let her size affect the tenacity she plays with coming out of Alabama, and Virginia Tech before that. At only 5-8, Amoore has a lethal floater game as well as shooting from the elbow. During the NCAA tourney, we saw how she can split the D, sneak through and punish defenses. What can be considered a "sleeper" pick was a very good pick- Lucy Olsen out of Iowa. Olsen led the Big-10 in assists and is also lethal at the mid-range. During her last season at Villanova before transferring to Iowa, she was third in the nation in scoring. Then her last and senior season at Iowa, with a new team/coaches/system, she managed to average 15 points per game and lead Iowa to a second round appearance in March Madness.

The Washington Mystics are going to be a young, fun, exciting team to watch for years to come. Their record may not reflect that right away, but make no mistake- in a few short years they will be the talk of the league.

Golden State Valkyries

R1, P5: F, Juste Jocyte, Lithuania

R2, P17: G, Shyanne Sellers, Maryland

R3, P29: G, Kaitlyn Chen, UConn

Grade: C

It's always interesting to see a brand new expansion team entering the conversation. But the questions always arise- Will they be any good? How will the fans embrace a new team in that location? Etc, etc. Well, the fans in the Bay area are used to winning and have been spoiled by what the Warriors have done over the last decade or so. But please be patient with the Valkyries. It's very awesome in itself that the W is expanding with Golden State this year and Toronto next. With that said, it seems that their expansion draft was a tad bit better than their main draft. With the additions of Temi Fagbenle from Indiana, Tiffany Hayes and Kate Martin from Vegas, Julie Vanloo from Washington and Stephanie Talbot from LA- they're beginning the season with a pretty decent roster. When Jocyte's name was announced at the draft, it seemed like a collective quiet fell over the audience, as if to say everyone was shocked by the pick. But the "Lithuanian assassin" will probably win the hearts of Bay area fans soon enough as she is very dynamic. Another "shock" was Shyanne Sellers falling to the middle of the second round, but GS was lucky that she did because she had stellar seasons at Maryland, and being a 6-2 guard, she can really cut through the teeth of the defense. Now this may be a unpopular opinion, but, it almost seems like the Kaitlyn Chen pick was almost a publicity stunt just to ensure all the eligible UConn players at the draft, were drafted. And all power to her if she is able to make this roster or another one down the road.

Overall, like stated earlier, have some patience with this new team. With nuts and bolts coming from all different directions in the offseason, it will take some time to piece it all together, but they do have the talent to do it.

Connecticut Sun

R1, P7: F, Aneesah Morrow, LSU

R1, P8: G, Saniya Rivers, NC State

R2, P25: F/C, Rayah Marshall, USC

Grade: B-

The Connecticut Sun were in almost the same position before the draft as the Washington Mystics- in that they completely overhauled their roster, shipped out bad/expiring contracts- like veteran and possible future hall-of-famer, Alyssa Thomas- and building around young talent. Plus, brining in savvy and 13-year vet, Tina Charles from Atlanta. Diamond DeShields is also a craft guard that can create her own shot and get to the rim. The one question among current players is what will happen to Marina Mabrey. She was traded from Chicago mid-season last year and had asked for a trade earlier this offseason. Mabrey is another crafty guard that can shoot from anywhere and draw some fouls. Bringing in Aneesah Morrow will greatly impact this team defensively, and obviously on the offensive side when it comes to second-chance points because she eats rebounds all three meals a day. She led the SEC in rebounding last year at almost 12.5, with a quarter of those being offensive. Oh yeah, and she averaged over 20 PPG. Rivers just adds that craftiness to an already crafty guard room. Not to mention she can facilitate very well when scoring is not needed from her.

Connecticut won't be put on the same pedestal as perhaps a Washington just yet, but they are close. Again, seeing where this team goes depends on what Mabrey does, and how this crop of rookies fit in to an already very young team.

Los Angeles Sparks

R1, P9: G, Sarah Ashlee Barker, Alabama

R2, P21: F, Sania Feagin, South Carolina

R2, P27: G, Liatu King, Notre Dame

Grade: C

Los Angeles' draft at first glimpse perhaps seems a little underwhelming, minus their first-round pick, Sarah Ashlee Barker out of Alabama. Barker was a super dynamic player in her 5 college seasons, including an outstanding 45-point performance in the NCAA tournament that unfortunately wound up in a loss in double overtime. Nonetheless, she joins an elite backcourt partner in the newly acquired Kelsey Plum from Vegas, Rae Burrell [who's more of a forward] but can handle herself at the guard position and we saw what she can do in the Unrivaled league. And both dynamic forwards in Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson. Not to mention the 6-4 bombshell in the middle, Cameron Brink. Brink is coming off a knee injury and surgery so we will see if she'll be ready to go at the start of the season. With the quickness, elusiveness and facilitating aspect of Plum's game, Barker is put in the perfect position to be an off-ball two guard. But she can also can give the Sparks that three-and-d aspect they've been missing, Plum also gives you that. Feagin, it appeared, always got lost in the shuffle on very good South Carolina teams where by just looking at the final score of their games, it was a coin toss on who performed the best that night because they all did wonderful things. King perhaps may be on the bubble of making this team because they are so deep at guard.

The Sparks are looking for Barker to give them that...ready for it...Spark to come in and help a very talented young team mixed with some still-in-their-prime vets to get LA back to glory.

Chicago Sky

R1, P10: F, Ajsa Sivka, Slovenia

R1, P11: G, Hailey Van Lith, TCU

R2, P16: F, Maddy Westbeld, Notre Dame

R2, P22: G, Aicha Coulibaly, Texas A&M

Grade: B

A very talented player from overseas in Slovenia, Sivka has worked with fellow countryman, Luka Doncic. But don't expect Luka's moves, but maybe more the "no one can guard me" mentality instead. At 6-4, she will definitely help Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso spread the floor. Imagine being an offense if/when those three were to be playing at the same time. Eek. Speaking of Angel Reese, she gets to run it back with former teammate at LSU, Hailey Van Lith. Van Lith is coming off 5 very impressive college seasons with three different programs. She was also able to lead those schools to Elite 8 appearances. There's no hiding her fierceness and tenacity that she plays and leads with. At only 5-9, Van Lith is always finding herself making layups or at the free throw line because she is so elusive and quick. Plus her playmaking ability mixed in with dishing dimes to teammates is another key facet to her game that is maybe always underlooked, until now.

Chicago had to deal with minor drama this offseason with letting go of their head coach and troubles guard Chennedy Carter. But they did bring in assist queen Courtney Vandersloot, fresh off a championship run with New York and nice additions in Rebecca Allen and Kia Nurse. This team will need to mature fast if they want to find themselves in the postseason again.

Las Vegas Aces

R2, P13: G/F, Aaliyah Nye, Alabama

R3, P34: G, Harmoni Turner, Harvard

Grade: C+

Hard to judge a team with only two draft selections, but- they were right around average/middle of the pack. This offseason saw a lot of roster turnover for the Aces, at least more than recent years. But a couple things are for certain that you can depend on- Multiple MVP winner A'ja Wilson, a very good backcourt, even with the loss of Kelsey Plum, in Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and newly acquired Jewell Lloyd from Seattle. Not to mention, Becky Hammon at the helm. This was the most draft picks Alabama has seen get drafted in a single year (3), and Vegas got a good one in Nye. According to her now former Crimson Tide teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker, she's "the best shooter in the country", and Vegas was actually quite lucky she fell all the way to the second round. She's listed at 6-foot, but can stretch the floor by even playing some time at the three. Of course, on a team with probably three future hall-of-famers at the guard position, that playing time might be hard to come by. So here's to hoping she sees more of the forward position with the Aces.

Las Vegas had just won back-to-back titles before New York won it this last year, and they still can be in that championship window, especially with A'ja Wilson on your roster. They also need fellow bigs like Megan Gustofson and [hopefully healthy] Elizabeth Kitley to really step up this year. Nye can be a very good piece off the bench to compliment and spell the other guards, as for Turner, it might be hard to find a spot with their already potent names at guard.

Minnesota Lynx

R2, P15: F, Anastasiia Olairi, Russia

R2, P24: F, Dalayah Daniels, Washington

R3, P36: F, Aubrey Griffin, UConn

Grade: C-

The old cliche is that teams can find value anywhere, and for the Minnesota Lynx, they are really hoping that is true. Hard to gauge how their picks this year will turn out as their first pick didn't come until the top of the second round. Kosu is a undersized forward at 6-1, but appears to have the skills to create her own shot and get to the charity stripe. On the flip side, Dalayah Daniels is a very sturdy forward at 6-4, can crash the boards and help create second-chance opportunities. She is also very efficient from the floor shooting at a 47% clip for her entire college career. Much like the Golden State Valkyries, it appears that Griffin was too chosen to give UConn the clean sweep in draft-able players, as both her and Chen were there more to support Bueckers. But nonetheless, she was drafted and has a chance to perhaps make a roster that went to the Finals last season and is still in that window. She ironically was the only Lynx draftee to be at the ceremony physically.

Again, this team could be poised for another deep-season run. A roster that is made up of Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Bridget Carlton, Alanna Smith and Unrivaled League legend Natisha Hiedeman, plus key complimentary players in Dorka Juhasz, Kayla McBride and newly acquired Karlie Samuelson- this team can do some great things. So it will be interesting to see where these rookies fit into a championship caliber squad.

Atlanta Dream

R2, P18: G, Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina

R3, P35: F, Taylor Thierry, Ohio State

Grade: C

As stated with other teams in this draft, almost hard to give them a fair grade having only two picks, and in the case for Atlanta, in the second and third rounds. But, it was a bit shocking that Paopao fell to the Dream in the second, but this could be considered a steal for them. PaoPao will most likely be coming off the bench for them, but only because you have Allisha Gray and Ryne Howard in front of you. But, Paopao does have a lot of experience being the sixth women, as she came in off the bench many times during her years at South Carolina. Although she didn't pile up too many assists, she was still great at facilitating and getting her off-ball teammates involved. And that too is probably where her strength will be, being an off-ball guard. Taylor Thierry played in a very good Big-10 conference last year with the Buckeyes. And she potentially could be a walking double-double if that rother hadn't been that talented to where more minutes could be had. But, given the right circumstance, she could very well get you 10 and 10 on a nightly basis. But much like in college, will the minutes be there for her.

Atlanta has a very talented backcourt in Gray and Howard, plus the big addition of Brittney Griner- The Dream could shock some people and make a postseason push. Nia Coffey and Brionna Jones are also good pieces to try and help fill some holes the team lost in the offseason.

Indiana Fever

R2, P19: F, Makayla Timpson, Florida State

R2, P20: G, Bree Hall, South Carolina

R3, P32: F, Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga

Grade: C-

There really isn't much the Fever could have done in this draft to add to an already stacked roster. Indiana is very obviously making moves to win now, but this draft might not see the fruits of that labor like last year's draft did. Timpson and Hall are very good players and could possibly provide an impact but will probably be sitting at the end of the bench until a blowout happens. Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark are your three pillars in which this team is building. And building they did. With offseason acquisitions like Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, DeWanna Bonner and Sydney Colson- plus mix in a little Lexie Hull and Damiris Dantas- this Fever team is built to last.

Although we may not see much of the rookies for the Fever much, they were still good picks that could payoff in the future- whether it be for them or another team. With all of the veteran talent and leadership they brought in, it will be tough for the rookies to see the floor but will hopefully gain valuable experience for down the road.

New York Liberty

R3, P37: F, Adja Kane, France

Grade: F???

And with the last and final pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft... is it fair to give the reining champs that low of a grade? Depends on how you look at who they chose, Kane is a very lengthy forward at 6-3, and she gobbles up rebounds like no body's business. Although this might be an interesting pick, Kane does have a chance to run the floor with future hall-of-famers in Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. The Liberty are very small at the forward and center positions, when Jonquel Jones needs a breather- the Liberty could play small with Kane at the 4 or 5, but let's see what happens in training camp.

The Liberty are obviously coming off their first championship in team history, and it will be tough for them if they want to repeat. They do lack depth even with a very strong starting five. You can make magic when you have Sabrina and Stewy, but how long will that magic last for the Liberty to be standing alone again at the end of the season.

Phoenix Mercury

No Picks

Grade: N/A

While the Mercury had no draft picks this year- they get no grade. But, their offseason grade would be an F. They had what seems like a 99% overhaul of their roster as, the Goat, Diana Taurasi retired; Sophie Cunningham was sent to Indiana; Brittney Griner went to Atlanta and Natasha Cloud is in New York. Some notable names left/acquired are Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. This might be the complete opposite season for Phoenix in terms of their standing this next season.

For as low as some of the draft grades may seem, this draft overall will be an A+. There is so much talent spread across the W in terms of young talent getting spread across these teams. Everyone will compare all drafts going forward to the one in 2024- and we all know why...or who. But don't be mistaken, this draft will hit like last year's just as long as all players are celebrated instead of always being pinned against each other. This will be another fun year for the W!

BTW- bring a team to Denver!