Atlanta will now have the first choice for only the second time in the franchise history and is probably targeting Rhyne Howard. The Kentucky wing has established itself as the best player in this category, thanks to its size, its athletic character and its ability to influence the game on both sides of the ball. Other top prospects include Baylor striker NaLyssa Smith and Ole Miss, the great Shakira Austin. These three seem to have separated from the rest of the group and then there are no guarantees. Although this is widely regarded as a deep draft, there is not a ton of separation between many of the players, which will make the night of the draft interesting. In view of Monday’s WNBA draft, see how the first round could go with our last McDraft. We remind you that this takes into account individual talent, team needs and application. For better matches and features for each team, go here. Select the checkbox to confirm that you want to sign up.
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Atlanta Dream: Rhyne Howard – G, Kentucky
Howard, who recently became the ninth player to win three First Team All-American awards, has long been established as the best player in this category. He scores on all three levels, has a real impact on the defensive edge and has the size and athleticism to easily adapt to the WNBA. Dream did an overproduction to move up to No. 1 and Howard is the type of player worthy of the award.
2. Indiana Fever: NaLyssa Smith – F, Baylor
This has been a two-player game at the top of the draft for some time now, and with Howard off the board, Fever will happily take on Smith, who was one of five players in the country with an average of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. the season. She is an incredible athlete who excels in the transition, a strong rebounder and defender and an effective final in the basket. She has real star potential, especially if she continues to improve her attacking game.
3. Washington Mystics: Shakira Austin – F / C, Ole Miss
The Mystics were the surprise winners of the lottery and then in an even bigger surprise, they exchanged the No. 1 choice with the Dream. So who can they target lower? Shakira Austin is a possible choice, as she could use some depth on the front court, and the 6-foot-5 big by Ole Miss undoubtedly has so many positives with anyone in this category. She is a strong defender, she moves fluidly for her size and she has some interesting abilities at the offensive end with her ability to face and put the ball in the deck.
4. Indiana Fever: Kierstan Bell – G / F, Gulf Coast
After taking Smith, it makes sense for the Fever to turn to the perimeter with their second lottery choice. At 6-1, Bell is the type of big, athletic wing you need to build a winning team in the modern game. She was one of the top scorers in the country (her 23.5 points per game would have placed her in fourth place if she had not lost time due to a knee injury), she breaks the glass for her size and should be able to play many positions. Watch if she can improve her 3 point shots.
5. New York Liberty: Emily Engstler – F, Louisville
Engstler was transferred to Louisville in part because she wanted to play for a program that would prepare her for the next level. This decision has paid off significantly as she uploaded the drafts, thanks to her flexibility and her relentless work ethic. He has averaged 4.5 shares (steals plus blocks) this season, will be able to hold many positions in the next level, shoot well from the outside and does not need the ball. In short, it fits in perfectly with Liberty.
6. Indiana Fever: Nyara Sabally – F / C, Oregon
Nyara Sabally, the younger sister of Dallas Wings striker Satou Sabally, has a brutal history of injuries highlighted by multiple ACL cracks in her right knee. But as a big 6.5 foot that can hit the color and is mobile enough to move around the perimeter, it is a clear talent in the first round. Its good, if it stays healthy, is worth the risk for a rebuilding Fever team that needs all the help it can get and has four options in the top-10.
7. Dallas Wings: Rae Burrell – G / F, Tennessee
Burrell was awesome as a junior, but her share fell after a disappointing season marred by a knee injury and some extremely ineffective scores. The potential as a wing scorer is obvious, however, and she did her best game of the season in Sweet 16 against a Louisville team with several future professionals. Dallas needs a wing that can help shed some of the offensive pressure from Arike Ogunbowale, and Burrell’s rise makes it worth a look.
8. Las Vegas Aces: Destanni Henderson – G, South Carolina
On Sunday, the Aces traded their first and second round selections in 2023 with the Lynx for selections No. 8 and 13 on Monday night. In a similar move earlier in the week, they resigned from Destiny Slocum, suggesting they could aim for a rear-field perspective to replace it. Assuming this is the case, could this be a landing spot for Destanni Henderson? The South Carolina guard played in the first round with an incredible performance in the NCAA National Championship game and her defense, playmaking and 3-point shot would make her fit. And if you want to connect a few dots, Gamecock colleague A’ja Wilson is likely to suggest a strong recommendation.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: Christyn Williams – G, UConn
With a huge logjam in the front, the Sparks clearly need some help on the perimeter and Williams could be a better fit. She fought consistently in college, but was once the top recruiter in her class and there is no doubt about her talent. Her 3-point shot was fine, but she was an effective scorer inside the arc due to her size and athletic ability. The last aspects also help her in the defensive end, something that will be appreciated by coach Derek Fisher.
10. Indiana Fever: Nia Clauden – G, Michigan
There are some conflicting views on where Clauden can go, in part because she is only 5 feet tall. But given her speed and ability to make plans for herself and others, she deserves a belated choice in the first round. Only six other players in the country scored at least 20 points and four assists per game last season, and none of them shot better than Clauden from the three-pointer (39.6 percent).
11. Las Vegas Aces: Elissa Cunane – C, NC State
With Liz Cambage out of season, the Aces need some depth on the front pitch and could look to Cunane. The three-time Pan American has to improve her physical condition, but she is capable, she can go up and down the floor and she has shown some promise as a threat of 3 points in limited efforts – 41.9 percent in one effort per game as a senior. It could finally be suitable for the most modern style of the new coach Becky Hammon.
12. Connecticut Sun: Veronica Burton, Northwestern
The Sun probably do not have much playing time for any rookies this season, but after Briann January left the free agent, it would make sense to look for some extra depth in the backcourt – in particular, defensive guards. No one fits this bill better than Burton, who has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year three times during her tenure at Northwestern.
