#1 WNBA Draft Pick: A'Ja or Gabby or Someone Else?

[Orangutan]

I'd love to see Seattle trade Jewell Loyd for the right to get Gabby at No. 2. She's streaky, doesn't move well without the ball, is not a team player, nor a very good defender. The next time I see her set a screen for a teammate will be the first time. She wants to play like Kobe, but she doesn't have the skills for that.

If that's such a slam-dunk trade for Seattle, why would Indiana ever agree to it?

I love how you spend the whole post trashing Loyd and then you still think she's good enough to be traded for the #2 pick in a strong draft.

 

[Orangutan]

Gabby Williams is the female Kawhi Leonard, I think she will be a nice wing prospect at the next level. Call her an undersized post, but she can and has guarded and shut down all 5 positions on the floor, unlike players like Davis who played post at Baylor but could't guard smaller players, or Thomas at FSU who can't guard smaller players, Gabby has. I think Gabby will be a top defensive player in the WNBA from day one. Indy could use her but they might let Dupree and run the team next year, and she would get compared to Catchings, things like that could slow down her star potential. Gabby also plays with a little Nasty in her game, so she'll play hard no matter where a coach puts her.

The difference is that Kawhi is a career 39% shooter from 3. Gabby is not a 3-pt. shooter at all.

Other than that, it is a pretty interesting comparison. She does everything else well so she'll be a good player at the next level even if she never develops deep range. I'm sure I've said this before but at the worst case she'd be the wealthy man's Tamera Young.

 

[CocoHusky]

The difference is that Kawhi is a career 39% shooter from 3. Gabby is not a 3-pt. shooter at all.

Other than that, it is a pretty interesting comparison. She does everything else well so she'll be a good player at the next level even if she never develops deep range. I'm sure I've said this before but at the worst case she'd be the wealthy man's Tamera Young.

You are going to have to educate the masses just a little more than this.

 

[GoCardinal]

It’s also a little premature to talk about who is the #1 pick before we even get to free agency. For all we know, a player like Tina Charles could demand to play for her old coach, and Vegas’ approach to the draft changes.

 

[CocoHusky]

@GoCardinal which variety of "Cardinal" are you reppin? Is it the one UCONN has already stomped this season or the one UCONN gets to stomp later in the season.

 

[GoCardinal]

@GoCardinal which variety of "Cardinal" are you reppin? Is it the one UCONN has already stomped this season or the one UCONN gets to stomp later in the season.

The one UConn has already stomped

 

[Orangutan]

You are going to have to educate the masses just a little more than this.

I think Gabby's natural position in the WNBA will be the 3 spot. Normally I would expect a 3 to be something of a 3-pt. threat, which Gabby has not been during her college career. As a Sky fan, Tamera Young immediately comes to mind as a 3 who is a bad shooter but has nonetheless had a long WNBA career due to her versatility and being a solid defender and rebounder.

Gabby is basically better than TY in every way (except for being a couple inches shorter) and will be a much, much, much better pro. So it's not really a great comparison. But I think of her in similar way as a player whose greatest strength may just be her versatility.

 

[bballnut90]

Entering last year’s draft, their biggest need was a SF. This could be why DeShields was thought to be the #1 pick by some a year ago. Now with the team going to Vegas, they still have a glaring weakness at the SF position. Harrison is a keeper and it could be argued that she works best as a PF. Laimbeer is on record saying Wilson will more than likely be a 4 as well. I’m not so sure it would be wise to bench Harrison since she’s so young and had a great season last year. It of course remains to be seen if they’d compliment each other very well. With DD or Gabby they’d fill a need and get a talented player. Maybe he takes Wilson and tries to make it work, maybe he trades the pick for extra talent that will fit immediately, or maybe he moves players on the current roster. He has his fair share of options.

They need a premier post player, plain and simple. Harrison, Hamby, and Alexander are not going to cut it when they're going up against Candace/Nneka, or Fowles/Brunson. Not to mention Stewart or Griner who are also in the western conference. They should ship away Plum for another draft pick or a quality front court player, and they can have a lineup of:
Harrison
Wilson
Trade received for Plum
McBride
Jefferson

Now they'd have a really strong starting 5 and could compete in the west, provided players stay healthy. Wilson is a player you can build a franchise around similar to how Connecticut and New York built their teams around Tina Charles. A'ja is a workhorse and is the exact type of player that Laimbeer loves to coach.

Gabby is a great player, but she's not Maya Moore. She's never going to have the shooting accuracy, quick release, or ability to score 20+ every night in the pros like Maya does. They're different players with different abilities. Gabby can develop into a really good pro player, but when evaluating her as a prospect compared to Wilson, there's just 0 question that Wilson is the better prospect.

 

[GoCardinal]

They need a premier post player, plain and simple. Harrison, Hamby, and Alexander are not going to cut it when they're going up against Candace/Nneka, or Fowles/Brunson. Not to mention Stewart or Griner who are also in the western conference. They should ship away Plum for another draft pick or a quality front court player, and they can have a lineup of:
Harrison
Wilson
Trade received for Plum
McBride
Jefferson

Now they'd have a really strong starting 5 and could compete in the west, provided players stay healthy. Wilson is a player you can build a franchise around similar to how Connecticut and New York built their teams around Tina Charles. A'ja is a workhorse and is the exact type of player that Laimbeer loves to coach.

Gabby is a great player, but she's not Maya Moore. She's never going to have the shooting accuracy, quick release, or ability to score 20+ every night in the pros like Maya does. They're different players with different abilities. Gabby can develop into a really good pro player, but when evaluating her as a prospect compared to Wilson, there's just 0 question that Wilson is the better prospect.

And who is to say Wilson is the answer to their post questions? She’s undoubtably a talented player, but she is no Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner or Breanna Stewart imo. She isn’t a banger like the first two, and doesn’t have the perimeter game or versatility Stewart does. I say that meaning I don’t think she’s going to dominate right off the bat like many are thinking. She could, but I just don’t think it’ll happen immediately. I think it’s clear Vegas needs a SF more than anything else, Montgomery and whatever else they want to throw out there on the perimeter isn’t going to cut it either.

A trio of MoJeff/McBride/Wilson is just as intriguing as MoJeff/McBride and Williams or DeShields. I too think trading Plum would be a good idea, someone like Nurse could actually be a better complementary piece next to MoJeff and McBride than Plum was.

Again, team needs could easily change depending on what happens with free agency and/or trade.

 

[chj001]

If that's such a slam-dunk trade for Seattle, why would Indiana ever agree to it?

I love how you spend the whole post trashing Loyd and then you still think she's good enough to be traded for the #2 pick in a strong draft.

Despite my negative opinions about Loyd, she has a lot going for her that would make her attractive to other teams---she was a number 1 overall pick just a few years ago, she's very athletic, she was in or near the top 10 in scoring last year, she was an all-star, she's been invited to play on the U.S. Olympic training squad. It wouldn't be the first time in the history of sports that a GM over-estimated the worth of a player he or she traded for. I'm sure that a lot of GM's would love to add her to their team. I just don't share their opinion.

 

[Charliebball]

A'ja! By a mile! Don't see Gabby being a star right away in the WNBA because she doesn't have a natural position.

I agree that Wilson should go #1 and know what your saying about GW but I wouldn't be surprised if she shocks some folks right from the start...................nobody works harder and that and her athleticism should serve her well at the next level

 

[bballnut90]

And who is to say Wilson is the answer to their post questions? She’s undoubtably a talented player, but she is no Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner or Breanna Stewart imo. She isn’t a banger like the first two, and doesn’t have the perimeter game or versatility Stewart does. I say that meaning I don’t think she’s going to dominate right off the bat like many are thinking. She could, but I just don’t think it’ll happen immediately. I think it’s clear Vegas needs a SF more than anything else, Montgomery and whatever else they want to throw out there on the perimeter isn’t going to cut it either.

A trio of MoJeff/McBride/Wilson is just as intriguing as MoJeff/McBride and Williams or DeShields. I too think trading Plum would be a good idea, someone like Nurse could actually be a better complementary piece next to MoJeff and McBride than Plum was.

Again, team needs could easily change depending on what happens with free agency and/or trade.

Wilson is a banger...did you watch the Final Four last year? She was relentless on the glass and is not afraid to get physical like she was earlier in her career. I'm not expecting her to stop Fowles or Griner, but she's a much better option to counteract them than what they have right now. Her game reminds me so much of Tina Charles in that she can has very good length and athleticism, can hit the face up jumper, has good basketball IQ and can finish inside. Similar build and potential IMO. Plus A'ja is a workhorse and seems to have the drive and motivation to be great.

I do not think she is going to dominate, but she has all the makings to be an outstanding PF for years to come and be a player San Antonio can build around. They need a SF too, but the biggest issue is they do not have a viable post threat or defensive presence to stop opposing bigs. They need someone who can battle on the glass, block shots, and provide an inside presence to open things up for McBride and Plum/Jefferson.

If they take a SF, Deshields in theory is a better option than Williams since she has more size and better ability to create her own shot, but she has big red flags around her considering her marginal success collegiately and she's never shown great basketball IQ or shot selection, both of which can be death warrants in the W. I wouldn't want Deshields taking 10-15 shots per game over McBride or Jefferson.

Williams is a great facilitator and finisher, but San Antonio already has a slew of good passing guards...they need a front court player who can put the ball in the hole, and Wilson fits that bill.

 

[GoCardinal]

Wilson is a banger...did you watch the Final Four last year? She was relentless on the glass and is not afraid to get physical like she was earlier in her career. I'm not expecting her to stop Fowles or Griner, but she's a much better option to counteract them than what they have right now. Her game reminds me so much of Tina Charles in that she can has very good length and athleticism, can hit the face up jumper, has good basketball IQ and can finish inside. Similar build and potential IMO. Plus A'ja is a workhorse and seems to have the drive and motivation to be great.

I do not think she is going to dominate, but she has all the makings to be an outstanding PF for years to come and be a player San Antonio can build around. They need a SF too, but the biggest issue is they do not have a viable post threat or defensive presence to stop opposing bigs. They need someone who can battle on the glass, block shots, and provide an inside presence to open things up for McBride and Plum/Jefferson.

If they take a SF, Deshields in theory is a better option than Williams since she has more size and better ability to create her own shot, but she has big red flags around her considering her marginal success collegiately and she's never shown great basketball IQ or shot selection, both of which can be death warrants in the W. I wouldn't want Deshields taking 10-15 shots per game over McBride or Jefferson.

Williams is a great facilitator and finisher, but San Antonio already has a slew of good passing guards...they need a front court player who can put the ball in the hole, and Wilson fits that bill.

The Final 4 is a small sample size compared to how she actually prefers to play. And even in the FF, she had some trouble dealing with McCall’s athleticism and activity. She’s not a player that relies on banging 24/7 in the post, she’s a finesse type player. Collier and Williams also had little to no trouble scoring over both her and Coates and they are at least 4 inches shorter than the both of them. Those were the best bigs she faced all year. Wilson prefers to face up not battle down low, Laimbeer has acknowledged this. If they want someone to battle on the glass and be physical, maybe they should wait for Brown from Baylor next year, cause this team is likely bound for the lottery again regardless of who they pick this year.

And slew of passing guards, as in? Jefferson and Plum is all I count? Montgomery is a UFA, so there’s no guarantee she’ll even be on the team, it’s also worth noting Laimbeer traded her away once before. Laimbeer is a smart guy, so I’m sure he’s going to scout and evaluate every player that has an argument to be picked first. He’s already scouted Wilson and Mitchell, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he made the trip to Reno to see UConn.

 

[YellwJcket999]

Admittedly, I haven't read all of the previous posts. I've scanned a few. So apologies if I am reiterating someone else's point.

Gabby will not be the #1 pick. Someone aptly put - Las Vegas needs a "big". A'ja is the best big other than M.Billings coming out. (height is at a premium)

Laimbeer's comments on Wilson was pretty telling. She will be the #1 pick but he doesn't think that she is a center.
Something along the lines of her being too small for the big post players in the WNBA. But he was certainly grinning at the prospect of A'ja coming to his team.

 

[bballnut90]

The Final 4 is a small sample size compared to how she actually prefers to play. And even in the FF, she had some trouble dealing with McCall’s athleticism and activity. She’s not a player that relies on banging 24/7 in the post, she’s a finesse type player. Collier and Williams also had little to no trouble scoring over both her and Coates and they are at least 4 inches shorter than the both of them. Those were the best bigs she faced all year. Wilson prefers to face up not battle down low, Laimbeer has acknowledged this. If they want someone to battle on the glass and be physical, maybe they should wait for Brown from Baylor next year, cause this team is likely bound for the lottery again regardless of who they pick this year.

And slew of passing guards, as in? Jefferson and Plum is all I count? Montgomery is a UFA, so there’s no guarantee she’ll even be on the team, it’s also worth noting Laimbeer traded her away once before. Laimbeer is a smart guy, so I’m sure he’s going to scout and evaluate every player that has an argument to be picked first. He’s already scouted Wilson and Mitchell, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he made the trip to Reno to see UConn.

We must be looking at different players because the Wilson I've seen is not afraid of physical contact or battling in the paint. She took 6+ FT/game last year and is shooting more than 10/game so far this year. She's aggressive and can dominate the glass. On multiple occasions last year she dominated Mississippi State's physical front line on both ends of the court.

Regardless though, they do not need a big bruising post like a Kalani Brown, they just need an inside presence who can disrupt opposing posts, battle on the glass and score. Wilson checks all of those boxes.

And the guards comment--Plum, Jefferson and McBride, who is actually a very solid passer as a 2 guard. A'ja will get a lot of touches and good looks next year with Plum/Jefferson and McBride on the perimeter. Laimbeer will definitely evaluate all of the top players, but I think just about everyone will be stunned if he opts for anyone other than Wilson.

 

[GoCardinal]

We must be looking at different players because the Wilson I've seen is not afraid of physical contact or battling in the paint. She took 6+ FT/game last year and is shooting more than 10/game so far this year. She's aggressive and can dominate the glass. On multiple occasions last year she dominated Mississippi State's physical front line on both ends of the court.

Regardless though, they do not need a big bruising post like a Kalani Brown, they just need an inside presence who can disrupt opposing posts, battle on the glass and score. Wilson checks all of those boxes.

And the guards comment--Plum, Jefferson and McBride, who is actually a very solid passer as a 2 guard. A'ja will get a lot of touches and good looks next year with Plum/Jefferson and McBride on the perimeter. Laimbeer will definitely evaluate all of the top players, but I think just about everyone will be stunned if he opts for anyone other than Wilson.

Hmm, not sure how accurate that actually is. SA actually had a top 5 rebounding percentage last season, and also was a top 5 team when it came to grabbing offensive boards. They were top 4 in fewest total rebounds allowed and top 5 in fewest offensive rebounds allowed. They did commit the most turnovers, however. They also were the slowest team in the league when it came to pace, and had a horrible team defense. Where does that start? On the perimeter. They were also near the bottom bottom 3pt makes. Where else does that start? The perimeter.

Jefferson is by far the best defender on the team. She was the only player on the team that played significant minutes with a defensive rating under 100. Some size on the perimeter could be useful, considering how small all their point guards are. McBride also isn’t someone I’d consider a lockdown defender. They also are missing an adequate backup for her at the SG spot.

I’m not saying Wilson isn’t the top pick, but she surely isn’t the only player that would fill a huge need for what this team needs.

Plum should more than likely be moved for a player that fits better, they’d probably love to be able to get an additional first rounder out of her. They also have the #13 pick that could be used in a package to trade up. However, with no starting SF for the future, no adequate backup at SG, mediocre backup PGs, and a need for extra posts there are tons of obvious holes this team has. With a class this deep, quantity would have been key for them because you’d get quality players to fill all these holes. They’d be in a much better spot if they were in Chicago’s position with 2 lottery picks.

 

[MilfordHusky]

chj001, Seattle is desperate for a contributing center. Anybody that Seattle can move to obtain a center will be an improvement for that franchise. They should go after Kiah Stokes.

With Laimbeer leaving NY, Kiah may be available.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

A’ja Wilson will go #1 to Vegas. Period!


Now—after that it’s the best player or need. Gotta think Kelsey Mitchell & DD are in the hunt after that. Let’s not forget that 6-6 Mercedes Russell will likely be a first round pick and size and true post players are at premium.

What are Chicago’s needs??? Seattle needs post players and Russell is from Oregon.

Trader Bill could pull some trades to get what he wants behind Wilson. The 2018 draft will be deep with a lot of talent.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm assuming that Azura stays at UConn for another season. If so, Las Vegas will and should pick A'ja Wilson. She is what they need and by far the safest pick. I agree that she has an incomplete game, but she rebounds and defends well, plus she scores in close and gets to the FT line. She's rather left handed, but she is big, strong, and fairly mobile. She'll be an immediate starter and solid player. If she develops, she can certainly be an all-star.

Considering that Las Vegas has Moriah and Kelsey Plum, the worst pick for them would be Kelsey Mitchell. she would give them way too many small guards. But some team will like her.

Does anyone know how Diamond is doing this fall? She is the high risk candidate in the draft. She's as athletic as anyone, but she's not a proven winner or a smart, disciplined ball player.

I agree with the thought that Gabby is or could be the Kawhi Leonard of the draft. He had an incomplete offensive repertoire when drafted and is now both an offensive and defensive star. All UConn players work hard, but Gabby may work hardest. I'm not sure what her upside is--keep in mind that she lost most of 2 years in high school and played the front court at UConn. She could be a David Thompson type player in a few years.

If Kia doesn't go in the first round, the WNBA GMs are way dumber than I think. She is an elite defender and shooter, a smart and tough player, with Olympic and Final Four experience. She's very mature and big for a guard. At least one source at the UCLA game said the WNBA scouts were there to see 4 first-round picks in the 2018 draft: Canada, Billings, Gabby, and Kia.

 

[Carnac]

I think A'ja will be the #1 pick ,( unless there is some concern over her often injured ankles), based on size and talent.....Gabby has an outside chance at #1 based on athleticism , hustle , and potential.
Her mid-range jumper is not there yet , but is coming along. and she plays great defense. If a team feels they can develop her shot further she could be the #1 if a team doesn't want to risk taking A'ja because of potential ankle
problems.....Mitchell and Diamond pose the same problems in my opinion.....CAN THEY PLAY WITHOUT THE BALL? Neither is a true point guard but wants to dominate the ball. Both are talented but
the question is , can they play defense well enough and contribute to a team without dominating the ball.

If a team needs a Big it will take A'ja. If it needs a defensive stalwart at the 2, 3, or 4 , it will take Gabby. Or if you want scoring they could take DD or Mitchell.

Who knows.

You're right, it all depends on a team's needs. The Las Vegas (yet to announce their new team name) franchise has the first pick. I'm already on record saying that A'ja Wilson should be their first pick. They have needs top to bottom. They've finished with the worst league record the last two seasons. They have nowhere to go but up. They desperately need a post player. Wilson is the best post coming into the graft. New head coach "Trader Bill" Laimbeer wants to come in and turn their fortunes around immediately. Wilson can help them do that. You can be sure that Laimbeer will live up to his moniker, and do some wheeling and dealing before the start of the 2018 season. The current roster has already proven they're not competitive. I seriously doubt he'd be comfortable jumping into a foxhole with THAT group.

Here's what Michelle Smith has to say on the up coming 2018 WNBA draft: [LINK]

 

[Carnac]

I'm assuming that Azura stays at UConn for another season. If so, Las Vegas will and should pick A'ja Wilson. She is what they need and by far the safest pick. I agree that she has an incomplete game, but she rebounds and defends well, plus she scores in close and gets to the FT line. She's rather left handed, but she is big, strong, and fairly mobile. She'll be an immediate starter and solid player. If she develops, she can certainly be an all-star.

Considering that Las Vegas has Moriah and Kelsey Plum, the worst pick for them would be Kelsey Mitchell. she would give them way too many small guards. But some team will like her.

Does anyone know how Diamond is doing this fall? She is the high risk candidate in the draft. She's as athletic as anyone, but she's not a proven winner or a smart, disciplined ball player.

I agree with the thought that Gabby is or could be the Kawhi Leonard of the draft. He had an incomplete offensive repertoire when drafted and is now both an offensive and defensive star. All UConn players work hard, but Gabby may work hardest. I'm not sure what her upside is--keep in mind that she lost most of 2 years in high school and played the front court at UConn. She could be a David Thompson type player in a few years.

If Kia doesn't go in the first round, the WNBA GMs are way dumber than I think. She is an elite defender and shooter, a smart and tough player, with Olympic and Final Four experience. She's very mature and big for a guard. At least one source at the UCLA game said the WNBA scouts were there to see 4 first-round picks in the 2018 draft: Canada, Billings, Gabby, and Kia.

Canada, Billings, Gabby, and Kia along with Wilson should ALL be gone after the 6th pick. Having seen all four of them in person (Canada & Billings twice), I concur.

You said: "the worst pick for them would be Kelsey Mitchell. She would give them way too many small guards. But some team will like her". Had they not been sold, their old GM may have drafted her. They wasted their #1 pick last year on Plum, who they clearly did not need.

You also said: "Does anyone know how Diamond is doing this fall? She is the high risk candidate in the draft. She's as athletic as anyone, but she's not a proven winner or a smart, disciplined ball player". Maybe it's me, but right now, I don't see DeShields being a "good fit" for any team. She was a "ME" player instead of a "We" player. Unless she has made some adjustments to her personal outlook and her over all attitude since she's left college, I can't see her fitting in with any WNBA team. I hope she has. Her act did not go over well in college. She was not perceived by many as a "team player". No doubt there is a WNBA coach that figures he/she can work with her and turn her attitude and outlook around.

I would like to see Diamond in the W. I'm sure one of the coaches in the league can help her transition into becoming a productive professional athlete.

 

[wallman]

They and the NBA as well only 'go away from' the BIG as in slow and wide becuase they can find enough of those type players that are also supremely talented. The Lynx went running toward that exact kind of BIG in Sylvia Fowles and they have two championships to prove it was a good choice and loss a 5th game championship series at the buzzer in her three years. (Yes they have some OK other players, but ...)

Except BIG Syl is not wide and slow, she is the right height but very mobile.

 

[wallman]

Disagree with most of this. WNBA has always had a preference for big and mobile vs. big and slow and wide, this is not a new trend. Defensive bullying is the SEC way and Dawn has definitely not gone away from that. BTW neither has Mississippi State. Have loved Allisha Gray since she was at UNC but Allisha's motor definitely doesn't exceed A'ja Wilson's motor. Both Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis especially got their motor put into a higher gear when they arrived at SC. A'ja Wilson's most significant improvement in her time at SC was on the defensive side of the ball=SEC DPOY. Wilson has suited up for USA basketball for the past 3 summers, each time her height was listed at 6'5". A"ja is anything but a volume shooter she is shooting 55% for her career and shot 58% last year.

Have you watched some of Dawns old teams, the intensity is nowhere near the same, SEC bullying aside and sure they had to be that way as they were not as talented on the offensive end. Wilson will be guarded by more mobile, taller, stronger players in the WNBA. Gray had that motor, go back and watch her with UNC. Davis don't think she has a motor which is why she sat a lot in the WNBA as the season went on. Wilson is not 6' 5" IMO even Bill doesn't think she is tall enough for the position she is playing in college BUT then again a lot of players have to change to continue to play at the next level. I look at the work ethic of most Uconn players which is what is needed for the WNBA, all other players usually fall short in that area and have to learn or they don't play. The WNBA introduced the defensive paint rule which has caused problems for less mobile BIGS as they cannot plant themselves in the key, this has had an affect on how the game is played. The volume shooter comment was not in reference to Wilson.

All that being said, I don't think it has anything to do with whether she will go #1 or not. The #s don't really matter as it comes down to need of the team and whether the player can adjust.

 

[CocoHusky]

Have you watched some of Dawns old teams, the intensity is nowhere near the same, SEC bullying aside and sure they had to be that way as they were not as talented on the offensive end. Wilson will be guarded by more mobile, taller, stronger players in the WNBA. Gray had that motor, go back and watch her with UNC. Davis don't think she has a motor which is why she sat a lot in the WNBA as the season went on. Wilson is not 6' 5" IMO even Bill doesn't think she is tall enough for the position she is playing in college BUT then again a lot of players have to change to continue to play at the next level. I look at the work ethic of most Uconn players which is what is needed for the WNBA, all other players usually fall short in that area and have to learn or they don't play. The WNBA introduced the defensive paint rule which has caused problems for less mobile BIGS as they cannot plant themselves in the key, this has had an affect on how the game is played. The volume shooter comment was not in reference to Wilson.

All that being said, I don't think it has anything to do with whether she will go #1 or not. The #s don't really matter as it comes down to need of the team and whether the player can adjust.

I have watched ALL of Dawn's teams very closely going back to her days a Temple and know enough to write up everyone of her defense schemes. You keep saying Wilson is not 6'5" with no proof and you are mis chacacterizing what Lamebeer said. What he said was that he doesn't envision A'ja as a center. Gray did not have that motor at UNC she mostly differed to Diamond , X and Mavunga. Gray also played a year at UNC without diamond and she did not lead that team in shot attemps either, Mavunga did.
The WNBA defensive paint rule was introduced in 2012 that is a half a decade ago, nothing recent. A'ja will be plenty mobile for the WNBA.

 

[GoCardinal]

I have watched ALL of Dawn's teams very closely going back to her days a Temple and know enough to write up everyone of her defense schemes. You keep saying Wilson is not 6'5" with no proof and you are mis chacacterizing what Lamebeer said. What he said was that he doesn't envision A'ja as a center. Gray did not have that motor at UNC she mostly differed to Diamond , X and Mavunga. Gray also played a year at UNC without diamond and she did not lead that team in shot attemps either, Mavunga did.
The WNBA defensive paint rule was introduced in 2012 that is a half a decade ago, nothing recent. A'ja will be plenty mobile for the WNBA.

Gray has always played with heart, hustle and energy, even during her time at UNC. Leading your team in field goal attempts does not mean you have a good motor imo. Having a good motor to me means a player gives 100% every possession and is always active. Kelly Faris is a UConn example that had a great motor, Gabby is a more recent example. Gray has always been that type.

 

[Shades]

 

[CocoHusky]

Gray has always played with heart, hustle and energy, even during her time at UNC. Leading your team in field goal attempts does not mean you have a good motor imo. Having a good motor to me means a player gives 100% every possession and is always active. Kelly Faris is a UConn example that had a great motor, Gabby is a more recent example. Gray has always been that type.

I think you missed the point. She was the best shooter on the UNC team as a Freshmen yet differer to Diamond. With Diamond out of the way the following year "agressive and high motor " would have meant becoming the new Alpha instead she differed to yet another classmate with less ability. Maybe it's her personality but high motor to me says get out front and drag people with you-see Gabby williams picture if further clarification is required. BTW she was very satisfied to difer at SC also and did not hit her stride in the line up until Dawn stumbled onto using her as a stretch 4.

 

[bballnut90]

Canada, Billings, Gabby, and Kia along with Wilson should ALL be gone after the 6th pick. Having seen all four of them in person (Canada & Billings twice), I concur.

You said: "the worst pick for them would be Kelsey Mitchell. She would give them way too many small guards. But some team will like her". Had they not been sold, their old GM may have drafted her. They wasted their #1 pick last year on Plum, who they clearly did not need.

You also said: "Does anyone know how Diamond is doing this fall? She is the high risk candidate in the draft. She's as athletic as anyone, but she's not a proven winner or a smart, disciplined ball player". Maybe it's me, but right now, I don't see DeShields being a "good fit" for any team. Unless she has made some adjustments to her personal outlook and her over all attitude since she's left college, I can't see her fitting in with any WNBA team. I hope she has. Her act did not go over well in college. She was not perceived by many as a "team player".

I would like to see Diamond in the W. I'm sure one of the coaches in the league can help her transition into becoming a productive professional athlete.

Mitchell and Deshields are both top 6 players. I wouldn’t count out 1-2 of Nared, Russell or Brown in the top 6 either. I wouldn’t pick Deshields over Gabby or some others, but she could actually be a good fit for Indiana at 2 given their need for star power. Outside of Wilson, Deshields is the best “go to” prospect when you look at her frame, athleticism and ability to create her own shot. Her game is best suited for the pros if she improves shot selection and improves her shooting. That said, I think Indiana is foolish if they take her over Williams or Mitchell....there are just a lot of red flags with Diamond.

Nurse is a good player but I don’t think she’s a top 6 pick. She is not a playmaker nor has she shown she can create her own shot. She can hit open shots in UCONN’s offense where she’s the 4th or 5th option, but she takes a long time to release and the vast majority of her points are on layups or standstill open jump shots. She’s a similar prospect to Kelly Faris IMO, although I think she’ll have a longer career than Kelly did. For a top 5-6 guard pick, I’d want the player to have proven she can facilitate for others or create her own shot. I think she’ll be a better pro than Faris was, but if I’m a GM I wouldn’t take her with a top 6 pick.

 

[Carnac]

Mitchell and Deshields are both top 6 players. I wouldn’t count out 1-2 of Nared, Russell or Brown in the top 6 either. I wouldn’t pick Deshields over Gabby or some others, but she could actually be a good fit for Indiana at 2 given their need for star power. Outside of Wilson, Deshields is the best “go to” prospect when you look at her frame, athleticism and ability to create her own shot. Her game is best suited for the pros if she improves shot selection and improves her shooting. That said, I think Indiana is foolish if they take her over Williams or Mitchell....there are just a lot of red flags with Diamond.

Nurse is a good player but I don’t think she’s a top 6 pick. She is not a playmaker nor has she shown she can create her own shot. She can hit open shots in UCONN’s offense where she’s the 4th or 5th option, but she takes a long time to release and the vast majority of her points are on layups or standstill open jump shots. She’s a similar prospect to Kelly Faris IMO, although I think she’ll have a longer career than Kelly did. For a top 5-6 guard pick, I’d want the player to have proven she can facilitate for others or create her own shot. I think she’ll be a better pro than Faris was, but if I’m a GM I wouldn’t take her with a top 6 pick.

Is the Brown you're referring to Kalaini Brown (Baylor)? She's listed as a junior. If SHE is the Brown you're referring to, is she eligible for the draft? Upon further review, you may be right about Kia. There may be some GM's that would take Mitchell (even though she does not play defense), DeShields or maybe even Nared over her. 6-3 post Stephanie Mavunga (Ohio State) may be a top 8 draftee too. I'm confident Nurse will go in the first round. I figured Kalaini brown to go top 5 in the 2019 draft.

 

[bballnut90]

Is the Brown you're referring to Kalaini Brown (Baylor)? She's listed as a junior. If SHE is the Brown you're referring to, is she eligible for the draft? Upon further review, you may be right about Kia. There may be some GM's that would take Mitchell (even though she does not play defense), DeShields or maybe even Nared over her. I'm confident Nurse will go in the first round. I figured Kalaini brown to go top 5 in the 2019 draft.

Lexi Brown of Duke. Nurse should go first round but I’d expect her to be picked in the 9-12 range where it’s more of a crapshoot if the player will make it in the pros or not.