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

[Carnac]

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.

Right!! All-American Nina Davis (Baylor) did not make a WNBA roster last year. So, you never never tell who is a shoe-in, and who's not.

 

[CocoHusky]

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.

Disagree with your assessment of Nurse. First of all this is the WNBA we are talking about and size matters. Neither Canada nor Brown is going in to run an WNBA team at the PG position. Kelsey Plum, Lindsey Allen, Alexis Jones all similar players to Canada & Brown in last year's draft with barely an impact in the W. Kia on the other hand could be the ultimate complimentary players, she can hit open shots from distance, she can defend with size and she can handle the ball as a secondary ball handler. The W is also full of complex offenses and international players which gives Kia an additional leg up. Lastly, it is a lot easier for WNBA team to market an Olympian and (2-3) time NCAA champion. Canada and Brown look the part of very good NCAA PG. WNBA points guards look like Lindsay Whalen, Chelsea Gray, and Kia Nurse.

 

[bballnut90]

Disagree with your assessment of Nurse. First of all this is the WNBA we are talking about and size matters. Neither Canada nor Brown is going in to run an WNBA team at the PG position. Kelsey Plum, Lindsey Allen, Alexis Jones all similar players to Canada & Brown in last year's draft with barely an impact in the W. Kia on the other hand could be the ultimate complimentary players, she can hit open shots from distance, she can defend with size and she can handle the ball as a secondary ball handler. The W is also full of complex offenses and international players which gives Kia an additional leg up. Lastly, it is a lot easier for WNBA team to market an Olympian and (2-3) time NCAA champion. Canada and Brown look the part of very good NCAA PG. WNBA points guards look like Lindsay Whalen, Chelsea Gray, and Kia Nurse.

Your last statement is inaccurate--Chelsea Gray is a bit of an anomaly in regards to big PGs in the W. If you look at the assist league leaders who happen to be PGs, you have:
Vandersloot at 5-8
Clarendon at 5-9
January at 5-8
Diggins at 5-9
Thomas at 5-9
Bird at 5-9

Canada is a bit undersized at 5-6 and Brown is 5-9. Both need to add strength to be solid pros, but more importantly both are good facilitators and can create their own shot which are skills needed to find success as a PG in the W. Kia Nurse at 6-0 isn't going to be running a team as a PG. She isn't a facilitator like the players above, nor does she create her own shot. I agree that she can be a very good complimentary player because of the skills you mentioned above (defense, hustle plays, hitting open shots, ball handling), but GMs aren't going to take a complimentary player with a top 6 pick.

 

[JoePgh]

Your last statement is inaccurate--Chelsea Gray is a bit of an anomaly in regards to big PGs in the W. If you look at the assist league leaders who happen to be PGs, you have:
Vandersloot at 5-8
Clarendon at 5-9
January at 5-8
Diggins at 5-9
Thomas at 5-9
Bird at 5-9

Canada is a bit undersized at 5-6 and Brown is 5-9. Both need to add strength to be solid pros, but more importantly both are good facilitators and can create their own shot which are skills needed to find success as a PG in the W. Kia Nurse at 6-0 isn't going to be running a team as a PG. She isn't a facilitator like the players above, nor does she create her own shot. I agree that she can be a very good complimentary player because of the skills you mentioned above (defense, hustle plays, hitting open shots, ball handling), but GMs aren't going to take a complimentary player with a top 6 pick.

Speaking of small but effective WNBA point guards, let’s not forget about the Connecticut Sun’s own Courtney Williams, late of South Florida. And then there’s that seemingly forgotten PG whose name begins with “Mo”.

 

[YellwJcket999]

So.... Does Vegas really need Wilson? (I'm just being a contrarian) They have 6'4 Kayla Alexander, 6'3, Isabelle Harrison and 6'3 and 6'3 Dearica Hamby.
How much better is Wilson than Harrison? @Shades @bballnut90 ?

 

[nwhoopfan]

Kinda strange to write off several players after their rookie year in the WNBA. Among the PGs listed in this thread, Vandersloot took several years to adjust to the pro game and is now one of the best at her position. And the size thing is silly. Bballnut90 blew that completely out of the water w/ an assist by JoePgh.

 

[bballnut90]

So.... Does Vegas really need Wilson? (I'm just being a contrarian) They have 6'4 Kayla Alexander, 6'3, Isabelle Harrison and 6'3 and 6'3 Dearica Hamby.
How much better is Wilson than Harrison? @Shades @bballnut90 ?

Wilson is significantly better than any of the players listed above. To compete in the west you need to have a post player with size and scoring ability. Wilson gives San Antonio that presence inside. If there was a Breanna Stewart or EDD or Maya on the table, they’d be an obvious pick over Wilson, but compared to the rest of the 2018 prospects, Wilson is the clear standout.

 

[Kaizen]

At this point , Kia

 

[CocoHusky]

So.... Does Vegas really need Wilson? (I'm just being a contrarian) They have 6'4 Kayla Alexander, 6'3, Isabelle Harrison and 6'3 and 6'3 Dearica Hamby.
How much better is Wilson than Harrison? @Shades @bballnut90 ?

Much better.

 

[Orangutan]

So.... Does Vegas really need Wilson? (I'm just being a contrarian) They have 6'4 Kayla Alexander, 6'3, Isabelle Harrison and 6'3 and 6'3 Dearica Hamby.
How much better is Wilson than Harrison? @Shades @bballnut90 ?

The Stars have needed a top tier post presence for YEARS (at least the last 4 or so).

Harrison is ok. Wilson promises to be muuch better just as Wilson is a much better college player than Harrison ever was.

If those players were good enough the Stars would not have this pick.

 

[Shades]

So.... Does Vegas really need Wilson? (I'm just being a contrarian) They have 6'4 Kayla Alexander, 6'3, Isabelle Harrison and 6'3 and 6'3 Dearica Hamby.
How much better is Wilson than Harrison?

I'd say having Alexander and Harrison as your starting front court is a big reason they're the worst team in the WNBA.

 

[bballnut90]

I'd say having Alexander and Harrison as your starting front court is a big reason they're the worst team in the WNBA.

You responded to that better than I did.

 

[YellwJcket999]

I'd say having Alexander and Harrison as your starting front court is a big reason they're the worst team in the WNBA.

Sheeeeeesh. LOL!
Sounds like a trade might be in the works.

 

[wallman]

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.

Coco, I like your posts and enthusiasm but this is a message board where anyone can give their opinion, proof on a message board is like asking for beer in a tea house. IMO Wilson is not 6'5" I have seen her in person standing next to someone who was 6'6" and she was nowhere near, hence my opinion she is not 6'5". But again that is my opinion. As far as Gray, DD as many have noted on this board, had troubles as a freshman at UNC, down the stretch for UNC Gray was outperforming her, Gray was the player getting the hustle plays while DD was whining about calls and a myriad of aches and pains, IMO. My comment was motor, not shot attempts. IMO I agree with Bill, as I said players have to change to play at the next level.

 

[Orangutan]

Coco, I like your posts and enthusiasm but this is a message board where anyone can give their opinion, proof on a message board is like asking for beer in a tea house. IMO Wilson is not 6'5" I have seen her in person standing next to someone who was 6'6" and she was nowhere near, hence my opinion she is not 6'5".

Here's a Rebkell thread for those interested in height-sleuthing. I'd say Wilson is 6'4 (at least in basketball height were everyone gets an extra inch). In the first post of the thread, she is standing with Brianna Turner and Jessica Shepard in a USAB photo and appears slightly taller than both. Turner is listed at 6'3. Shepard is listed (generously) at 6'4.

RebKell's Junkie Boards :: View topic - A'ja Wilson's height

 

[CocoHusky]

Don't know if this has been posted before but ESPN's Mechelle Voepel perspective is interesting. If Valdeeva is available I could see her being picked ahead of Wilson.
What will Laimbeer do with Las Vegas' No. 1 draft pick?

 

[Shades]

Don't know if this has been posted before but ESPN's Mechelle Voepel perspective is interesting. If Valdeeva is available I could see her being picked ahead of Wilson.
What will Laimbeer do with Las Vegas' No. 1 draft pick?

Voepel doesn't follow overseas basketball, so either somebody was chirping in her ear or maybe she's reading Rebkell. The only Russian that I'm aware of that was consistent in playing in the WNBA was Svetlana Ambrosimova and, unlike Vadeeva, she came through the American college system. I'm not sure what you mean by "if Vadeeva is available". She is available to be drafted. That doesn't necessarily mean she wants to play in the WNBA or play there consistently. For those reasons, I wouldn't rate her above the bottom of the first round for those teams willing and able to stomach the risk like the Sparks or the Lynx. In any case, I wouldn't rate her above Wilson, who will be a franchise level player and will always be dedicated to the WNBA.

 

[CocoHusky]

Voepel doesn't follow overseas basketball, so either somebody was chirping in her ear or maybe she's reading Rebkell. The only Russian that I'm aware of that was consistent in playing in the WNBA was Svetlana Ambrosimova and, unlike Vadeeva, she came through the American college system. I'm not sure what you mean by "if Vadeeva is available". She is available to be drafted. That doesn't necessarily mean she wants to play in the WNBA or play there consistently. For those reasons, I wouldn't rate her above the bottom of the first round for those teams willing and able to stomach the risk like the Sparks or the Lynx. In any case, I wouldn't rate her above Wilson, who will be a franchise level player and will always dedicated to the WNBA.

Not a chance! Do you even know who Vadeeva is?

 

[GoCardinal]

I’d assume Voepel has more insight and more connections than anyone on a message board.

 

[Orangutan]

I’d assume Voepel has more insight and more connections than anyone on a message board.

Connections, probably. Insight? I'm not so sure.

 

[GoCardinal]

Connections, probably. Insight? I'm not so sure.

Either way, I highly doubt she’s pulling information out of thin air just because she feels like it. Vadeeva is a talented player, and is only 19 or 20, I believe.

 

[Carnac]

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.

Agreed!!! A'ja to Vegas!!! You can build a franchise around her. What current player on their roster can you build a team around? You've got to have good guard play, and you must have a very good to great post player. In time she can become great. You also must have players that can and will play some defense.

This roster has already proven it can't compete. It finished LAST in the league (7-27 & 8-26) the last two years. "Trader Bill" has to come in and win NOW!!! He's going to hit the ground "wheelin' and dealin". After he puts his staff together, that will be the next order of business................workin' some trades.

Most of the players on the roster now will not be there on opening day. Look at what a dominant post player can do for your franchise. Look at the Lynx, and what BIG Syl (Sylvia Fowles) is doing for them. A double-double every night. It also doesn't hurt to play with a starting unit that is mature and experienced. No rookie/youthful mistakes, and very few errors in judgment.

 

[Shades]

Either way, I highly doubt she’s pulling information out of thin air just because she feels like it. Vadeeva is a talented player, and is only 19 or 20, I believe.

I was hearing the same kind of hype when the Lynx signed Cecilia Zandalasini. "OMG, what a signing for the Lynx. She'll make all the difference for them!" Turns out she was lucky to get any kind of garbage time. She'll probably be better in the future, but definitely not an immediate impact player. I wouldn't go for hype for a lottery pick. That's all it is for Voepel because she says "There also has been a lot of chatter about Russian post player Maria Vadeeva", meaning she doesn't know anything from personal observation. Does anybody here know anything about her from personal observation? I'm guessing not.

If you look at her stats, nothing very consistent from game to game. In Euroleague, she's averaging 9.6pts, 6.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1 to, 1.1 blk in 19.1 min

 

[GoCardinal]

I was hearing the same kind of hype when the Lynx signed Cecilia Zandalasini. "OMG, what a signing for the Lynx. She'll make all the difference for them!" Turns out she was lucky to get any kind of garbage time. She'll probably be better in the future, but definitely not an immediate impact player. I wouldn't go for hype for a lottery pick. That's all it is for Voepel because she says "There also has been a lot of chatter about Russian post player Maria Vadeeva", meaning she doesn't know anything from personal observation. Does anybody here know anything about her from personal observation? I'm guessing not.

If you look at her stats, nothing very consistent from game to game. In Euroleague, she's averaging 9.6pts, 6.2 reb, 1.2 ast, 1 to, 1.1 blk in 19.1 min

Right, so do YOU have any personal observation of her to question if she has any interest in playing in the W? Or to question if she’d be committed consistently? I’m guessing not. Regardless, Vadeeva is talented and is still a teenager, her overseas team is also stacked. People have known about Vadeeva for a while now, so not sure where the Zandalasini comparison is coming from. Cause they are both foreign players? What’s the basis?

You say Voepel doesn’t follow overseas ball, but you do?

I still highly doubt Voepel would make claims like that in her articles without any basis. Vadeeva could very well be touted as a high pick, that’s something I doubt anyone on this board would know for sure.

 

[easttexastrash]

A’ja has to go at 1. If not some GM should be fired.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm trusting Sue Bird's opinion on A'ja. Sue knows!

 

[wallman]

From my observations of her, Vadeeva is talented, head to head Wilson got the better of her as Vadeeva got in foul trouble. I would think GMs may stick with what they know and have seen more often.

 

[HopJim]

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.

Good comments. Gabby likely a good pro but suspect she will never be a strong outside shooter and even with her leaping ability, will struggle to guard pro height. Predict she goes from 5-9.

 

[Shades]

For those who think Vadeeva is a lottery pick, would you give up the #1 pick for Amanda Zahui, a player who is lucky if she can get 10 minutes in a WNBA game?

 

[Longtime fan]

Las Vegas has the first pick.

I think A'Ja Wilson will develop into a fine "big" in the WNBA, but the WNBA has many established "bigs" already, so I don't see her dominating until a few years have passed, if ever.

I'm ignorant of international prospects, but I've seen Kelsey Mitchell and Diamond Deshields play, and I would take Gabby Williams over A'Ja, Kelsey or Diamond. Gabby will be a star from Day 1 in the WNBA, in my opinion, because of her otherworldly physical gifts...and her mid-range jumper. She will be able to get her mid-range shot off against anyone, anywhere, anytime. No one who can run with her can come close to her elevation and hang time. Also, her "ticky-tack" foul calls in college won't be called in the rougher professional game. Barring injury, I think she'll shine in the WNBA from Day 1.

However, I bow to those of you with more knowledge and insight. Please share.

I think your assessment makes all the sense in the world. However, the WNBA won't react that way. A'Ja will be drafted heads of Gabby. But it will be like when New Orleans Saints drafted that running back with the first pick of the NFL draft, and the Giants got Lawrence Taylor with the second.