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

[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.

 

[CocoHusky]

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? View attachment 27126

Why do you keep throwing shade at Vadeeva a player you clearly knew nothing about? Mark this down Vadeeva will easily be a lottery pick REGARDLESS of which WNBA draft she goes into.

 

[Shades]

Why do you keep throwing shade at Vadeeva a player you clearly knew nothing about? Mark this down Vadeeva will easily be a lottery pick REGARDLESS of which WNBA draft she goes into.

That's not throwing shade. That's just being realistic. I know enough about her that I'd want her on my team, but my team picks at #12. That would be a fair price for a player that may never come over to the WNBA. I'd also give #12 for Zahui, who is putting up better Euroleague stats than Vadeeva. That's a reality.

 

[Lynx23]

At this point , Kia

If marketability (talent+personality+communication skills) means anything in the WNBA, Kia won't have to wait long for her name to be called on draft day. I'll be at the last home game to celebrate Kia and Gabby (I was at Maya's and am disappointed to say it wasn't a sellout; I think this one will be). I don't think I will have missed any graduating Senior more than I will these two. I don't care how talented your favorite player is, it's a different team when these two are on the floor, and a better one. 2018-2019 will be interesting.....

 

[CocoHusky]

That's not throwing shade. That's just being realistic. I know enough about her that I'd want her on my team, but my team picks at #12. That would be a fair price for a player that may never come over to the WNBA. I'd also give #12 for Zahui, who is putting up better Euroleague stats than Vadeeva. That's a reality.

That is not reality, that is a luaghable proposal, and that's not how the WNBA works.
If Vadeeva has no intention of coming over to US she will not declare for the WNBA draft and you can't trade for a WNBA player who has not declared. I'm not sure if she eligible age wise for 2017 but I do know that she has a pretty lucrative professional contract with Nneka and Angel as teammates.
Please stop with the Zahui B comparison.
If you look at the stat line below you will see that Vadeeva is putting up comporable numbers to Nneka (former WNBA MVP).
BTW make sure you adjust the minutes played per game before you come to the wrong conclusion again.
Dynamo Kursk at the EuroLeague Women 2017 - FIBA.basketball

 

[bballnut90]

So far this year, A’ja looks like the clear front runner for POY and to be the #1 pick.

Gabby hasn’t had a standout year so far...if she doesn’t return to old form, she could drop to the 6-9 range.

Players like Mitchell, Nared, Russell, and Vivians are all improving/maintaining their stock greatly. Lots of season to go.