2019 WNBA Draft

[ocoandasoc]

Just curious, specifically how could the Sun have done better?

Hard to see Anigwe getting any meaningful minutes anytime soon. Look at who was still on the board when they picked her and how some of those players might have helped this year.

Anigwe might work as a long term project or for a trade, but the Wun are not in particular need of her skillset at this time.

 

[ochoopsfan]

It looks like this Agent/Agency got some top WNBA talent.

 

[Orangutan]

It looks like this Agent/Agency got some top WNBA talent.

Wasserman represents half the league, seemingly. Or at least half of the all-stars.

They almost always end up representing the top pick. No surprise that they rep 3 out of 4 lottery picks.

 

[ABCDFE]

Pretty remarkable that Notre Dame had the #1 overall pick, 3 first-round picks, and 5 top-20 picks, and yet they managed to lose 4 games this year.

Coaching?

 

[ABCDFE]

LOL Not trolling. But I’ll take the high road since some of You don’t know how

You should give the same advice to the Irish coach.

 

[ABCDFE]

No disrespect to Jackie Young (who is a fine player), but I was surprised she went #1 overall, seeing that she's not even the best player on her own team. I get that the draft is about upside, but when was the last time we saw a #1 overall pick that wasn't even voted first team all conference? (side note: how was she not voted first team all-ACC?)

She is the best player on her team. She just deferred to Arike

 

[Dokey]

I would not have thought of Young as a No.1 but this was the kind of draft where teams truly sought to fill holes. She looked more like trade bait tnan a keeper. The big time schools get more attention but I have to wonder if some smart GM won't offer Kennedy Leonard an invitation to camp. She missed most of the last third of her senior season with injury but in the PAC-12, the toughest top to bottom conference, her worth is known. If Geno had coached her...

 

[JoePgh]

Hard to see Anigwe getting any meaningful minutes anytime soon. Look at who was still on the board when they picked her and how some of those players might have helped this year.

Anigwe might work as a long term project or for a trade, but the Wun are not in particular need of her skillset at this time.

I don't agree with this. I think Anigwe definitely brings something that the Sun do NOT currently have among all their impressive front court players. That is rebounding muscle in the paint, and scoring in the paint as well.

Jones has good height but is what is euphemistically called a "finesse player", not inclined to physical battles and definitely fond of her outside shot. Chiney and Morgan can play in the paint, but they can also play outside and seem inclined to continue doing that (and the coaches seem to agree). Alyssa Thomas specializes in penetration from outside the paint -- she has no real jump shot, and needs screens from teammates (or a fast break) to get her drives started. She is also two inches shorter than Anigwe, and I don't think she is as strong on the boards.

I don't think Anigwe will start for the Sun, but I think she will get significant minutes, mostly at Thomas's expense. If the Sun (after this season) have to shed payroll as their players hit free agency, I think they could elect to keep Jones and Ogwumike and let Alyssa Thomas go, with Anigwe stepping in to fill her shoes in the 2020 season.

 

[psconn]

Hard to see Anigwe getting any meaningful minutes anytime soon. Look at who was still on the board when they picked her and how some of those players might have helped this year.

Anigwe might work as a long term project or for a trade, but the Wun are not in particular need of her skillset at this time.

Ok, but how could they have done better? Who was left that would have been better and why? I'm not being argumentative, I just want to understand what you think should have been done.

 

[huskyd]

Samuelson will go sooner than many predict.

Good call! She went before Arike, which means Lou's versatility was valued more highly that a pure shooter's. Very surprised that anyone would take Turner before Gustafson. Megan is bigger, more active, and most of all a much superior offensive threat. Otherwise, thought 'Pheesa did well. AND will miss them both . . .

 

[nwhoopfan]

To the Chicago Sky!

If she's stuck behind Plum currently, how would getting traded to Chicago help? She's not gonna beat out Vandersloot.

 

[bbsamjj]

"Hard to see Anigwe getting any meaningful minutes anytime soon. Look at who was still on the board when they picked her and how some of those players might have helped this year.

Anigwe might work as a long term project or for a trade, but the Wun are not in particular need of her skillset at this time."

The other players taken in the first round were:

Kiara Leslie
Brianna Turner
Ezi Magbegor

Then in 2nd round:
Cunningham
Han Xu
Chloe Jackson
Shepard
Gustafson


The players I've bolded are the only ones who don't play the same position as Anigwe. Do you think CT could have gotten a better post? Or that they should have gone with a different position all together.

 

[Carnac]

No disrespect to Jackie Young (who is a fine player), but I was surprised she went #1 overall, seeing that she's not even the best player on her own team. I get that the draft is about upside, but when was the last time we saw a #1 overall pick that wasn't even voted first team all conference? (side note: how was she not voted first team all-ACC?)

Agree with your observations. No disrespect to young here either. I wish her all the best. I must have missed something, because I was shocked by her being the first overall pick, especially since Laimbeer expressed that he needs more BIGS. I didn't see that one coming.

Of all of the other choices the Aces had (and there were some good ones), they chose Young. Laimbeer and his staff know what they are doing. If the Aces keep Young, two guards on his roster will be traded or cut. As a first round pick, she's going to stick, and get lots of playing time.

Looking at the Aces roster (17 players currently) they have 6 guards including Saniya Chong. I think they keep 4-5 maximum. Another poster suggested they'll likely trade Jefferson, Plum, Harden and or Allen. Don't forget about the undrafted free agents that will sign camp contracts this week that will add to the competition for 1 of 12 roster spots. Lots of wheeling and dealing between now and the final cut down date.

 

[Carnac]

2019 WNBA National TV Schedule -
Regular season begins Fri May 24.

May 25 (Saturday), 3:30 PM ET – Phoenix @ Seattle (ABC)
May 31 (Friday), 10 PM ET – Las Vegas @ Phoenix (ESPN2)
June 8 (Saturday), 3:30 PM ET – Los Angeles @ Minnesota (ABC)
June 16 (Sunday), 3:30 PM ET – Seattle @ Connecticut (ABC)
June 23 (Sunday), 1 PM ET – Washington @ Atlanta (ESPN)
June 29 (Saturday), 2 PM ET – Connecticut @ Washington (ESPN)
July 6 (Saturday), 2 PM ET – Minnesota @ Connecticut (ESPN2)
July 12 (Friday), 8 PM ET – Phoenix @ Connecticut (ESPN2)
July 23 (Tuesday), 10 PM ET – Seattle @ Las Vegas (ESPN2)
Aug. 1 (Thursday), 10 PM ET – Las Vegas @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)
Aug. 8 (Thursday), 10 PM ET – Phoenix @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)
Aug. 14 (Wednesday), 8 PM ET – Seattle @ Washington (ESPN2)
Aug. 22 (Thursday), 8 PM ET – Dallas @ Minnesota (ESPN2)
Aug. 27 (Tuesday), 7 PM ET – Los Angeles @ Washington (ESPN2)
Sept. 3 (Tuesday), 10 PM ET – Seattle @ Phoenix (ESPN2)
Sept. 8 (Sunday), 5 PM ET – Minnesota @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)

*Note: Schedule subject to change

 

[psconn]

I don't agree with this. I think Anigwe definitely brings something that the Sun do NOT currently have among all their impressive front court players. That is rebounding muscle in the paint, and scoring in the paint as well.

Jones has good height but is what is euphemistically called a "finesse player", not inclined to physical battles and definitely fond of her outside shot. Chiney and Morgan can play in the paint, but they can also play outside and seem inclined to continue doing that (and the coaches seem to agree). Alyssa Thomas specializes in penetration from outside the paint -- she has no real jump shot, and needs screens from teammates (or a fast break) to get her drives started. She is also two inches shorter than Anigwe, and I don't think she is as strong on the boards.

I don't think Anigwe will start for the Sun, but I think she will get significant minutes, mostly at Thomas's expense. If the Sun (after this season) have to shed payroll as their players hit free agency, I think they could elect to keep Jones and Ogwumike and let Alyssa Thomas go, with Anigwe stepping in to fill her shoes in the 2020 season.

I don't agree with 'ocoan' either in that I really don't see that there was a better choice. Different? Yes. Significantly better? No. I'm hoping he/she can explain more fully.

I have two disagreements with what you said...

JJ not capable of mixing it up inside? She set the WNBA rebounding record in 2017. That doesn't happen if you can't compete inside. Perhaps significantly, that was the the year Chiney was out and there was more paint real estate available to work in.

Apart from a few tentative mid-range attempts last year, Chiney operates almost exclusively within a couple feet of the restricted area arc. Unlike Morgan, she has no proven mid-range or further game. I heard she was working on it before last season, but it never showed on the court.

Of the 7 Sun posts, 5 limit themselves to the lower half of the paint. When Morgan or JJ are in with Chiney and AT, they move outside because that's what will be available, and that's what will balance the floor.

That is the only quibble I have with the Anigwe selection. She may have been the best selection available, but she's a Chiney clone. A monster inside but no proven outside game.

With 5 players entering the 4th year of their contracts, maybe a trade is coming as you say, but as limited as she is, AT is the engine that drives this offense. No one in the league pushes the pace better and she maintains excellent assist and rebounding numbers. Curt will think long and hard before he would consider letting her go.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

2019 WNBA National TV Schedule -
Regular season begins Fri May 24.

May 25 (Saturday), 3:30 PM ET – Phoenix @ Seattle (ABC)
May 31 (Friday), 10 PM ET – Las Vegas @ Phoenix (ESPN2)
June 8 (Saturday), 3:30 PM ET – Los Angeles @ Minnesota (ABC)
June 16 (Sunday), 3:30 PM ET – Seattle @ Connecticut (ABC)
June 23 (Sunday), 1 PM ET – Washington @ Atlanta (ESPN)
June 29 (Saturday), 2 PM ET – Connecticut @ Washington (ESPN)
July 6 (Saturday), 2 PM ET – Minnesota @ Connecticut (ESPN2)
July 12 (Friday), 8 PM ET – Phoenix @ Connecticut (ESPN2)
July 23 (Tuesday), 10 PM ET – Seattle @ Las Vegas (ESPN2)
Aug. 1 (Thursday), 10 PM ET – Las Vegas @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)
Aug. 8 (Thursday), 10 PM ET – Phoenix @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)
Aug. 14 (Wednesday), 8 PM ET – Seattle @ Washington (ESPN2)
Aug. 22 (Thursday), 8 PM ET – Dallas @ Minnesota (ESPN2)
Aug. 27 (Tuesday), 7 PM ET – Los Angeles @ Washington (ESPN2)
Sept. 3 (Tuesday), 10 PM ET – Seattle @ Phoenix (ESPN2)
Sept. 8 (Sunday), 5 PM ET – Minnesota @ Los Angeles (ESPN2)

*Note: Schedule subject to change

No Chicago, New York or Indiana.

 

[MSGRET]

It doesn't work that way. I know that New York taxes players a portion of their salary when they play in NY even if their home is in another state. NY taxes based upon where the income is earned. NY doesn't get to tax endorsement money for out-of-state residents, but everyone who plays at the Garden, or in the Bronx, or at Citi field gets taxed. It is interesting though that since both the Jets and Giants play in the Meadowlands, the pro footballers can avoid NY (but have to deal with New Jersey.)

If I was a professional players union I would have them fight taxes like that because it is in violation of the 16th Amendment, "Taxation without Representation". It is a giant overreach of out of control state Governments that think that just because I play a game in their state, BUT don't live there that they can tax me. Next they will go after someone that lives in another state but goes to NY on a business trip and tax that person because they conducted business in NY. If they keep it up maybe someday the NFL will only play the Super Bowl in states like Nevada, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and other states that don't STEAL other peoples money.

 

[eebmg]

Edit. I like 'wings'.

I will. Dallas was one of my 4 favorite teams last year along with NY, LA, and the Aces. I will continue to do so. I like the Wings.

 

[eebmg]

If it is true that players dont want to be drafted by the Sun, I wonder if there is more to it than location. Is Indianapolis or Minnesota that much more appealing? Or is there something else going on?

I get that eastern CT is not a favored destination for young women of color, but it is not Siberia. The team plays in a casino and there is another a very short distance away. NYC and Boston are not far away. And, of course, the women are only "home" for a relatively small amount of time between traveling to away games and then going overseas. Happily they would even miss CT winters!

So I wonder if there are other problems at the Sun if the perception that it is the last choice for draftees is correct.

And are the Liberty still playing in Westchester?

Maybe just a tough roster to crack. CT depth is no joke.

 

[Orangutan]

Good call! She went before Arike, which means Lou's versatility was valued more highly that a pure shooter's. Very surprised that anyone would take Turner before Gustafson. Megan is bigger, more active, and most of all a much superior offensive threat. Otherwise, thought 'Pheesa did well. AND will miss them both . . .

Turner is more athletic and can guard multiple positions and is a great shot-blocker. Out of the box, she can be a defensive specialist off the bench.

Gustafson is small to play center in the WNBA and I don't think she has the playing style or athleticism of a WNBA PF. At 6'3, I just don't know if her low-post scoring ability translates to the next level.

Bri needs to spend some time doing nothing but shooting 18 foot jump shots. Turner with a somewhat reliable 15-18 ft. jump shot is basically another Natasha Howard. There's a template for how she can be effective in the league.

 

[MSGRET]

Agree with your observations. No disrespect to young here either. I wish her all the best. I must have missed something, because I was shocked by her being the first overall pick, especially since Laimbeer expressed that he needs more BIGS. I didn't see that one coming.

Of all of the other choices the Aces had (and there were some good ones), they chose Young. Laimbeer and his staff know what they are doing. If the Aces keep Young, two guards on his roster will be traded or cut. As a first round pick, she's going to stick, and get lots of playing time.

Looking at the Aces roster (17 players currently) they have 6 guards including Saniya Chong. I think they keep 4-5 maximum. Another poster suggested they'll likely trade Jefferson, Plum, Harden and or Allen. Don't forget about the undrafted free agents that will sign camp contracts this week that will add to the competition for 1 of 12 roster spots. Lots of wheeling and dealing between now and the final cut down date.

Scoop, you need to read the RJ on why they drafted Young, and Laimbeer states that Young was the best player coming out of the draft. He also said that they were not sure who they were going to draft until Young declared. They were intrigued with her over the season and that he had the GM go watch her during the ACC tournament, Padover that she was so overpowering people that if she came out she would complement Plum, McBride, and Moriah.

 

[wallman]

Re the trying to compare to Chiney, has anybody looked at their senior stats? Chiney FG 60% FTs 71% rebs 12, Anigwe FG 51% FTs 61% rebs 13. Big difference in FGs and FTs, 2 very important areas for posts. Then Chiney had 66 assists to Anigwe 10. There is no comparison really.

 

[Carnac]

Same here.
I guess some people thought that I was "against" or "anti" Pheesa but I am not, I was just shocked, plain and simple. Actually I thought Pheesa would be the first pick.

That is what surprised me. Las Vegas had their choice of any player in the draft. They chose Young. Collier had a great year, but so did some other high profile players. We know what Collier did this year. I didn't follow Young at all, so I don't know how closely her numbers compared to Pheesa's. The pick is in, the Aces wanted Young. I can't say they made a mistake. Obviously they saw something in Young that they liked, time will tell. It will be interesting to see who has the better career numbers (and championships) over the next 5 years.

I think Chloe Jackson will make the cut in Chicago too. She was projected to go in the third round, but went #3 the second.

Here is an interesting look at Buffalo’s Cierra Dillard.

5 things to know about Minnesota Lynx draft pick Cierra Dillard.

[LINK]

 

[Carnac]

Scoop, you need to read the RJ on why they drafted Young, and Laimbeer states that Young was the best player coming out of the draft. He also said that they were not sure who they were going to draft until Young declared. They were intrigued with her over the season and that he had the GM go watch her during the ACC tournament, Padover that she was so overpowering people that if she came out she would complement Plum, McBride, and Moriah.

Sounds like she's a keeper. I said that the Aces knew what they were doing. I'll be attending 3-4 Aces home games this season. I'll get to see first hand what they saw. I've never seen Young play in person. You know you see a completely different game in person than you do on TV.

McBride has been looking for some help the last 3 years. I wonder if they're going to keep Plum, or put her on the trading block to see what kind of offers they can get? You know she'd love to go to the Storm. She's from Poway, a suburb of San Diego (California), but she'd be right at home in Seattle. What happens to Moriah Jefferson now that Young is there? Is her spot on the team secure, or does she need to pack, and set her bags by the door?

 

[PacoBlaze]

Scoop, you need to read the RJ on why they drafted Young, and Laimbeer states that Young was the best player coming out of the draft. He also said that they were not sure who they were going to draft until Young declared. They were intrigued with her over the season and that he had the GM go watch her during the ACC tournament, Padover that she was so overpowering people that if she came out she would complement Plum, McBride, and Moriah.

I know college basketball is a lot different than the pros, but I am just amazed that the pros are looking at players in a completely different way than the college pundits/award voters do. There were a few college seniors that won all kinds of awards in the nation and in their conferences that were not what Las Vegas wanted. Heck, I don't think that Young was even on the ACC first team yet she almost overnight became the best available player for the Aces. Just makes me smh.
But bottom line is that she, and everyone else drafted, will have to prove themselves playing against the pros.