2025 WNBA Off-Season | Page 8 | The Boneyard

2025 WNBA Off-Season

cancontent said:
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Thx for posting. Here's the gist of Alex Sarama's approach: Constraints-Led Approach or CLA.
(from the ESPN Story)

"CLA is a training methodology that emphasizes adaptability, improvisation and decision-making rather than predetermined movement patterns and drills. For example, (Alex) Sarama will rarely run the same drill twice, instead using small-sided games with different constraints -- like rule tweaks, scoring changes or time limits -- to force players to make decisions under pressure.

"From my experience so far, the players absolutely love it, because it's such a nice changeup from what they've always done in their NBA careers," Sarama explained. "It's so much more engaging, and when you never know what you might do at practice one day as opposed to doing the same six NBA drills, which every team does every shoot around, every practice. But just coming in and knowing that there's going to be something more creative. I just think it really resonates."
 
Archive link - WNBA coaching carousel: What I’m hearing about the Liberty, Storm and other jobs

Just noticed that there's a "share" button on this link, but it doesn't work yet. Hopefully NYT will add TA articles to the share.

South Florida’s Jose Fernandez has been with the Bulls since 2000 and is among the most respected names in college basketball. Fernandez was a finalist for the Wings job last year before Dallas decided to hire Chris Koclanes, and Fernandez could be in the mix again.​
And, reports on twitter say - "That depends on if the Wings are willing to pay top dollar. Jose withdrew from the search last year when Dallas didn’t come correct on the cash.It is worth mentioning that his buyout is less if he leaves for the WNBA."
 
Dillon77 said:
Her Hoops Stats' Richard Cohen Sets Sights South to Examine Atlanta Dream's Off-Season
Key Personnel:

Free agents:

  • Uncoreable Unrestricted Free Agents: Brionna Jones, Brittney Griner, Jordin Canada
  • Unrestricted Free Agents: Allisha Gray, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Nia Coffey
  • Restrcited Free Agents: Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon
  • Reserved: Maya Caldwell, Sika Koné (both reserved).

Under contract: Te-Hina Paopao, Taylor Thierry.

2026 draft picks: They still have all of their own with no extras and will likely be picking 13th in the 2026 draft.

Major Issue: Infrastructure. As Cohen says, their arena only seats 3,500 people and is a "glorified high school gym" and their practice facilities aren't far behind. Free agents are increasingly looking at both these resources, so Atlanta ownership will put their team behind if they don't move on both....soon.

herhoopstats.substack.com

2025-26 WNBA Offseason Guides: Atlanta Dream

The latest in our series of team-by-team WNBA guides breaks down Atlanta's performance in 2025 and where they stand heading into 2026
herhoopstats.substack.com herhoopstats.substack.com
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I have to think that Renee will get the team moving on the inadequate infrastructure.
 
MilfordHusky said:
I have to think that Renee will get the team moving on the inadequate infrastructure.
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How long has it been since she became part owner? Curious as to whether they've been investigating and haven't found the best option as of yet.
 
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Dillon77 said:
Way-too-early '26 Mock Draft from Michael Voepel
www.espn.com

WNBA mock draft 2026: UCLA's Lauren Betts projected No. 1

Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Flau'Jae Johnson and Olivia Miles are projected 2026 lottery picks.
www.espn.com www.espn.com


Some Dillon Druthers:

- Actually, it's good to set a floorboard from someone who knows the components. Plus, it helped remind me of where some of these transfers ended up!

- Not surprisingly, Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams are highly rated.

- If Dallas lands the first pick, Paige B. will probably have a new center.

- Could easily see Miles fitting in with the Lynx. (Then again, most players could fit in with the Lynx.)

and some thoughts on the team that can get a lot (again) from the draft.

- The Washington Mystics dealt established talent to garner draft picks and, as a result, have three -- count 'em, 3 -- first-round picks to add to an already solid core of young players, including Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Lucy Olsen, Jacy Sheldon and Georgia Amoore, if she recuperates from her knee surgery.

Iriafen and Austin can both play low and run the court, so any front-court player they choose needs to be able to mesh with that style. It will be interesting to see Serah Williams on the court over the course of the NCAA season in that respect.

Getting another shooter to pair up with Citron, who led the W in three-pt. shooting this year, would stretch defenses. If Fudd slips just one place, would D.C. take her - a hometown kid -- to play with Citron (who could slide to wing)? That said, Kneepkens is the real deal and could also offer another killer three-shooter. As could Yarden Garzon, another great distance shooter who has length (6'3") and could play wing, leaving Citron at off-guard.

OK, this will undoubtedly change (a lot) over the course of the year, depending on who ends up where in the W and how some of these prospects fare, as well as ones who might play themselves into the picture.
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I think there is a huge logic hole in this list.... if Fudd is available at #2, Reeve is taking her. Reeve shares a philosophy with UConn style and has always said UConn players are the most prepared for the pros. Azzi would be a perfect pairing with McBride at the 2. That allows the stud buds to share PG at their size.

Azzi also has long ties in the area which would build fan base.

Its a no trainer for the Lynx.
 
DEpup said:
I think there is a huge logic hole in this list.... if Fudd is available at #2, Reeve is taking her. Reeve shares a philosophy with UConn style and has always said UConn players are the most prepared for the pros. Azzi would be a perfect pairing with McBride at the 2. That allows the stud buds to share PG at their size.

Azzi also has long ties in the area which would build fan base.

Its a no trainer for the Lynx.
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McBride and Fudd are strikingly similar players now that I think about it. I know Reeve loves her UCONN players but I'm not sure if it's the right fit with KMac there. KMac plays 30+ minutes per game, I think it'd be a waste of a pick to have Fudd basically back up McBride when KMac still has several good years left and they bring similar skills to the table. I'd probably opt for Fam if she's available since she has major upside.
 
DEpup said:
I think there is a huge logic hole in this list.... if Fudd is available at #2, Reeve is taking her. Reeve shares a philosophy with UConn style and has always said UConn players are the most prepared for the pros. Azzi would be a perfect pairing with McBride at the 2. That allows the stud buds to share PG at their size.

Azzi also has long ties in the area which would build fan base.

Its a no trainer for the Lynx.
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The trend with recent draft picks makes me pause however. To this day, I still don't understand how Dangerfield earns ROY honours and gets released the following season. Miller and Pili didn't work out either. With the exception of Juhasz, I don't believe anyone remained with the team once drafted since 2020.
 
cancontent said:
How long has it been since she became part owner? Curious as to whether they've been investigating and haven't found the best option as of yet.
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@MilfordHusky

Yes, that's what Cohen brought up in his "guide." This front office group isn't that new. They did a great job by bringing in Dan Padover (co-architect of the Las Vegas core group of players) as GM (who in turn, brought in a good coach). But they've got to not only turn their attention to this issue, but get it done, according to Cohen. I think he's got a point.
 
cancontent said:
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Hmmm. I'm not certain about this particular fit. When Brondello has had moderate success and reached an occasional pinnacle, it's been with veteran players, some of whom are superstars. She's going to get some vets, for sure, at an expansion team but who knows about the superstars? Golden State and Portland have rolled the dice on coaches with distinctive coaching styles that play into a preferred system. Not certain Brondello's method is geared to creating a new culture. Could be wrong, but ....

Depending on what Seattle does with its vets, that would've looked like more of a fit to me, but with an uncertain CBA, neither Toronto or Brondello might want to wait when there are solid choices on the table.
 
Dillon77 said:
Hmmm. I'm not certain about this particular fit. When Brondello has had moderate success and reached an occasional pinnacle, it's been with veteran players, some of whom are superstars. She's going to get some vets, for sure, at an expansion team but who knows about the superstars? Golden State and Portland have rolled the dice on coaches with distinctive coaching styles that play into a preferred system. Not certain Brondello's method is geared to creating a new culture. Could be wrong, but ....

Depending on what Seattle does with its vets, that would've looked like more of a fit to me, but with an uncertain CBA, neither Toronto or Brondello might want to wait when there are solid choices on the table.
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Personally, I find it interesting that Toronto let this information get out there in the first place. It also gives the fanbase an idea as to what the organization is looking for in a coach.
 
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BRS24 said:
Archive link - WNBA coaching carousel: What I’m hearing about the Liberty, Storm and other jobs

Just noticed that there's a "share" button on this link, but it doesn't work yet. Hopefully NYT will add TA articles to the share.

South Florida’s Jose Fernandez has been with the Bulls since 2000 and is among the most respected names in college basketball. Fernandez was a finalist for the Wings job last year before Dallas decided to hire Chris Koclanes, and Fernandez could be in the mix again.​
And, reports on twitter say - "That depends on if the Wings are willing to pay top dollar. Jose withdrew from the search last year when Dallas didn’t come correct on the cash.It is worth mentioning that his buyout is less if he leaves for the WNBA."
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Wow! I did not know Coach Fernandez was in the pool of candidates for the Wings coaching gig last year. Holy smokes with his successful coaching experience at South Florida, you would think Dallas would have offered him the job over Koclanes, no matter the amount. We shall see what happens this off season.
 
bballnut90 said:
McBride and Fudd are strikingly similar players now that I think about it. I know Reeve loves her UCONN players but I'm not sure if it's the right fit with KMac there. KMac plays 30+ minutes per game, I think it'd be a waste of a pick to have Fudd basically back up McBride when KMac still has several good years left and they bring similar skills to the table. I'd probably opt for Fam if she's available since she has major upside.
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Good comments but if Fudd is available at the #2 spot, I would hope that Coach Reeve picks Fudd. Why wouldn't Fudd be a good fit here in Minnesota? Even with KMac on the roster, adding Fudd would be a great fit. Two snipers, possibly starting together, that would be deadly. Nobody thought that Klay Thompson and Steph Curry would work and we saw how that turned out. All it takes is a coach with a vision and one that is not scared to go outside the box once in a while. Heck. When the Comets added Sheryl Swoopes, folks were thinking that it was a wasted pick and it would not work. Well history showed that it did work and nobody expected Cynthia Cooper to be that good and the same with Tina Thompson. So, if Azzi is there at the #2 spot, we gotta scoop her up.
 
cancontent said:
Personally, I find it interesting that Toronto let this information get out there in the first place. It also gives the fanbase an idea as to what the organization is looking for in a coach.
Expand ...
I think that it is good that they are letting this information out. Like you said, it gives the fanbase a peek into what the franchise is looking for in a coach and if the franchise goes in a different direction, fans can look back and say "you wanted this in a coach, but you went another way. Why?"
 
JellyBean said:
Good comments but if Fudd is available at the #2 spot, I would hope that Coach Reeve picks Fudd. Why wouldn't Fudd be a good fit here in Minnesota? Even with KMac on the roster, adding Fudd would be a great fit. Two snipers, possibly starting together, that would be deadly. Nobody thought that Klay Thompson and Steph Curry would work and we saw how that turned out. All it takes is a coach with a vision and one that is not scared to go outside the box once in a while. Heck. When the Comets added Sheryl Swoopes, folks were thinking that it was a wasted pick and it would not work. Well history showed that it did work and nobody expected Cynthia Cooper to be that good and the same with Tina Thompson. So, if Azzi is there at the #2 spot, we gotta scoop her up.
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I agree with you. Fudd in the back court opens up options and can keep KMac fresh for the playoffs. Folks keep talking about the front court issues but I don't buy it. Kliundikova improved a lot and will be better next year. They can bring Juhaz back and that would give them 5 good front court players.

I thought the wing was the real issue this year. BC was often points challenged, Courtney is too small, and KMac was left to do everything. Carrington made the difference IMO but then got hurt and they were back to the same problem.

That then tells me that if Azzi is on the board, you take her and sure up the wing.
 
Three things on this illuminating article (shared by Dillon77):
First, the CBA negotiations is essentially about the NBA deciding what type of owner it is, and whether they are the same type of owner for the men and for the women (and not different from every other major U.S. sports league):
  • "A lot of times that comes down to how people think about their business -- as an investment versus a true business on the day-to-day."
  • Across various articles, such as this one (Front Office Sports), it is clear that the CBA talks is a referendum on the type of player compensation model that the NBA wants for women; the NBA currently doesn’t want the NBA model to apply to the WNBA;
  • The NBA currently wants to recodify its pre-women’s basketball groundswell model from the 2020 CBA but with updated hard numbers (rather than the NBA’s soft salary cap system);
  • By recodifying the 2020 CBA model, the NBA is deliberately ignoring its David Stern mid-to-late-80s history that showed the NBA’s soft salary cap system is viable, the conditions for which has been replicated by the WNBA entering the 2026 season;
  • Switching to the NBA’s system does mean that the WNBA’s costs are borne by all owners (and not just by the WNBA teams in order to cry poverty in an opaque and vacuous way).
Second, on officiating:
  • Whoever the league sources who essentially said (paraphrased) ”what problem?” and another who said (paraphrased) ”women are wuss compared to the men” (see also &1[5]) should be excluded from the new committee that will somehow “do better” than the Competition Committee;
  • Sue and Ryan Rocco had constructive things to say &1 (and a direct answer &1[1] &1[2] to one team owner disparaging Napheesa);
  • The WNBA, under Engelbert’s delegation to others, has repeatedly ignored NBA history vis a vis Michael Jordan and Detroit (see also &1[3]);
  • The article does highlight some lack of non-personnel investment (central replay center requirements, etc.) which require investment by all (100%) not just the WNBA (42%) owners;
  • But the article fails to account for the central problem &2: WNBA referees are paid by game and are always looking for an NBA salaried job; thus all the refereeing “fluff” in the article and in this lengthy one (featuring the two top WNBA refereeing officials) are just that, “fluff”.
Third, on Engelbert;
  • The “ring of authenticity” players felt about Napheesa’s prepared remarks is shared by owners, due to Engelbert’s humble-brag (you should be thanking me) and derogatory way of communicating;
  • Engelbert’s alleged bragging about the WNBA media rights deal was strange because it was an allocation from the NBA; but Engelbert might think it was made possible due to the costly $75M capital raise (in exchange for 16% ownership of the WNBA) specifically earmarked for marketing and branding;
  • Engelbert was a former NCAA WCBB student athlete at Lehigh and was coached by Muffet McGraw before becoming coach at Notre Dame; so the lack of empathy is weirdly glaring.
&1 Sue’s podcast:
  • [1] @2:33, @5:27: Ryan on Cri De Ceour women moments for effective change;
  • [2] @3:55: Sue on Cri De Ceour women moments for effective change;
  • [3] @7:53: Ryan “It will probably go a long way to help the conversation to just have some sort of public acknowledgement of ‘look, we’ve heard from so many of the biggest voices in our game express their feelings this year about the way game plays are unfolding, and we’re really going to give it a thorough review”;
  • [4] @5:58: Ryan on Paige saying “I have to learn how to defend while fouling”;
  • [5] @8:58: Sue: some of the refs for WCBB (less physicality) are the same for the WNBA, so it’s all about the mandate that is emphasized to the referees.
&2 Referees who swallow their whistles are not penalized. The rewards-punishment system does look like puny carrot, puny stick that’s probably also designed for bare minimum standards in a gig job where retention is a problem.
 
JellyBean said:
Good comments but if Fudd is available at the #2 spot, I would hope that Coach Reeve picks Fudd. Why wouldn't Fudd be a good fit here in Minnesota? Even with KMac on the roster, adding Fudd would be a great fit. Two snipers, possibly starting together, that would be deadly. Nobody thought that Klay Thompson and Steph Curry would work and we saw how that turned out. All it takes is a coach with a vision and one that is not scared to go outside the box once in a while. Heck. When the Comets added Sheryl Swoopes, folks were thinking that it was a wasted pick and it would not work. Well history showed that it did work and nobody expected Cynthia Cooper to be that good and the same with Tina Thompson. So, if Azzi is there at the #2 spot, we gotta scoop her up.
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I disagree—I don’t think Fudd is the 2nd best prospect in the draft right now. Especially considering she hasn’t had a clean healthy season of basketball in 6 or 7 years.

Also, Klay and Steph work so well because they play different positions as did Cooper and Swoopes. McBride and Fudd are both shooting guards with the same height, build, and skill set. Neither is adept to being a PG in the pros and both are too small to play the 3. I think if McBride is back and planning to stick around for a few years, it make far more sense to take the likes of Fam, Miles or Betts if they’re available. I also think Flaujae is a better prospect than Fudd but don’t see her fitting in well on Minnesota compared to Azzi
 
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bballnut90 said:
I disagree—I don’t think Fudd is the 2nd best prospect in the draft right now. Especially considering she hasn’t had a clean healthy season of basketball in 6 or 7 years.

Also, Klay and Steph work so well because they play different positions as did Cooper and Swoopes. McBride and Fudd are both shooting guards with the same height, build, and skill set. Neither is adept to being a PG in the pros and both are too small to play the 3. I think if McBride is back and planning to stick around for a few years, it make far more sense to take the likes of Fam, Miles or Betts if they’re available. I also think Flaujae is a better prospect than Fudd but don’t see her fitting in well on Minnesota compared to Azzi
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I agree and have felt that way for awhile. A lot of players are either great scorers or shooters. Fudd is elite at both when she’s healthy. But it’s hard to imagine her sustained health in a longer WNBA schedule that’s also more compressed.

One other thing that brings me pause: we really haven’t seen Fudd as a playmaker. 1.6 career assists/game is pretty low for a starting guard in UConn’s system. The W’s elite guards (Sabrina, Paige, CC) are fully capable of playing both PG and SG. An area of opportunity.
 
FWIW I also have far more reservations about Betts than most. Not particularly athletic, not a rim runner, and no range. Great size and post moves but not the type of center that thrives in the modern W.

6’7” is hard to come by and she’s a worthy #1 pick for either Dallas or Minnesota’s team needs. But I’m not sold.
 
GoChips20 said:
FWIW I also have far more reservations about Betts than most. Not particularly athletic, not a rim runner, and no range. Great size and post moves but not the type of center that thrives in the modern W.

6’7” is hard to come by and she’s a worthy #1 pick for either Dallas or Minnesota’s team needs. But I’m not sold.
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Agree. McCowan @ Dallas didn't work, as she wasn't a mobile rim to rim runner.
 
BRS24 said:
Agree. McCowan @ Dallas didn't work, as she wasn't a mobile rim to rim runner.
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Agree with the concern but I think Betts is a better prospect than McCowan was. Much better offensive skills and a better passer. Big T also had some really good years in the pros but her downfall is that she hasn’t developed any range on her shot and hasn’t improved her game since she joined the league. Betts’ game and conditioning has improved tremendously at UCLA so I’d expect that work ethic to continue over. She’s closer to Aliyah Boston than Big T IMO.
 
GoChips20 said:
FWIW I also have far more reservations about Betts than most. Not particularly athletic, not a rim runner, and no range. Great size and post moves but not the type of center that thrives in the modern W.

6’7” is hard to come by and she’s a worthy #1 pick for either Dallas or Minnesota’s team needs. But I’m not sold.
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Dallas has struck out with McCowan, Kalani Brown and Stephanie Soares (who were all rostered together at one point). I’m not sure another 6’6+ big is the smart thing to do.

Awa Fam and free agency (Ezi, Dorka, Aaliyah) should be the move for them.
 
darrell said:
Dallas has struck out with McCowan, Kalani Brown and Stephanie Soares (who were all rostered together at one point). I’m not sure another 6’6+ big is the smart thing to do.

Awa Fam and free agency (Ezi, Dorka, Aaliyah) should be the move for them.
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Thought Dallas still has the rights to Kuweir (sic?) who has remained overseas the last couple seasons? Wonder if that's still an option?
 
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darrell said:
Dallas has struck out with McCowan, Kalani Brown and Stephanie Soares (who were all rostered together at one point). I’m not sure another 6’6+ big is the smart thing to do.

Awa Fam and free agency (Ezi, Dorka, Aaliyah) should be the move for them.
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Free agency may be the better option. The more I learn about Fam, the more I think she'll take a few years of development and is not a slam dunk immediate threat in the post.
 
GamecockFam said:
Free agency may be the better option. The more I learn about Fam, the more I think she'll take a few years of development and is not a slam dunk immediate threat in the post.
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I’m a lot higher on her than most other posters and people on social media. I think her ceiling is higher than Lauren Betts’s and adding a veteran post presence (like Nneka was to Malonga) could hasten her development.
 
darrell said:
I’m a lot higher on her than most other posters and people on social media. I think her ceiling is higher than Lauren Betts’s and adding a veteran post presence (like Nneka was to Malonga) could hasten her development.
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I agree on all accounts, though I don't she will be as immediately successful as Malonga. She has some deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball that might make her a liability and limit her play time, but she seems ready to produce on offense.
 


Was already a fan of Malonga, but dang, she's a tough cookie too. Dealing with this throughout the play-offs and still able to compete the way she did?
 
Richard Cohen Examines What's Next for the Minnesota Lynx
Personnel:
Free agents:
  • Unrestricted free agents: Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Bridget Carleton, Jessica Shepard
  • Reserved: Maria Kliundikova, Jaylyn Sherrod, Camryn Taylor

Under contract: Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Dorka Juhász.

Draft Picks:
  • "Thanks primarily to the deal that moved Chicago up one spot to take Angel Reese in 2024 (plus a secondary deal with the Sky that allowed them to take Hailey Van Lith the following year), Minnesota own Chicago’s 2026 first-rounder outright" - Cohen.
  • The Lynx also have their own third-round pick.

Full Article:

herhoopstats.substack.com

2025-26 WNBA Offseason Guides: Minnesota Lynx

Our series of offseason guides reaches Minnesota, detailing where they stand heading into 2026 after another impressive season ended in disappointment
herhoopstats.substack.com herhoopstats.substack.com
 
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