Don't get me wrong, I understand the logic: You have the number one pick and the "NCAA WCBB"all time leading scorer is on the table do you draft her or do you pass and get the center that you need?
It looks like they made the right choice. It was a guard-heavy draft class this year. Next year it is a post-heavy draft class. They can get a quality post player whether or not they make the playoffs (which isn't looking good now).
What's the report card for this year's post players?
#2 Coates: Looks like an WNBA-ready player but she hasn't played this year because of injury.
#3 Akhator: Doesn't look WNBA-ready and has played very little supposedly because of injury. Thorn stepping up means Akhator doesn't need to be rushed back.
#5 Coffey: Played post in college but is built like a SF (think Maya).
#8 Brionna Jones: Gets sparse minutes not related to injury.
#17 McCall: Gets sparse minutes not related to injury.
#21 Osahor: Disappeared off the face of the planet.
Who was this difference-making post player that San Antonio should have drafted instead of Plum?
Could San Antonio have traded the #1 pick for a difference-making veteran post player? Possibly, but not likely. Most well-run teams aren't likely to trade their difference-making vet post players for a player who may be the #1 pick but hasn't proven anything at the WNBA level and represents a gamble regardless of her college accolades.
I've been patiently watching and waiting to see how this pans out. I really think that the Stars should have had a good draft+trade deal worked out before draft day.
It was rumored San Antonio were offered #3 & #10 from Dallas. In hindsight it's looking like San Antonio should have taken that deal, although it's still early. It's also rumored that Washington offered #6 and their first round pick in 2018. Personally being very high on the 2018 draft, I would have jumped on that deal, but I understand why they didn't. San Antonio wanted to make a splash this year. Ruth Riley only gave the new coach Vickie Johnson a one year deal. It would appear Johnson needs to make a good impression in that one year. Would it be fair for Ruth Riley to not draft and keep the best perceived player available to put Johnson in a position to win this year instead of making a trade that had a better long term outlook?
I have a sneaky feeling that someone (Jefferson or Plum) may not be starting by the middle of the season.
That's happening now. When Jefferson has started, Plum hasn't been starting. Now that Plum is starting, Jefferson hasn't been starting. Supposedly Plum is healthier than Jefferson now and that's she's starting.
Bottom line, guard depth is important. Look at Minnesota and Los Angeles. If fans, players, and agents can't set aside egos and do what's best for team success, that team's not going to suceed. Plum should be a backup unless proven otherwise. She's not entitled to anything just because she was the #1 pick.
Now what is really crazy to me is that I believe the Stars have the number one pick next year.
They could have the #1 pick. They probably deserve it since Seattle kinda swiped the juicy #1 pick in 2016 from them. Wilson is the easy #1 choice for me at this point. She'll help any team.
