Seattle made the playoffs. I believe they have the 5th pick.
I don't see Mitchell fitting in with Loyd. They need a rim protector and rebounder.
I agree - although for some teams, Mitchell would be a clear impact player so they could very well work a trade.
As far as players that could help them in the paint, it looks like Miss State's Teira McGowan (September bday would allow her to come out early) would probably be available at #5. A 6'7" post, big body.... what's not to like? 6'6" Mercedes Russell should also be available.
2018 WNBA Mock Draft - WNBA - DraftSite.com
IMO, Seattle should pass on both of these players and focus on Monique Billings:
Monique Billings is not really a classic rim protector - true rim protectors that can be effective in the W at that role are few and far between IMO. On the other hand, she is a highly capable rebounder, mostly because she is active, extremely agile/mobile for her size (see video) and works hard. And she did have 4 blocks at South Carolina, so she can play stout. There are plenty of success stories for players with her toolset in the W.
Some selected stats:
at SoCar -- 12 pts, 22 rebs(!) in 36 mins , also 4 blks
at Oregon -- 30 pts , 14 rebs in 34 mins
UCONN -- 17 pts , 16 rebs in 39 mins
From the game we played against UCLA, I mostly remembered Jordin Canada, but Billings's stats were nothing to sneeze at. I will have to re-watch that game.
Anyway, I think the era of the big pure Center is for the most part coming to a close in the pros. The defensive 3-second rule is yuuuuge; you just cannot camp out and suck up rebounds in the W like you can in college. Add to that the increased emphasis on all-court play, where everyone can run the floor and you have a perfect recipe for success for players like Billings. She can take it coast to coast (see video). She doesn't look at all like a 6'4" player in her movement --although I am pretty sure she's closer to 6'3". She has good lift. She can score in the midrange. She is active. Players like Russell and McGowan are far slower, and Russell is injury-prone to boot. They have a place at the college level, but the W moves at a different speed. Not saying they won't get drafted and contribute, but they don't have what I see as great attributes for today's pro game.
I'd like for Billings to somehow fall to the Lynx, but if she is available when Seattle makes its pick I think they need to grab her. She's certainly not Brittany Griner at the rim and she may not quite be Rebecca Brunson on the boards, but it looks to me like she brings a lot to the table for dependable depth at the 3-4 position. She could potentially complement Stewie on the floor better than Langhorne does at the moment.
Unfortunately these are not exactly plum assignments in sports.
