Tank Wars

[Aluminny69]

The Podcaster from Australia that some posters dislike, nevertheless raises some interesting questions that merit discussion. Right now, you might think that the L.A. Sparks have the best odds to draft Paige next year. But, Dallas owns Chicago's draft, so combined they have slightly higher odds. I assume UConn fans would be happy to see Paige go to the Sparks. But what if Dallas wins the first pick? Do we really want to see Paige in the same backcourt as Arike? So, would Paige stay an additional year to avoid going to Dallas? What are the Pros and Cons?

 

[Alydar]

I'd like to see Arike in Indiana.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I'd like to see Arike in Indiana.

Alydar- - No thanks, Indiana seems to be building great chemistry and doesn't need Arike to "stir the drink"!
Just IMHO!

 

[hoophuskee]

Unless ther is something specific/personal that Paige doesn't want to play for Dallas, I think she will happily go. That's the con of something personal.

The pro is that all great players want to measure themselves vs other great players. That's why CC left Iowa and why Paige will enter the pros. All her life she's worked toward becoming a great pro. A big reason imo fro her staying was her past injuries not wanting to have to risk injury without a rest after missing as much time as she had the prior 2 years. OFC title important too but her health most important.

 

[PacoSwede]

Unless ther is something specific/personal that Paige doesn't want to play for Dallas, I think she will happily go. That's the con of something personal.

The pro is that all great players want to measure themselves vs other great players. That's why CC left Iowa and why Paige will enter the pros. All her life she's worked toward becoming a great pro. A big reason imo fro her staying was her past injuries not wanting to have to risk injury without a rest after missing as much time as she had the prior 2 years. OFC title important too but her health most important.

my opinion: AO is no 'great player.'

she's poison.

 

[Bald Husky]

Dallas is the only team that I pray does not get Paige. That organization is poison, having multiple first round draft picks in recent years. Squandering them, trading them, benching them. No way a great point guard can exist and do a great job with Arike with them in the backcourt. Paige would not have an impact there like she would in LA or Washington. Dallas is just the worst scenario for her next career, and I just pray she just doesn't end up in Dallas.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Dallas and Chicago have a swap option, which Dallas can exercise if it is “in the money”. Dallas can get the better pick but not both.

When the lottery happens, should Chicago end up with a higher draft pick than Dallas, Dallas will exercise the option and swap its pick with Chicago’s pick.

Tankathon | 2025 WNBA Draft Order & Lottery Simulator

 

[Aluminny69]

Dallas is the only team that I pray does not get Paige. That organization is poison, having multiple first round draft picks in recent years. Squandering them, trading them, benching them. No way a great point guard can exist and do a great job with Arike with them in the backcourt. Paige would not have an impact there like she would in LA or Washington. Dallas is just the worst scenario for her next career, and I just pray she just doesn't end up in Dallas.

I agree 100%. I highly doubt that Paige would stay an extra year just to avoid Dallas, but at least it's an option. I remember both Peyton AND Eli Manning refused to play for the Team that owned their draft rights. Does Paige have the same "option?"

 

[JellyBean]

Paige could pull a John Elway if Dallas were to draft her. Those that don't know or remember, John Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts back in 1983 but refused to sign a contract or even play for the Colts. He was traded to Denver for some picks. If Paige were to get drafted by the Wings, she could refuse and just wait it out. We all know Paige is not like that so if Dallas were to draft her, she would show up and be that model player. But we all know, Dallas ain't getting that #1 pick.

 

[oldude]

Here’s the thing. There is a 56% chance that a team other than LA secures the 1st pick in the WNBA draft. Whether that’s Dallas or Washington, a similar scenario, possibly with a different set of teams will occur again next season. Either way, it’s a crap shoot.

I strongly suspect that Paige will take take her chances and enter the draft in 2025, after winning another NPOY and a national championship…..

 

[Aluminny69]

Here’s the thing. There is a 56% chance that a team other than LA secures the 1st pick in the WNBA draft. Whether that’s Dallas or Washington, a similar scenario, possibly with a different set of teams will occur again next season. Either way, it’s a crap shoot.

I strongly suspect that Paige will take take her chances and enter the draft in 2025, after winning another NPOY and a national championship…..

I could be wrong, but I think Paige will know who owns the number one draft pick BEFORE she makes a decision to enter the draft. Didn't Clark know she was going to Indiana before she entered the draft, which worked out great for her.

 

[yhun89]

No no no, don't send her to the Wings. Please.

Even with Satou back they still sucked. 3-12 post Olympic break.

 

[oldude]

I could be wrong, but I think Paige will know who owns the number one draft pick BEFORE she makes a decision to enter the draft. Didn't Clark know she was going to Indiana before she entered the draft, which worked out great for her.

Yes that’s true. But she doesn’t know who will get the number 1 pick in 2026, and I don’t think she will be inclined to roll the dice with another year in college, just so she doesn’t get drafted by Dallas in 2025.

 

[yhun89]

If Paige was on the same team as Arike, she ain’t touching the ball that’s for sure.

 

[Bone Dog]

The problem is Dallas will be in a similar draft position in 2026, since this year's record is already dreadful. Waiting another year might not avail.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Something I saw a while back (before this WNBA season started) was Linx HC Cheryl Reeve was interviewed in MN and one of the questions asked if she could would she draft Paige Bueckers, a MN native, if she had the chance? She answered, "I can't talk about college players before their graduation, but then again, my Mother didn't raise any fools! Any UConn player is pro ready!"
Don't be surprised if Cheryl traded with whoever gets the #1 pick to get Paige!
Paige would be a huge draw back home in MN! As Clark is in Indiana!

 

[oldude]

Something I saw a while back (before this WNBA season started) was Linx HC Cheryl Reeve was interviewed in MN and one of the questions asked if she could would she draft Paige Bueckers, a MN native, if she had the chance? She answered, "I can't talk about college players before their graduation, but then again, my Mother didn't raise any fools! Any UConn player is pro ready!"
Don't be surprised if Cheryl traded with whoever gets the #1 pick to get Paige!
Paige would be a huge draw back home in MN! As Clark is in Indiana!

Trading for the rights to Paige is a real possibility. But for MN to secure that pick, at a minimum, it would take 1 or more draft picks and 1 or more veteran players.

 

[hoophuskee]

my opinion: AO is no 'great player.'

she's poison.

I dislike AO immensely too. And I wasn't saying AO was a great player. When I mentioned "measurement" I meant vs all players.

I will say this about AO, she beat us twice I think in NCAA's and she won a title. When I 1st watched her play against us as a frosh I didn't think she'd be very good. I don't like scorers that aren't efficient. With that said she is a scorer in which Paige would definitely help AO's efficiency. I hate ND but they were a winner that she was a part of. I just can't get out of my head her commit to ND while making a snide comment regarding UCONN and her cheap shot on Muhl late in the regular season game in which the game was already decided.

 

[Zanzman]

Paige could pull a John Elway if Dallas were to draft her. Those that don't know or remember, John Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts back in 1983 but refused to sign a contract or even play for the Colts. He was traded to Denver for some picks. If Paige were to get drafted by the Wings, she could refuse and just wait it out. We all know Paige is not like that so if Dallas were to draft her, she would show up and be that model player. But we all know, Dallas ain't getting that #1 pick.

Elway also had the threat of playing baseball for the yankees to fall back on

 

[MilliniumPrince]

I think the W is going pull a "David Stern" and Paige lands in LA

 

[hoophuskee]

Something I saw a while back (before this WNBA season started) was Linx HC Cheryl Reeve was interviewed in MN and one of the questions asked if she could would she draft Paige Bueckers, a MN native, if she had the chance? She answered, "I can't talk about college players before their graduation, but then again, my Mother didn't raise any fools! Any UConn player is pro ready!"
Don't be surprised if Cheryl traded with whoever gets the #1 pick to get Paige!
Paige would be a huge draw back home in MN! As Clark is in Indiana!

Don't think that is possible. If a player coming from college is expected to be supremely elite, there is imo near no chance to trade for that player. In hoop, one player, a defining player to your franchise, means so much.

 

[JellyBean]

Elway also had the threat of playing baseball for the yankees to fall back on

True

 

[DEpup]

I would love for Paige's representation to do some back channel communications to maneuver a Mystics draft or trade on that night to the Mystics. They instantly become a contender with Paige and a healthy Delle Donne. Sykes is a good SG but she isn't a PG.

 

[huskeynut]

Dalla is a poorly managed team from the owner to the front office to the head coach. Worst possible place for Paige to go.

Arike is a gunner - old term for a volume shooter. She is not an asset nor is she a star. She needs to be traded for Dallas to improve.

I would love to see Paige drafted by the Lynx.

 

[Hayven]

I would hate for Paige to go to Dallas for the reasons already mentioned. They play awful defense, and this is a team that has Natasha Howard (remember her). And bigs like Brown and McCowan. AO doesn’t play defense either. I doubt they would trade AO because the Clark-Mitchell 1-2 is doing great in Indy. Teams would love to duplicate that.
But, if Dallas gets the #1 pick, hopefully they trade AO and turn the “page” into a new era. Then bring in an experienced player with the trade or, solid support players if Dallas decides to go all-in on Paige and Satou

 

[Forego]

Elway also had the threat of playing baseball for the yankees to fall back on

But Paige has the threat of playing overseas for a larger salary, new endorsement opportunities, travel, and even picking up another language.

 

[Stagnant]

I think the W is going pull a "David Stern" and Paige lands in LA

That’s what I think. I don’t have a ton of trust in the lottery system. I find it hard to believe that Paige won’t land in Los Angeles.

Someone mentioned Minnesota trading for Paige. All I can do it laugh at the idea. Minnesota can’t afford Paige. I wouldn’t even accept a collier trade. Paige is the third most valuable asset in the league if she is healthy and performs the way we expect this season.

 

[Forego]

I would hate for Paige to go to Dallas for the reasons already mentioned. They play awful defense, and this is a team that has Natasha Howard (remember her). And bigs like Brown and McCowan. AO doesn’t play defense either. I doubt they would trade AO because the Clark-Mitchell 1-2 is doing great in Indy. Teams would love to duplicate that.
But, if Dallas gets the #1 pick, hopefully they trade AO and turn the “page” into a new era. Then bring in an experienced player with the trade or, solid support players if Dallas decides to go all-in on Paige and Satou

Recommend trading AO to the Mercury. She could immediately fill Dee’s role as the technical foul leader. She would feel right at home with all of the team’s other technical foul leaders such as Cloud, Griner and Copper.

 

[MSGRET]

The only benefit with Paige going to Dallas in lieu of LA is that she would not be paying any state income tax in Dallas.

 

[dtbtbtb]

The only good thing with Paige drafted by Dallas will be that i'll be able to watch her games live the whole season truth is that Dallas is going anywhere with AO...it's interesting that different players who played with AO became much better after leaving Dallas (Diggins, Marina M., Grey) and if Satu is not signing back with Dallas, the Wings are doomed for next season. It is crazy how such a talented team on paper under achieves year after year. If the Wings are so lucky to draft Paige, they'll have to trade AO and build around Paige and Satu.