Way too early 2019 mock draft

[meyers7]

As I noted before—I don’t think you can compare the two based on stats and I agreed the stats favored Collier. Shepard played against a more difficult schedule and was playing out of her natural position this year. She has 3pt ability (she took many at Nebraska) but didn’t utilize that part of her game this past year playing in the low post. Watch both of them play and evaluate them on that.

If you go by stats alone, Natalie Butler would’ve been the sure fire #1 pick in the draft.

Good points. Although SOS, 1 vs 2, is not really that much of a factor.

Eye test for me, gives the edge to Collier. Eye test brings in agility, court speed which all favor Collier.

 

[shizam]

I think A’ja will start at the 4 with Harrison at the 5. She’s listed as a Center but I think Bill plans on using her in multiple scenarios.

I like Izzy Harrison. Make it happen Izzy. If she can raise her game one more level she’ll be a really good player.

 

[shizam]

I know Asia Durr gets tons of press but I can’t see her being a #1 pick. I don’t think she is very strong body wise and not as good a ball handler as you think in the open court. Not exactly fast either and too streaky of a shooter.

 

[SCspur]

I like Izzy Harrison. Make it happen Izzy. If she can raise her game one more level she’ll be a really good player.

I like her as well. She has always impressed me since her UT days. She is injured so she isn’t with the team right now so I can see A’ja starting out with either Coffey or Hamby. I don’t think Bill will play Bone and A’ja together a lot but anything can happen.

 

[DallasBUFan]

So we are about 3-5 games in for all teams. Based on what I am seeing Indiana could use a Big in next years draft. Good thing for them they have 2 to choose from that could really help them. Especially having K. Mitchell on the perimeter. They are currently 0-5 and I don't see it getting better.

Las Vegas needs help too, personally I think another big Brown or McCowan to help Wilson. I think KLS would even be a good pick up for next year.

Minnesota could use another big also that can play big minutes as Fowles isn't getting any younger.

 

[bbballfan23]

View attachment 30944
See why there’s no room for Mabrey in the first round? Things begin to fall off a cliff for me after Laksa at #14, but Mabrey could easily drop off the 2nd round.

I think this list looks good but I don’t see anyway Napheesa isn’t the first PF off the board.

 

[Los24]

With all due respect to her tremendous collegiate accomplishments, I think it is a fair question to ask if Katie Lou Samuelson is the second best player prospect for the 2019 WNBA Draft.

At #2, you take the best player available, irrespective of position (see Bouie, Sam and Jordan, Michael). You want someone who has All Star/all-league potential. ..........
...........
But if I am drafting between #4 and #8 and I have a chance to draft KLS, I am seriously considering doing so.

I respect your opinion and your points. I think you focused a lot of what she is not and left off the TREMENDOUS skills and abilities that made her one of the finalist for best player in the country. You talk about ceiling but ignore what Geno said about her which is that there maybe a few better scorers, better passers, etc... but no one that has the complete level of ability/skill when combining them. I am sure if I read the scouting report on her idol, Larry Bird, they made similar critiques.

She is able to shoot from anywhere on the floor, take care of and distribute the ball, understands how to fit in to both offense and defensive systems, is unselfish and is willing to put the work in. Pretty strong foundation to start with when picking a player to fit in and contribute right away.

I also think your evaluation of how easy it is to teach someone certain basketball skills, especially shooting the ball, is overstated. If it was so easy then why with such a super athletically gifted player (also a guard!) like Gabby unable to develop a dependable mid-range game much less a 3pt shot? Was it the coaching? KLS lead the nation in 3pt shooting! She was the only player over 6'1" on the entire top 50. She finished in top 15 in A/T ratio and was the tallest in top 50 (only 3 over 6' in the country, Napheesa another.) These are rare skills at her height which further her "potential" at the next level.

The only knock/concern I have with KLS is that she did not take over in the two losses in the FF. However, look at the stats, she did not have bad games either. That said, this is a team sport and not everyone has to be that player. She has shown that ability in other games however (remember the game before the loss LV?) I just hope she does it in a manner that leads UConn to a NC this upcoming season.

 

[shizam]

So we are about 3-5 games in for all teams. Based on what I am seeing Indiana could use a Big in next years draft. Good thing for them they have 2 to choose from that could really help them. Especially having K. Mitchell on the perimeter. They are currently 0-5 and I don't see it getting better.

Las Vegas needs help too, personally I think another big Brown or McCowan to help Wilson. I think KLS would even be a good pick up for next year.

Minnesota could use another big also that can play big minutes as Fowles isn't getting any younger.

Gulich would have been great for any of the teams you mentioned. Gulich with that 8th pick instead of Vivians? Lynx didn’t have a shot at her. Mercury needs to find more minutes for her. They are a poor rebounding team even with Griner. Mercury guards are not good besides Taurasi. January, Mitchell, Turner no thank you. Dumb move trading 8th pick for January. She’s not good. She used to be special. They could have had Vivians.

 

[DallasBUFan]

Gulich would have been great for any of the teams you mentioned. Gulich with that 8th pick instead of Vivians? Lynx didn’t have a shot at her. Mercury needs to find more minutes for her. They are a poor rebounding team even with Griner. Mercury guards are not good besides Taurasi. January, Mitchell, Turner no thank you. Dumb move trading 8th pick for January. She’s not good. She used to be special. They could have had Vivians.

I mean they did beat the Lynx last night. Bonner scored 20+ points. However, Pheonix needed her also for when Griner is in foul trouble. I agree with you though they need better guards. Durr, KLS, and Ogunbowale would be good additions for them. They need better guards that is for sure. I also think the Lynx age is starting to show.

I think Brown and McCowan will go 1 & 2 if not 1 & 3. They will be the 3rd and 4th largest in the league only behind 6'9 Griner and 6'8 Cambage.

Brown needs to get in even better shape and McCowan needs to add range to her shot.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Samuelson #4 and Collier # 6
2019 WNBA Draft: Way-too-early mock draft

One thing's for sure: this WNBA crop was one of the best ever. There are eleven rookies scoring in double-digits already. The second-year crop has only four.

Special group.