WNBA 2026 Draft: TODAY, Monday April 13 7:30 EDT espn

[cancontent]

I am so confused by this trade. I don't follow the logic to trade away a player with a higher ceiling in Flau'jae so that you can grab two bench/role players at best (Suarez + 2nd round pick in next year's draft).

But if the trade was agreed upon before the draft even happened, I don't think GS had a choice but to go through with the deal.

 

[Dillon77]

But if the trade was agreed upon before the draft even happened, I don't think GS had a choice but to go through with the deal.

Oh, I agree that you've got to go ahead with that trade if agreed upon.
But I'm just wondering why they made it. If Suarez was their intent but thought they'd get some trade value for the swap, well....maybe?
But there were a lot of good players out there still that hopefully would in their ethos.

Adding on to this at 6 p.m. the next day: Apparently, the Valkyries didn't see anyone that fit their bill at their original slot, so they, in effect sold the slot. I stand by my point that since Seattle jumped on this, they could've gotten more.

 

[BRS24]

I used the "Sonny Weaver Jr" reference in another chat after Minn went with Miles. Thought it was pretty accurate.

I hope that the UCLA players all do well. There was some chatter online about recency bias, so we'll have to see.

 

[Stagnant]

Some people say that UConn hurt Serah’s draft stock. And that might be true. Some of her flaws were on display with the huskies. It’s like Westbrook on the Lakers. You go to certain places and there is way more of a spotlight on you.

I don’t know if you guys remember this or not. But UConn was also in for Regan Beers before she chose Oklahoma. And Regan wasn’t even drafted yesterday. I bet UConn could have gotten her drafted. Just ‘sayin 🤷‍♂️

 

[Iluvacc2]

🤣🤣🤣

Sn: Cardoso is hilarious on social media.

 

[Iluvacc2]

Cheryl is so serious though! 🤣🤣

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Immediate draft reactions:

Some of these fits are puzzling. I personally think Dallas could've thrived from choosing Betts or Miles. Fudd is a great 3 and D player but pairing her with Arike doesn’t make sense. And this might be a hot take but I don't think Fudd and Paige thrive playing with each other. Paige's best work came when Azzi wasn't on the court or was very quiet. And Fudd's best UCONN moments came when Paige wasn't on the court, or when she was having an off night.

Miles to Minnesota is another questionable choice. Miles is a stud but Courtney Williams has done a terrific job playing PG in Minnesota and is signed for 2 years on a high contract. I doubt Williams will get pushed to the 2, and I don't see them co-existing well since neither is a great shooter. Miles is m far too good to be a backup PG for more than 1 season. I would've 100% taken Betts here, especially since they just lost Smith.

I can't believe the Valks traded Flaujae for Suarez and a 2028 2nd round pick. Seattle fleeced the Valks there. I haven't seen a ton of Fam but is it overkill (or genius) to have her, Malonga and Ezi all together? All 3 are long, athletic, foreign post players.


Mystics got the steal of the draft by getting Betts at 4. Dugalic at 9 is poor value, they should've picked Raven. Cotie could be a good pro but has some red flags, I don't hate it for a 10th pick. Harmon is a great 3rd round pick, I'm not sure she sticks with Amoore on the roster too. Having multiple 5'6 PGs would be a rarity.

Raven as a backup to Clark makes a lot of sense, but they already have Tyasha Harris there. Do they really need 3 PGs? None of those 3 are combo guards either and Clark is probably playing 35 minutes a night. I guess it's good to have backup options after their PG disaster last year but it seems like overkill to me. Also Raven did not look thrilled to get picked by Indy.

Very surprised Mair went in the first round. I was surprised Latson dropped so far--I think she would've been a top 10 pick if she didn't transfer for her final season.

Lots of really good unpolished athletes in the 2nd and 3rd rounds in Key, Lattimore, Barker, Spearman and Williams. Key in particular has some nice skills that could help her last.

I don't think it's a particularly strong draft but there are a lot of 2nd/3rd round draft picks who could stick and make a roster with the league expanding.

Clark can definitely play off the ball would help her turnovers for one thing.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Some people say that UConn hurt Serah’s draft stock. And that might be true. Some of her flaws were on display with the huskies. It’s like Westbrook on the Lakers. You go to certain places and there is way more of a spotlight on you.

I don’t know if you guys remember this or not. But UConn was also in for Regan Beers before she chose Oklahoma. And Regan wasn’t even drafted yesterday. I bet UConn could have gotten her drafted. Just ‘sayin 🤷‍♂️

I don't think stats equal draft position.

There would have been the same questions if she stayed and racked up stats on a rough team.

I think draft folks orca sense of how she actually fits on as roster from it.

 

[cancontent]

Some people say that UConn hurt Serah’s draft stock. And that might be true. Some of her flaws were on display with the huskies. It’s like Westbrook on the Lakers. You go to certain places and there is way more of a spotlight on you.

I don’t know if you guys remember this or not. But UConn was also in for Regan Beers before she chose Oklahoma. And Regan wasn’t even drafted yesterday. I bet UConn could have gotten her drafted. Just ‘sayin 🤷‍♂️

My recollection was that there was UConn interest when she went into the portal. As to whether it was truly mutual, don't recall.

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

Some people say that UConn hurt Serah’s draft stock. And that might be true. Some of her flaws were on display with the huskies. It’s like Westbrook on the Lakers. You go to certain places and there is way more of a spotlight on you.

I don’t know if you guys remember this or not. But UConn was also in for Regan Beers before she chose Oklahoma. And Regan wasn’t even drafted yesterday. I bet UConn could have gotten her drafted. Just ‘sayin 🤷‍♂️

UConn could have a system to minimize Beers' weaknesses, but would one year with the Huskies have significantly improved her foot speed, athleticism, shooting range, and ability to develop into an elite shotblocker?
She may have been drafted, but would she have made a roster?

 

[WBBTakeover]

Clark can definitely play off the ball would help her turnovers for one thing.

For some reason, those who are obsessed with Caitlin want her playing on the ball EXCLUSIVELY. They are not dealing in reality.

 

[Stagnant]

UConn could have a system to minimize Beers' weaknesses, but would one year with the Huskies have significantly improved her foot speed, athleticism, shooting range, and ability to develop into an elite shotblocker?
She may have been drafted, but would she have made a roster?

Beers would have had two years at UConn; just like dorka. Beers was in the portal after Oregon state fell apart.

I agree that I am now skeptical about one year transfers in the front court and how they will adapt at UConn. Guards seem to have more success.

 

[GoCardinal]

Can’t help but feel like Indiana, Chicago, Golden State, and Portland completely mismanaged their choices.

 

[CalWBBfan]

Can’t help but feel like Indiana, Chicago, Golden State, and Portland completely mismanaged their choices.

Well, Maria Ingemi (on her new Valkyries blog site) has posted a good piece on the Golden State situation....I don't think it was a bad move in the end. Maybe I'm biased, but I do believe Marta can fit into the Valks' system and am happy to have her "back in the Bay!"

https://www.valkyriesbeat.com/p/valkyries-insider-how-does-marta-suarez-fit-with-the-valkyries

 

[Gamecockfan77]

For some reason, those who are obsessed with Caitlin want her playing on the ball EXCLUSIVELY. They are not dealing in reality.

she can still get high usage playing off the ball.

But she doesn't have to bring it up or defend quicker players (also not her strongest suit).

Seems pretty obvious that Indiana bringing in 2 PGs wants to take some of that off her, but I guess there is no guarantee Raven plays or even makes the squad.

 

[WBBTakeover]

she can still get high usage playing off the ball.

You have to understand that a number of the Caitlin-obsessed individuals (I'm not talking about Iowa fans or Indiana Fever fans--I'm specifically talking about people who are obsessed with Caitlin and singularly focused on her) don't actually know basketball. They just want her to play on the ball because they want to see/follow her as much as possible.

But she doesn't have to bring it up or defend quicker players (also not her strongest suit).

That's true--see above re Caitlin-obsessed individuals.

Seems pretty obvious that Indiana bringing in 2 PGs wants to take some of that off her, but I guess there is no guarantee Raven plays or even makes the squad.

If Raven doesn't make the team, that would be a shock. Stephanie White didn't talk about her in a way that would indicate she'd have trouble making the team. They're banking on her defensive prowess to help out the other guards in the rotation (Caitlin, Kelsey, and Ty).

 

[GamecockFam]

You have to understand that a number of the Caitlin-obsessed individuals (I'm not talking about Iowa fans or Indiana Fever fans--I'm specifically talking about people who are obsessed with Caitlin and singularly focused on her) don't actually know basketball. They just want her to play on the ball because they want to see/follow her as much as possible.


That's true--see above re Caitlin-obsessed individuals.


If Raven doesn't make the team, that would be a shock. Stephanie White didn't talk about her in a way that would indicate she'd have trouble making the team. They're banking on her defensive prowess to help out the other guards in the rotation (Caitlin, Kelsey, and Ty).

Coach White also stated in her interview that they plan on developing Raven into more of a CG, so it seems like they have big aspirations for her future.

Since the Fever like to play fast and since Coach White is a defensive-minded coach, I think this is a good fit. Whoever gets the ball first will probably lead the offensive attack for the next possession. Both Caitlin and Raven love to push the pace so no matter who has the ball, they're a threat in transition as well. I feel like their relationship on the court is going to evolve into something like the Raven/Paopao roles from two seasons ago at South Carolina.

 

[DRR25]

Immediate draft reactions:

Some of these fits are puzzling. I personally think Dallas could've thrived from choosing Betts or Miles. Fudd is a great 3 and D player but pairing her with Arike doesn’t make sense. And this might be a hot take but I don't think Fudd and Paige thrive playing with each other. Paige's best work came when Azzi wasn't on the court or was very quiet. And Fudd's best UCONN moments came when Paige wasn't on the court, or when she was having an off night.

Miles to Minnesota is another questionable choice. Miles is a stud but Courtney Williams has done a terrific job playing PG in Minnesota and is signed for 2 years on a high contract. I doubt Williams will get pushed to the 2, and I don't see them co-existing well since neither is a great shooter. Miles is m far too good to be a backup PG for more than 1 season. I would've 100% taken Betts here, especially since they just lost Smith.

I can't believe the Valks traded Flaujae for Suarez and a 2028 2nd round pick. Seattle fleeced the Valks there. I haven't seen a ton of Fam but is it overkill (or genius) to have her, Malonga and Ezi all together? All 3 are long, athletic, foreign post players.


Mystics got the steal of the draft by getting Betts at 4. Dugalic at 9 is poor value, they should've picked Raven. Cotie could be a good pro but has some red flags, I don't hate it for a 10th pick. Harmon is a great 3rd round pick, I'm not sure she sticks with Amoore on the roster too. Having multiple 5'6 PGs would be a rarity.

Raven as a backup to Clark makes a lot of sense, but they already have Tyasha Harris there. Do they really need 3 PGs? None of those 3 are combo guards either and Clark is probably playing 35 minutes a night. I guess it's good to have backup options after their PG disaster last year but it seems like overkill to me. Also Raven did not look thrilled to get picked by Indy.

Very surprised Mair went in the first round. I was surprised Latson dropped so far--I think she would've been a top 10 pick if she didn't transfer for her final season.

Lots of really good unpolished athletes in the 2nd and 3rd rounds in Key, Lattimore, Barker, Spearman and Williams. Key in particular has some nice skills that could help her last.

I don't think it's a particularly strong draft but there are a lot of 2nd/3rd round draft picks who could stick and make a roster with the league expanding.

Enjoyed reading your takes. I was curious what you saw in Raven's reaction that made you think she wasn't thrilled to be picked by the Fever. Watching it and then hearing (in the presser afterward) her reaction to getting picked by the Fever, I thought she looked and sounded like she was genuinely excited.

 

[Dillon77]

While I appreciate your thoughts on the composition of the Mystics roster, I am puzzled by this comment regarding McMahon. I've never heard anything before hinting at this kind of problem. Where are you getting this from?

Hi. Sorry for being late to respond (had a lot of appointments today).
The concern stems from comments from McMahon herself about wanting to run more of the offenses herself, as kind of a point forwrard.
It took me awhile to find the article that a buddy of mine from Columbus had sent me: Here are the cogent paragraphs:

"At first glance, adding Cambridge alongside McMahon was a recipe for success, especially after the exits of guards Jacy Sheldon, Rikki Harris, and Celeste Taylor for either the pros or via transfer put the team in flux, but a recent interview McMahon had with The IX Basketball shows that McMahon wanted more. McMahon wanted to run the offense.

“I never had to do that [point guard], even when I first started playing basketball,” McMahon told The IX Basketball. “It’s a great opportunity because the ball is literally in my hands. I can create for [my teammates], for myself.”

McMahon, of course, went to Ole Miss and in the games I saw her, she did run some of the half-court sets and her assists went up a bit (3.0 apg from 2.1 apg at Ohio State). That might work at the collegiate level and an offensively challenged group like Ole Miss. However, the Mystics won't need a wing to suddenly run the offense. Not with a point guard like Georgia Amoore or an adept #2 guard like Sonia Citron. Hopefully, this will play itself out because she can bring a lot of solid offensive and defensive play to the Mystics. Stay tuned.

 

[Basingstoke]

Hi. Sorry for being late to respond (had a lot of appointments today).
The concern stems from comments from McMahon herself about wanting to run more of the offenses herself, as kind of a point forwrard.
It took me awhile to find the article that a buddy of mine from Columbus had sent me: Here are the cogent paragraphs:

"At first glance, adding Cambridge alongside McMahon was a recipe for success, especially after the exits of guards Jacy Sheldon, Rikki Harris, and Celeste Taylor for either the pros or via transfer put the team in flux, but a recent interview McMahon had with The IX Basketball shows that McMahon wanted more. McMahon wanted to run the offense.

“I never had to do that [point guard], even when I first started playing basketball,” McMahon told The IX Basketball. “It’s a great opportunity because the ball is literally in my hands. I can create for [my teammates], for myself.”

McMahon, of course, went to Ole Miss and in the games I saw her, she did run some of the half-court sets and her assists went up a bit (3.0 apg from 2.1 apg at Ohio State). That might work at the collegiate level and an offensively challenged group like Ole Miss. However, the Mystics won't need a wing to suddenly run the offense. Not with a point guard like Georgia Amoore or an adept #2 guard like Sonia Citron. Hopefully, this will play itself out because she can bring a lot of solid offensive and defensive play to the Mystics. Stay tuned.

Thanks for providing the background. Hopefully that experience was good for her and she's now ready to be a wing who can also feed and not be a ball-stopper.

 

[Dillon77]

Thanks for providing the background. Hopefully that experience was good for her and she's now ready to be a wing who can also feed and not be a ball-stopper.

I'm a Mystics fan (as well as a prime Citron rooter) so I'm with you on all counts.