WNBA GM'S Mock Draft 2019

[WNBA 09]

WNBA coaches, GMs tab McCowan for top pick in mock draft


Looks about right too me i have no complaints .

 

[dtbtbtb]

I would take Brown first and KLS 2nd as I think Brown is way more skilled than McCowan and will offer better flexibility with Wilson. NY got Kia and needs a 3 for which KLS is perfect.

 

[LoTrader]

I think Megan Gustafson will be a top 10 draft pick. Unless Kalani Brown improves her fitness, I don't see her going #3.

 

[WNBA 09]

I would take Brown first and KLS 2nd as I think Brown is way more skilled than McCowan and will offer better flexibility with Wilson. NY got Kia and needs a 3 for which KLS is perfect.

KLS will not be in the top 3 based off the end of the ball that doesn't require her to shoot . GM's are aware , i suspect 5 being the best option for her if she wants to thrive on a team individually & not punished for her defensive status .

 

[Shades]

I think Megan Gustafson will be a top 10 draft pick. Unless Kalani Brown improves her fitness, I don't see her going #3.

She could be one of those great college players that you’re not sure how she projects in the WNBA. She’s kinda Achonwa-esque to me. About the same height and quick move to the basket. Achonwa slowly keeps getting better because she’s gotten plenty of opportunity to play in Indiana, but she’s not really viewed as a star player. She’s more of a role player on a great team.

 

[bballnut90]

Gustafson and Shepard should both be higher. Same with Turner if she stays healthy. Not sure about the international players going that high. International picks are risky, mainly because they consistently miss WNBA seasons due to overseas commitments or wanting to take a summer off. In a draft this loaded, I wouldn't want to pass up a player like Shepard or Turner for that kind of uncertainty.

 

[JordyG]

I don't know. The Liberty's GM loves his UConn players. Just sayin'.

 

[asuwish]

Gustafson and Shepard should both be higher. Same with Turner if she stays healthy. Not sure about the international players going that high. International picks are risky, mainly because they consistently miss WNBA seasons due to overseas commitments or wanting to take a summer off. In a draft this loaded, I wouldn't want to pass up a player like Shepard or Turner for that kind of uncertainty.

Turner has a history of injury but more importantly have you ever noticed that nobody guards her 8 ft from the basket. She can't shoot outside or foul shots. Uber athlete, limited offensive game

 

[Reypl21]

This draft class is really deep. Ogunbowale to Minnesota would be interesting.

 

[Shades]

This draft class is really deep. Ogunbowale to Minnesota would be interesting.

I’m a Lynx fan and I’m not interested unless the Lynx bolster that front line in free agency. That’s probably not going to happen.

 

[shizam]

I think Megan Gustafson will be a top 10 draft pick. Unless Kalani Brown improves her fitness, I don't see her going #3.

I see Kalani Brown underacheving big time in the W. Something big needs to happen in her game. If she doesn't get better she will not be a force in the W.

 

[shizam]

This draft isn't terrible but its not that great either. Not so much the order just the players. Sophie Cunningham is hugely overrated. Asia Durr is not great at creating her own shot as mentioned in the article. Asia is ok at creating her own shot. She is far more comfortable knocking down uncontested 3's that most inferior teams allow her to do eventually during games. You hound Asia Durr with a good defender in her face and it won't end well for her (Kia Nurse) You lose her in a zone defense and she will make you pay and ignite her team fast. She can hit contested 3's off passes if she is set knowing she's going to shoot. She is also a tad bit of a streaky shooter and is susceptible to confidence drops and consecutive game slumps. She can drive to the basket now with both hands but its not quick or a particular strength. There is a chance she can continue to get better.

 

[bbballfan23]

I don’t see Kelani being a big factor in the W. She’s underperformed mightily this season so far. I think the game will be too quick for her.

I’d also move Shepard up the board a bit (probably in place of Cunningham). She too has been a disappointment early on. Lost to Green Bay while scoring 8 points. She’s too slow & a volume shooter. Recipe for disaster in the W.

Collier makes a lot of sense at 2 for New York. 6 of their top 8 scorers are guards. Tina is their only player with size. Pheesa & Tina have already shown they have a good connection on the court from a 4-5 perspective from team USA.

 

[bbballfan23]

I’m not sure why Katie Lou is so low either? A 6’4” elite shooter that can pass & run the floor? There aren’t many great shooters in the W. She would make every team a lot better.

 

[WNBA 09]

I’m not sure why Katie Lou is so low either? A 6’4” elite shooter that can pass & run the floor? There aren’t many great shooters in the W. She would make every team a lot better.

Her Defense is the GM's consensus downfall for KLS. Collier at 2 would be ideal but Tina does not want to play Center so that would be a wasted pick if Collier cant get off the bench . With the emerging Zauhi B i see them going for a guard and replacing Piph's presence sooner than later.

 

[bballnut90]

Turner has a history of injury but more importantly have you ever noticed that nobody guards her 8 ft from the basket. She can't shoot outside or foul shots. Uber athlete, limited offensive game

People say the same thing about McCowan who is the likely #1 pick. Turner finishes well inside (is 4th all time in ACC for career FG%) and runs the floor better than any other post in this class. She's also a stellar defender and shot blocker. If she can stay healthy she's going to be a very good pro. Many people (including myself) thought she was a better prospect than Wilson after their freshman season. There have also been many cases of players having bad injuries in college but staying healthy in the pros--Chelsea Gray, Morgan Tuck, Sue Bird, Natalie Achonwa, etc.

 

[DallasBUFan]

I think whoever has the best season is the between Brown and McCowan will likely be no.1. They all need a center. especially at 6'7 with their frames.

 

[Reypl21]

McCowan is the better rebounder, more mobile, and has a better motor. Brown has a more complete offensive game, but wears out easily. I would take Napheesa before KLS just because she is good defensively.

 

[DallasBUFan]

McCowan is the better rebounder, more mobile, and has a better motor. Brown has a more complete offensive game, but wears out easily. I would take Napheesa before KLS just because she is good defensively.

That's my point between Brown and McCowan. One is defensively better and one is offensively better. So who ever has the better overall season I think will go 1st between the two.

After seeing Napheesa with team USA I might take her over KLS as well.

 

[baggerbob]

Gustafson and Shepard should both be higher. Same with Turner if she stays healthy. Not sure about the international players going that high. International picks are risky, mainly because they consistently miss WNBA seasons due to overseas commitments or wanting to take a summer off. In a draft this loaded, I wouldn't want to pass up a player like Shepard or Turner for that kind of uncertainty.

If Turner is still there at 12, Seattle needs to take her. She is a great defender, and a good rebounder, and has played well in big games.

 

[CamrnCrz1974]

I would take Brown first and KLS 2nd as I think Brown is way more skilled than McCowan and will offer better flexibility with Wilson. NY got Kia and needs a 3 for which KLS is perfect.

Respectfully, I have to disagree.

A'ja Wilson is a center. She can shoot from 10-12 feet out, but she plays her best when she forces her way to the basket. She overpowers people in the post with her physique and use of force and uses an array of spin moves, foot pivots, other skills to score in the paint.

And in terms of minutes, Wilson played over 30 mpg, with most of them as the center. When Laimbeer did start a default center (JiSu Park, for example), it clogged down the offense because of the lack of spacing and shooting.

Wilson is not a four. Taking Brown or McCowan will not help offensively. If you look at the best WNBA teams, they are using true inside/outside players at the four, such as Breanna Stewart (who was and is a power forward), DeWanna Bonner (who, at 6-4, was moved from her wing spot to the four out of necessity...and Phoenix thrived while she was there), Elena Delle Donne (who was a three in Washington before Meeseman sat out and went back to the four, where she played in Chicago), etc. Heck, even the frontcourt of Candace Parker/Nneka Ogwumike works because of their expanded shooting range over the last three years, where they combined to make 171 of 461 shots from three (37.09 percent).

On August 27, 2018, I posted:
If I were AFO/Bill Laimbeer, I would consider trading a few spots down and looking at Napheesa Collier... Collier will fit well next to Wilson and has expanded range, passing abilities, good athleticism, and the ability to be a primary or secondary scorer (though she is only 6-1/6-2).

I still think Collier is the best fit for Las Vegas.

Now, is Collier the best player in the draft? Maybe, maybe not.
But is Collier the best fit for Las Vegas, who has Plum/Jefferson at the point, McBride on the perimeter, and Wilson up front? Absolutely.

Collier can go inside and outside. She is a great rebounder for her size. She has the shooting range to complement Wilson. She knows how to be effective and contribute as the #1 option or the #4 option. And she is incredibly athletic, making her an ideal fit to go between an up-tempo offense or having to manufacture points in halfcourt sets.

If I were Bill Laimbeer, I would look to trade down. As am example, Las Vegas could trade #1 and Nia Coffey to Indiana for #3 and Victoria Vivians (remember, Indiana needs a post desperately, and, at #3, there is always a risk the Brown and McCowan will be gone). This is just one of the dozens of options that Las Vegas have by virture of having secured the top pick.

**Caveat: My analysis is based on the assumption that Sabrina Ionescu does not leave college early.

 

[asuwish]

People say the same thing about McCowan who is the likely #1 pick. Turner finishes well inside (is 4th all time in ACC for career FG%) and runs the floor better than any other post in this class. She's also a stellar defender and shot blocker. If she can stay healthy she's going to be a very good pro. Many people (including myself) thought she was a better prospect than Wilson after their freshman season. There have also been many cases of players having bad injuries in college but staying healthy in the pros--Chelsea Gray, Morgan Tuck, Sue Bird, Natalie Achonwa, etc.

McCowen is a true 5. Big physical player. Turner is a finesse player who is very athletic. Turner has a high fg% because all her shots are in close. Wilson is superior to Turner because she can shoot outside and handle the ball much better. Wilson will be an Olympian Turner will not. Turner will face lots of pros her size and speed. I see her being an effective pro just not an elite pro.

 

[Shades]

Wilson is most definitely a four.
WNBA Draft Lottery Aug 28

 

[IrishTiger]

McCowen is a true 5. Big physical player. Turner is a finesse player who is very athletic. Turner has a high fg% because all her shots are in close. Wilson is superior to Turner because she can shoot outside and handle the ball much better. Wilson will be an Olympian Turner will not. Turner will face lots of pros her size and speed. I see her being an effective pro just not an elite pro.

You’re highly underestimating Turners ability and I’d say Turner is best on the Defensive end. She’s highly disruptive and is a pretty good shot blocker.

 

[DaBball]

If I hadn’t watched a Mississippi State women’s basketball game since they beat Baylor in the Elite 8 in 2017, and then I opened the BY and read that people are even considering McCowan over Brown I would’ve laughed...hysterically. McCowan has come so far over the last few seasons and she has worked so hard to get where she is. She was pretty much dominated by Brown in that matchup two years ago and then came back a new player last season. She has added so much to her game on both ends of the floor. And she is so strong and her quickness and endurance are both much improved. A few games ago she opened swishing two 17-footers. She has come a long, loooonnng way.

I also don’t think Kalani Brown has improved a ton. She has always been a force and always skilled offensively, but I don’t feel that she has become leaps and bounds better than she was her freshman season.

I’ll even throw it back to her freshman year. Elite 8 vs. Oregon State. She was better much better than Gulich and it wasn’t really even up for debate. Come 2018, Gulich significantly outplayed her.

 

[bballnut90]

Wilson is most definitely a four.
WNBA Draft Lottery Aug 28

View attachment 36587

A'ja would be a 3 if it were up to her, but Bill should (and likely will) use her as a 5. Skill set wise she fits in well as a 5. Extremely physical, has midrange but as Cam noted, does her best work in and around the paint. Doesnt have the range to be a stretch 4. I remember when she was labeled as a G/F coming out of HS and people thought she'd be a 3 when they had Coates and Imovbioh. I think A'ja likes the idea of being an all around threat rather than a post player (similar to Stevens) but reality is she's best in the post and that's where she should be used.

 

[bballnut90]

McCowen is a true 5. Big physical player. Turner is a finesse player who is very athletic. Turner has a high fg% because all her shots are in close. Wilson is superior to Turner because she can shoot outside and handle the ball much better. Wilson will be an Olympian Turner will not. Turner will face lots of pros her size and speed. I see her being an effective pro just not an elite pro.

Wilson is physically a lot stronger than Turner and has improved a lot more in the last few years. Who knows how good Turner would be if she remained healthy. Turner likely won't ever be a 20 ppg scorer in the pros but she is still very good and will be a great pro if she remains healthy.

 

[Shades]

A'ja would be a 3 if it were up to her, but Bill should (and likely will) use her as a 5. Skill set wise she fits in well as a 5. Extremely physical, has midrange but as Cam noted, does her best work in and around the paint. Doesnt have the range to be a stretch 4. I remember when she was labeled as a G/F coming out of HS and people thought she'd be a 3 when they had Coates and Imovbioh. I think A'ja likes the idea of being an all around threat rather than a post player (similar to Stevens) but reality is she's best in the post and that's where she should be used.

Why would Laimbeer go against what worked very well this season for Wilson? She played at MVP level except the MVP doesn’t get awarded to players on losing teams. Like I pointed out in that older thread, the center minutes were distributed between Swords, Park, and Bone with none of them really taking the bull by the horns to earn the bulk of the minutes. I’m betting Laimbeer will see that as his team’s weakness.

But I think he might be open to trading the pick for a difference-making vet. It might take more than the #1 pick, but I could definitely see him going that route.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Gustafson and Shepard should both be higher. Same with Turner if she stays healthy. Not sure about the international players going that high. International picks are risky, mainly because they consistently miss WNBA seasons due to overseas commitments or wanting to take a summer off. In a draft this loaded, I wouldn't want to pass up a player like Shepard or Turner for that kind of uncertainty.

The Mystics would be thrilled to get the Australian. They already have had major success with an international player so they wouldn't hesitate to take another one.

I think Breanna Turner is going to be a steal for whoever select her. As long as she can stay in one piece.

 

[asuwish]

You’re highly underestimating Turners ability and I’d say Turner is best on the Defensive end. She’s highly disruptive and is a pretty good shot blocker.

I don't think we are underestimating Turner, but she's a poor foul shooter and has very limited range. Most points come from drives to the hoop or cleaning upon the glass. Hey, if you can double figures that way great but it won't or shouldn't make her an all star.