WNBA mock draft 2022, version 3.0: NaLyssa Smith replaces Rhyne Howard at No. 1

[Carnac]

The Washington Mystics have the top pick, but the Indiana Fever have the most to gain or lose from the first round of the 2022 WNBA draft, which will be held in April. There was a big shake-up with the Fever this week, as general manager Tamika Catchings stepped down and former Indiana coach Lin Dunn was named interim GM.

Via a three-way trade involving the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky earlier this month, the Fever got veteran guard Bria Hartley from Phoenix and the No. 7 pick in this year's draft from the Sky, plus Chicago's first-round pick in 2023. It adds up to Indiana having the Nos. 2, 7 and 10 picks in 2022, and a chance for Dunn to help jump-start the Fever back toward the perennial playoff contenders they were for so long.

I hope Dunn is able to do something to light a fire under this franchise. The Fever and the Atlanta Dream have been the perennial door mats of the league. Catchings stepping down was a win for the Fever. Dunn is most known for being the first coach and general manager for the Seattle Storm. She has more than 500 wins to her name. NaLyssa Smith will be a huge get for whoever gets her. I think she'll fit in and be an asset right away. She's a can't miss.

WNBA mock draft: Mystics are on the clock -- and we're projecting a new No. 1 pick

NaLyssa Smith is the new projected No. 1 pick to Washington. Rhyne Howard could land at No. 2 to Indiana, which has the most to gain from the first round.

www.espn.com

 

[baggerbob]

The Washington Mystics have the top pick, but the Indiana Fever have the most to gain or lose from the first round of the 2022 WNBA draft, which will be held in April. There was a big shake-up with the Fever this week, as general manager Tamika Catchings stepped down and former Indiana coach Lin Dunn was named interim GM.

Via a three-way trade involving the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky earlier this month, the Fever got veteran guard Bria Hartley from Phoenix and the No. 7 pick in this year's draft from the Sky, plus Chicago's first-round pick in 2023. It adds up to Indiana having the Nos. 2, 7 and 10 picks in 2022, and a chance for Dunn to help jump-start the Fever back toward the perennial playoff contenders they were for so long.

I hope Dunn is able to do something to light a fire under this franchise. The Fever and the Atlanta Dream have been the perennial door mats of the league. Catchings stepping down was a win for the Fever. Dunn is most known for being the first coach and general manager for the Seattle Storm. She has more than 500 wins to her name. NaLyssa Smith will be a huge get for whoever gets her. I think she'll fit in and be an asset right away. She's a can't miss.

WNBA mock draft: Mystics are on the clock -- and we're projecting a new No. 1 pick

NaLyssa Smith is the new projected No. 1 pick to Washington. Rhyne Howard could land at No. 2 to Indiana, which has the most to gain from the first round.

www.espn.com

This draft has no players who will be impact players. That's why the good teams got out of the first round.

 

[visitingcock]

This draft has no players who will be impact players. That's why the good teams got out of the first round.

Ayoka Lee should have gone early. IMHO

 

[TerpWomenFan]

I think both Smith and Austin have the potential to be all stars in the W. It may take a few years, but both have the physical tools to do it.