The WNBA is getting ready to welcome its latest batch of rookies, with Paige Bueckers leading the pack. After guiding the UConn Huskies to their 12th national championship, she’s expected to be the top pick for the Dallas Wings in the upcoming draft. Bueckers is anticipated to make a significant impact both on the court and in the community for the Wings.
Seattle holds the second pick and is considering Dominique Malonga from France. The 19-year-old played a key role in France’s silver medal win at the Paris Olympics last summer. If Malonga is picked second, she would only be the fifth international player to be selected in the top two spots in the league’s history.
The Washington Mystics are in a unique position to shape the draft after the first two picks, as they hold the third, fourth, and sixth picks. With a new coach and general manager at the helm, the Mystics have a chance to revamp their squad. Meanwhile, several teams, including New York, Indiana, Phoenix, and Atlanta, have no first-round picks due to trades. Las Vegas lost its pick due to league rule violations.
There’s a buzz around the foreign talent in the draft, with Dominique Malonga not being the only player from France in the spotlight. Juste Jocyte, also from the French league, is expected to be a first-round pick. Jocyte is known for her versatility and skill in the guard positions, and she impressed with her performance against Belgium in EuroBasket qualifying.
Ajsa Sivka from Slovenia is another potential first-round pick, known for her scoring ability and efficiency. At 6-foot-4, she poses a challenging matchup with her shooting prowess. Former Mystics coach Mike Thibault praised her skills, indicating she could be a strong addition to the WNBA.
The Golden State Valkyries, a new expansion team, will make their mark with the fifth pick in the draft. Having already completed their expansion player draft, they are now looking for foundational players like USC’s Kiki Iriafen or LSU’s Aneesah Morrow to build their team around.
This year’s draft will take place at The Shed in New York, with fans attending for the second year in a row. The event will feature an Orange Carpet entrance for the draftees, adding to the excitement of the night. As the WNBA draft unfolds, fans and teams alike are eager to see how the new talents will shape the future of the league.
