Basketball / Featured / Indiana Fever / Los Angeles Sparks / Phoenix Mercury / Seattle Storm / WNBA

2024 WNBA Mock Draft 1.0

- by Todd Roman
 

The WNBA held its draft lottery on Sunday, resulting in the Indiana Fever winning the top overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The second pick went to the Los Angeles Sparks, the third pick to the Phoenix Mercury, and the fourth pick to the Seattle Storm. The league is set for expansion in 2025 with the addition of Golden State and could be an equally deep draft as well.

With the draft order finalized, here’s Beyond Women’s Sports’ first 2024 WNBA Mock Draft. Some valuable notes regarding this mock draft. Many players listed and eligible have another year of eligibility left and can opt NOT to enter this upcoming draft. The NCAA season is just a month underway and most players will see a rise and fall in their draft stock during the season and into the NCAA Tournament. More than likely, the final mock draft will look drastically different based on the players that end up entering. Furthermore, free agency will alter a team’s outlook on their need for the draft as well.

*Indicates a player has another year of eligibility left.

FIRST ROUND

1. Indiana Fever – Caitlin Clark*, 6’0 PG, Iowa

The absolute lock here with the first overall draft pick. Clark is also the current National Player of the Year and is a top candidate for the award again this season. Her all-around game would fit any team needing a strong ball-handler and 3-point shooter. Additionally, Clark’s level of athleticism and pure shooting is a rarity seen in the WNBA. Currently, Clark is the NCAA leader in points per game at 29.6 while shooting 45.9% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range.

2. Los Angeles Sparks – Cameron Brink*, 6’4 PF, Stanford

The most dominant, efficient post player in this draft class. Brink has control of the paint, from mid-range and from outside the 3-point line. Furthermore, Brink is currently averaging a double-double while also being a solid defensive presence inside. The Sparks’ frontcourt could be facing a massive hole if Nneka Ogwumike opts to sign with another team and her sister, Chiney, decides to retire. Drafting Brink would be the first building block to a young, long-term frontcourt.

3. Phoenix Mercury – Paige Bueckers*, 6’0 PG, UCONN

Bueckers’ history of injuries while at UCONN could be a major red flag. She missed all of the 2022-23 season due to an ACL injury and part of the previous season due to a knee injury. Currently, Bueckers has not missed a single game for the 2023-24 season and has been a standout for the Huskies. Finally, having missed nearly a year and a half of games could entice Paige to stay at UCONN for another season and skip the 2024 draft.

4. Seattle Storm – Kamilla Cardoso, 6’7 C, South Carolina

Cardoso’s game in her senior season has taken a major leap forward now that Aliyah Boston (2023 No. 1 pick) is in the WNBA. Additionally, her conditioning has seen improvement, as shown by her efforts in running the floor better and getting back on transition defense. Like Cameron Brink, Cardoso is also averaging a double-double while being a solid shot blocker inside for the Gamecocks. Her history playing with the Brazilian National team has also helped improve her game this season.

5. Dallas Wings – Rickea Jackson, 6’2 PF, Tennessee

Jackson could be a lottery pick if two out of Clark, Bueckers, or Brink opt not to enter the 2024 draft. However, she’s been dealing with a lower leg injury this season, which has limited her to only playing two games so far. Her timetable to return is unknown currently, but was shown to be the Lady Vols’ leader earlier this season. Adding Jackson to the Wings’ roster would allow her to play her more natural position on the wing.

6. Washington Mystics – Georgia Amoore*, 5’6 PG, Virginia Tech

Amoore has been key for the Hokies again this season. A solid leader running the floor, as well as a legit three-point threat. The Mystics lacked guard depth during the 2023 season, and Natasha Cloud is seen as a top free agent this off-season. Likewise, adding Amoore for the Mystics would give them new leadership at the guard position while also adding a solid, pure shooter. Amoore also has experience playing with the Australian National team and will need to focus on limiting her turnovers in the WNBA.

7. Minnesota Lynx – Jacy Sheldon, 5’10 PG/SG, Ohio State

The Lynx’s biggest need in 2023 was for a point guard, which is much more prevalent for 2024. Moreso, there’s the likelihood of adding a veteran point guard in free agency to help develop Sheldon long-term. A versatile combo guard and a solid defensive specialist, currently, Sheldon is averaging 15.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, and 2.5 steals per game. Her 3-point shooting has also improved this season to 39.4%.

8. Atlanta Dream – Aaliyah Edwards*, 6’3 PF/C, UCONN

The Dream’s needs in the draft are at point guard and in the post. With the eighth overall pick, Connecticut’s Aaliyah Edwards is their best option here. A solid big that’s capable of running the floor and posting up inside. Furthermore, Edwards is a big body that can crash the boards and bang inside the paint against stronger post players. Lastly, Edwards has been efficient on the field, shooting 58.1%. If she can develop a solid outside shot, her offensive game will flourish in the WNBA.

9. Dallas Wings – Charisma Osborne, 5’9 SG, UCLA

After taking Rickea Jackson fifth, the Wings would look to deepen their backcourt rotation by drafting UCLA’s Charisma Osborne here. Osborne has the capability of playing either guard position and is a strong shooter who can rebound, crash the boards, and help defensively as well. Currently, she’s averaging 13.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.9 apg, and 1.6 steals per game. If the Wings retain Satou Sabally this off-season, adding Jackson and Osborne to their bench rotation will make them a very deep team for 2024.

10. Connecticut Sun – Angel Reese*, 6’3 C, LSU

Reese might be the most questionable to enter this draft. Her high makings in NIL deals and LSU’s overall success in 2023 might entice Reese to remain there for a fifth season. However, at this point, Reese going to Connecticut tenth overall seems like the best fit. A dynamic post player who’s one of the best in rebounding and hustle plays. Her stats are slightly down from last season, as she has only played five games. Off-the-court drama might also be a red flag for certain teams in the WNBA. Reese’s field goal percentage is down to 47.5% this season and she needs to develop a solid 15-foot jumper. The Sun need added depth in the post for 2024 and Reese is the best available here.

11. New York Liberty – Hailey Van Lith*, 5’7 PG/SG, LSU

The Liberty desperately need a strong, defensive guard and LSU’s Van Lith fits the need in New York. A transfer from Louisville, her stats are slightly down from her previous season with the Cardinals. However, her ability to run the floor, control the pace, and be a defensive specialist for New York could be key to replacing Marine Johannès. Finally, Van Lith’s improvement at the next level will need to be in her 3-point shooting and reducing her turnovers.

12. Los Angeles Sparks – Nyadiew Puoch, 6’3 SF, Australia

Puoch is one of two Aussies that could shake up the 2024 draft. Puoch has been a standout in Australia’s WNBL as well as in the 2023 U19 World Cup. A big player that plays on the wing but can also post up inside. Additionally, her game is similar to the Storm’s Ezi Magbegor, but with more skillset on the guard end. A solid ball handler for someone 6’3′ who also has a nice outside jump shot. Her improvements in the WNBA will need to be on rebounding and her footwork.

SECOND ROUND

13. Chicago Sky – Te-Hina Paopao*, 5’9 PG, South Carolina

Solid guard addition for Chicago. Can play either position, run the floor, and knock down some 3-pointers. She’s currently shooting 52.8% from long-range while adding in 3.7 apg.

14. Seattle Storm – Sarah Andrews, 5’6 PG, Baylor

Andrews would give Seattle a much-needed, solid ball handler and 3-point shooter. Needs to attack the paint more and work on her rebounding.

15. Indiana Fever – MacKenzie Holmes, 6’3 PF, Indiana

Holmes would give the Fever needed depth in the post. Holmes has excellent footwork and a high IQ for the game. However, her rebounding is down from the previous season.

16. Las Vegas Aces – Elizabeth Kitley, 6’4 C, Virginia Tech

Kitley gives Vegas a young post player to add to their bench. Can be exposed against strong post players and lacks a 15-foot jumper. Respectable shot blocker and rebounder.

17. New York Liberty – Isobel Borlase, 5’11 SG, Australia

Borlase and Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello are familiar with each other. At the 2023 U19 World Cup, she averaged 14.9 ppg and shot 51.4% from 3-point range. Solid defensive guard as well.

18. Las Vegas Aces – Celeste Taylor, 5’11 SG, Ohio State

Taylor gives the Aces a defensive specialist off the bench. Her offensive game is limited, but she’s capable of running the point and hitting some threes.

19. Minnesota Lynx – Yvonne Ejim, 6’1 SF/PF, Gonzaga

The player with the biggest rise in her draft stock since the season began. Recently, Ejim dropped 27 points and 12 rebounds in their win against Stanford on Dec. 3. A bit of an undersized post player that will need to develop an outside shot. Ejim also has experience playing with the Canadian National team.

20. Atlanta Dream – Jaz Shelley, 5’9 PG, Nebraska

A two-time Ann Meyers Drysdale Award WatchList nominee. Shelley would give the Dream a solid point guard and a legit 3-point shooter. A strong rebounder as well but can also be inconsistent with her shooting and turnover-prone.

21. Washington Mystics – Ayoka Lee*, 6’6 C, Kansas St.

Drafting Lee would give the Mystics a solid big off of the bench. Currently shooting 65.3% from the field and grabbing 7.6 rpg. A strong post player who can control the paint. Needs to develop an outside shot and run the floor better.

22. Connecticut Sun – Charlisse Leger-Walker, 5’10 SG, Washington State

Strong combo guard and defender. Can run the floor, has a high basketball IQ, and can post up inside as well. Flourishes with the pick-and-roll, but otherwise, limited offensively.

23. New York Liberty – Alissa Pili, 6’2 PF, Utah

Pili’s biggest issue is what position will best suit her in the WNBA. A solid all-around game but she may have to transition to the wing in the WNBA. The Liberty’s post rotation is, more or less, set for 2024 assuming Jonquel Jones re-signs. Finally, Pili needs to see improvements in rebounding and on the defensive side.

24. Las Vegas Aces – Leïla Lacan, 5’11 SG, France

Lacan becomes a draft-and-stash pick for the Aces here. 2024 is an Olympic year and Lacan would be doubtful to show up. A strong combo guard, elite pick-and-roll style, a quick first step, and a solid playmaker. She is not known for her 3-point shooting and needs help reducing her turnovers.

THIRD ROUND

25. Phoenix Mercury – Sedona Prince*, 6’7 C, TCU

26. Seattle Storm – Deja Kelly*, 5’8 SG, North Carolina

27. Indiana Fever – Aijha Blackwell, 5’11 SG, Baylor

28. Los Angeles Sparks – Hannah Jump, 6’0 SG, Stanford

29. Phoenix Mercury – Quinesha Lockett, 5’10 SG, Toledo

30. Washington Mystics – Taiyanna Jackson, 6’6 C, Kansas

31. Minnesota Lynx – Jessika Carter, 6’5 C, Mississippi St.

32. Atlanta Dream – Erynn Barnum, 6’2 PF, Mississippi St.

33. Dallas Wings – Dyaisha Fair, 5’5 PG, Syracuse

34. Connecticut Sun – Nika Muhl*, 5’10 PG, UCONN

35. New York Liberty – Abbey Hsu, 5’11 SG, Columbia

36. Las Vegas Aces – Desi-Rae Young*, 6’1 C, UNLV

WatchList Players

There are several players worth keeping an eye on that could move into the draft come April. Additionally, with the potential for up to one-third of the players in the above mock draft, these players stand a strong chance to move up in the final mock draft. Once we know who is entering the 2024 draft will help move the following players into an actual draft pick slot.

  • Endyia Rodgers, 5’7 PG, Texas A&M
  • Aubrey Griffin, 6’1 SF/PF, UCONN
  • Kiki Jefferson, 6’1 SG, Louisville
  • Kennedy Todd-Williams, 6’0 SG, Ole Miss
  • Alyssa Ustby, 6’1 SF, UNC
  • Emily Ryan, 5’11 PG, Iowa
  • Dyaisha Fair, 5’5 PG, Syracuse
  • Lauren Gustin, 6’1 SF, BYU
  • Lauren Park-Lane, 5’4 PG, Mississippi St.
  • Mir McLean, 5’11 SF, Virginia
  • Maddy Westbeld, 6’3 PF, Notre Dame
  • Liatu King, 6’0 PF, Pittsburgh

Todd Roman is on Twitter, too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.

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