In the typical WNBA schedule, February serves as a prime window to evaluate draft prospects. By this time, college basketball is well into the season, allowing scouts ample opportunity to analyze top talent nationwide. Meanwhile, international leagues in Europe and Australia continue to showcase potential players for the league.
Free agency usually kicks off around this period as well, clarifying team needs as rosters begin to take shape. Many offseason moves involve trading draft picks, which can significantly alter the draft order.
However, this offseason is unlike any other. While college and international seasons are proceeding normally, the absence of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has stalled free agency and trades, maintaining the draft order first set during the November draft lottery. The situation with the expansion team’s position in the draft remains unsettled.
Despite these uncertainties, enough time has passed and player evaluations have evolved, warranting a fresh mock draft. More roster changes are expected as the offseason unfolds.
1. Dallas Wings
- Awa Fam | 6’4″ Center | Valencia (Spain)
With star Paige Bueckers secured and a new practice facility launching soon, Dallas presents an enticing destination for free agents. They expect this to be their final lottery pick for a while and are likely to take a bold shot with Awa Fam, a 19-year-old athletic rim protector with promising defensive instincts, although her offensive stats in Europe are modest.
2. Minnesota Lynx (via Chicago Sky)
- Aggie Fudd | 5’11” Guard | University of Washington
Aggie Fudd has consistently improved, finally showcasing her full potential in her super senior year. Though not a primary scorer, she excels as a reliable shooter and impactful defender, fitting well with Minnesota’s roster needs.
3. Seattle Storm (via Los Angeles Sparks)
- Olivia Miles | 5’10” Guard | TCU
Miles emerged as a dominant playmaker in her first TCU season, adept at scoring efficiently and facilitating the offense. While her defense and turnover rate need work, her offensive skills project well at the pro level.
4. Washington Mystics
- Lauren Betts | 6’7″ Center | UCLA
With uncertainty around Shakira Austin’s future, Washington would benefit from adding Betts, an elite rim protector and defender whose skills would complement their current core and reinforce their defensive identity.
5. Chicago Sky (via Connecticut Sun)
- Fraujai Johnson | 5’10” Guard | LSU
Johnson offers much-needed perimeter scoring and playmaking for Chicago. Despite a reduced role this year, her efficiency remains high, and she could flourish under a coach who emphasizes wing play.
6. Portland Fire
- Gabriela Jaquez | 6’0″ Wing | UCLA
Although potentially a reach at this spot, Jaquez’s versatility, shooting accuracy, and off-ball movement have impressed many in the league. She embodies energy and growth potential, ideal for a foundational piece in a new franchise.
7. Toronto Weather
- Aiyana Martin | 5’9″ Guard | Avenida (Spain)
Martin is a rising star overseas, excelling as a playmaker and demonstrating strong assist numbers. Though her shooting percentages have fluctuated, her overall impact remains significant in international play.
8. Golden State Valkyries
- Nell Anguloma | 5’11” Guard | Montpellier (France)
Continuing the influx of French talent in the WNBA, Anguloma is a physical and aggressive scorer who thrives getting to the basket despite needing to improve her jump shot to expand her role at the professional level.
9. Washington (via Seattle)
- Gianna Niepkens | 6’0″ Guard | UCLA
A remarkably efficient shooter with strong all-around game development, Niepkens could address Washington’s need for perimeter scoring and offensive spacing.
10. Indiana Fever
- Charlisse Leger-Walker | 5’10” Guard | UCLA
Though slightly older than most prospects, Leger-Walker’s experience and savvy as a floor general make her a valuable complement to star Caitlin Clark, potentially allowing Clark to focus more on scoring.
11. Washington (via New York Liberty)
- Kiki Rice | 5’11” Guard | UCLA
Rice offers versatile defense and steady offensive contributions, with notable improvements in shooting over her college career. She’s expected to continue developing as Washington rebuilds.
12. Connecticut (via Phoenix Mercury)
- Tanya Latson | 5’8″ Guard | South Carolina
Latson is a dynamic attacker with a knack for scoring near the rim and drawing fouls. Connecticut could use her aggressive style to energize their offense, especially on the perimeter.
13. Atlanta Dream
- Raven Johnson | 5’9″ Guard | South Carolina
Johnson brings strong game management and defensive intensity to Atlanta, fitting perfectly as a facilitator for their core. Continued shooting development could elevate her impact.
14. Seattle (via Las Vegas Aces)
- Ashlon Jackson | 6’0″ Guard | Duke
Jackson projects as a 3-and-D player with solid physical tools and confidence in her shooting. She has steadily developed good defensive skills and playmaking ability.
15. Connecticut (via Minnesota/Washington)
- Madina Okot | 6’5″ Center | South Carolina
Okot is a traditional, physical center focused on defense and rebounding. Showing considerable growth, she has time to expand her game and influence at the pro level.
Also considered: Maggie Dougan (Richmond), Toni Morgan (Kentucky), Laila Ferrier (Syracuse).
This article was first published in The Athletic.
Fan Take: This updated mock draft provides a fresh look at emerging talent against the backdrop of an unusual offseason, highlighting how roster stability and player development intertwine. For WNBA fans, these projections offer exciting insights into the next generation that could shape the league’s competitive landscape and global appeal in the years ahead.
