2024 WNBA Draft Report Card

By: Nathan M. Snell

The 2024 WNBA Draft is now in the books. The draft showed the fashion, but a group of young women were ready to take the league by storm. After much deliberation here are the final draft grades. *Note some players will be playing due to overseas commitments from the 2024 Olympics.

1. Indiana Fever- Final Grade (A+) Indiana has gotten the best player in college basketball two years in a row. The selection of Caitlin Clark number one overall, and Aliyah Boston number one overall last season with the combination of Nalyssa Smith. Indiana has a core that should compete for the playoffs. Lin Dunn has done a magnificent job in rebuilding Indiana for years to come. Celeste Taylor and Leilani Correa are guards who can make an instant impact. Taylor from Ohio State brings a defensive mind-first mindset. Correa has a chance to make the roster but with a guard-heavy team, she will have to show out in training camp.
2. Los Angeles Sparks- Final Grade (A+) It is a new era in Los Angeles. This draft reset the vision for the Sparks. The drafting of Rickea Jackson & Cameron Brink who will succeed at the pro level should work hand in hand together. The only question you could ask is.. was Kamillia Cordoso considered at No. 2? The Sparks have a rim and perimeter protector in Brink and a proven scorer in Jackson.
3. Chicago Sky- Final Grade (A-) SEC Opponent Unite! Wow! What a way to start a new era in Chicago. Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese are pieces that you can build around for years. With first-year head coach Teresa Witherspoon, those two will be asked to define what Chicago is as a team. I think it is important to see how this roster will look now that the James Wade era is officially closed.
4. Washington Mystics- Final Grade (A-) While it seems the Elena Della Donne era in Washington looks to be over. (Della Donne is sitting out for the 2024 season) The Mystics did a reset by drafting Aaliyah Edwards, a pro-ready forward who will complement Shakira Austin. The questions that were not addressed were, was Angel Reese ever considered? Was a point guard considered? Also the trend of drafting players who won’t even touch the floor or WNBA once again.
5. Atlanta Dream- Final Grade (INC) This was the first head-scratcher of the night, there was a lack of rationing with the draft for Atlanta because Nyadiew Puoch, Isobel Borlase, and Matilde Villa will not even touch the league right due to Olympic commitments. Those three have similarities to what is already on the roster. There are still a lot of unanswered questions with this roster. Atlanta missed some big splashes in this draft.
6. Dallas Wings- Final Grade (B+) Respectfully this was graded on a curve. Strictly because Dallas has the roster to compete. The elephant in the room is the roster construction, and the ceiling for this team, the draft did not address what they truly need. Again this was another team that passed up what they could have drafted. The third-round pick Ashley Owusu was drafted has a chance to put her stamp in the league.
7. Connecticut Sun- Final Grade (C+) Another curved grade, the draft did not address their needs. With this roster that has reached its ceiling, the draft will not help them get over the hump. Lelia Lacan more than likely won’t be playing this season. The rest of the picks are fillers for depth.
8. New York Liberty- Final Grade (B) Marquesha Davis might be the steal of the draft. New York last season had a weakness….their defense. The rest of their picks Martinez (17th), Carter (23rd), and Davis (35th) should get looks.
9. Phoenix Mercury- Final Grade (B) Jaz Shelley and Charisma Osborne were the right picks for this team. Especially for depth. Phoenix has dealt with a lot the last couple of seasons, and resetting in this draft is good.
10. Minnesota Lynx- Final Grade (B-) graded on a curve. Alissa Pili was a good pick from them, the only question I have is what would her position be in the league? Sure Pili’s offensive skill set was great at USC and Utah but it didn’t make a case for some on defense. The only thing that could hurt was trading with Chicago because who was taken at seven? You guessed it. Kiki Jefferson was a great pick for them as well.
11. Seattle Storm- Final Grade (C+) Drafting Nika Muhl in the first round was a reach. Nika was a great guard at UConn but I can see the reasoning. The only question is how will she get better at scoring the ball. Sure, defense and playmaking are essential, but you have to score at the pro level. Mackenzie Holmes due to injury will be out this upcoming season. Holmes I would expect her offensive game to expand.
12. Las Vegas Aces- Final Grade (A+) Depth, Depth, especially with the injuries. Christmas came early for Aces. The Aces lost their first-round pick. However, to draft the 3rd all-time scorer (Dyaisha Fair) in college basketball was an absolute steal for the Aces. Kate Martin was a good pick but what will her position be in the W? Drafting Kitley who will not play this season, and Angel Jackson are good depth pieces for the Aces.