2024 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0
With the lottery order set, see our latest updated mock draft
With the 2024 WNBA draft lottery set, here is our official updated First Round Mock draft 2.0. Unlike most mock drafts, we aren't just listing players that we view to be the ‘best available.’ We are taking into consideration each team selecting, their roster makeup and overall upside and evaluation for all potential draftees.
Indiana Fever - Caitlin Clark G - Iowa
A slam dunk number one overall selection. Clark will be an immediate impact player running the offense in Indy. Her presence in the halfcourt will make Indiana’s offense one of the most frustrating in the league to deal with. From PnR’s with Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith to dribble drive kick outs to Kelsey Mitchell and Kristy Wallace, Clark’s dynamic playmaking and shotmaking will catapult this Fever offense for years to come.
Los Angeles Sparks - Cameron Brink C- Stanford
Brink brings unique abilities to both ends, but adding her defensive prowess to this roster makes the Sparks a top-tier defensive squad. The reason we passed on Bueckers is because LA drafted a point guard in the first round last year that is still developing. They also welcome back the runner-up finisher for MIP in Jordin Canada as well as sharp-shooting guard Lexie Brown. Adding the versatile Brink to the frontcourt will make the Sparks interior defense among the best in the league. It also allows both Ogwumike and Hamby to play the four in several lineups as well as spacing the floor offensively for the former MVP.
Phoenix Mercury - Paige Bueckers G - Connecticut
One UConn great passing the torch to the latest UConn great seems like a fitting way for Taurasi to go out. Phoenix is welcoming a highly scrutinized hire at Head Coach, so snagging Bueckers here makes the most sense as a franchise going forward, but also gives the fans something hearty to chew on as the Mercury try to rebuild the dynasty. Bueckers figures to be an excellent and versatile pro who can score when needed, make quality decisions, and, most importantly, elevate the players around her.
Seattle Storm - Georgia Amoore G - Virginia Tech
Here is where our mock draft will surely deviate from the norm. This pick came down to PG or BIG. With the way the team is constructed I think you can make a credible case for having Jade Melbourne run the show and pair Aaliyah Edwards with Ezi to make a very dynamic frontcourt. We went Amoore, however, because we like her slightly more with how the team is constructed. Beyond grading her the second best shot-maker and creator in this draft, she will make life so much easier for Jewell. Spacing is everything and Amoore will give you the most at this selection.
Dallas Wings - Carla Leite G - France
Here is the point in most mocks you'll see most pundits throw in their “best available”. For us, Dallas is by far the last team any potential draft pick should want to hear call their name. They have 10 roster spots locked up from last year’s roster and that’s NOT including 2023 breakout star Kalani Brown, Odyssey Sims or first round selection from last season Stephanie Soares. Assuming they let Sims walk, which isn't a given, that still leaves zero spots remaining for any incoming rookies barring and outrageous training camp. We could definitely see Dallas trading this pick, but if not, we like Leite in this spot as a stash. She is a dynamic scorer and playmaker in France and actually fits the Dallas scheme beautifully. Great from deep and can finish with both hands. They also get to kick the can down the road one more season and try to build on their Semi-Finals season from a year ago.
Washington Mystics - Rickea Jackson F - Tennessee
We rate Rickea as a top-4 prospect with her size, versatility and upside, but, with the way this particular draft sorted itself, we see the nation’s capital in her future. Honestly, I hope she gets to DC because it would be a great organization for her to play in. Stability and veteran leadership, along with a sizable role early, might be just what she needs to become a start in this league.
Minnesota Lynx - Aaliyah Edwards F - Connecticut
If Edwards is still around at 7 this should be a “best available” situation. If Seattle does decide to take her, we see them going Amoore, as they do need shooting and spacing to couple with their interior. We didn’t love any guards enough to warrant this selection, so while Edwards may be stepping into a packed frontcourt rotation, we see her being able to navigate it very well. We see Edwards a very competent to above average professional.
Atlanta Dream - Taiyanna Jackson C - Kansas
This selection is based on need, potential and team philosophy. Jackson really came on our radar last season with high efficiency and fantastic rim protection. She has continued to become more savvy in her gameplay and with more seasoning could be a staple in the middle. She gives Parker a chance to play her true position while also adding much needed depth to a Dream team that only has one true Center on its roster.
Dallas Wings - Alissa Pili F - Utah
As stated before, this will easily be the hardest team to make for incoming draftees. I think Dallas takes Pili here, and she might just make us eat our words based on her efficiency that is otherworldly. Her size is the obvious issue, but with the stacked frontcourt of Dallas, Pili could potentially play in rotations as a bit of a hybrid three or small four. She is sneaky athletic and extremely strong. Even if she doesn’t make the roster, we definitely think another team will grab her on the open market.
Connecticut Sun - Liatu King F - Pittsburgh
Here’s a name you’re definitely not seeing on many draft boards, but we think she could be a sneaky pick for the next level. King has increased her role each season at Pitt, seeing huge leaps in every statistical category. She’s a touch over 6’0’’ but plays much bigger. She can face you up on the block or use a bevy of post moves to exploit smaller, weaker defenders. In ten games this season she is averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds on 55% shooting. The only knock as an evaluator is that she doesn’t stretch the floor. Wildly, through four years, she has attempted exactly zero three-point attempts. Now, if you know us, that’s usually a huge red flag, but, for King, we’re going to take make an exception. It might take King a bit to find her way into the rotation, but her midrange game is top-tier.
New York Liberty - Jacy Sheldon G - Ohio State
Honestly, this was our hardest projection of the first round. After the finals, it was obvious what this team needs, but in reality, we think it will be done through free agency rather than the draft. We could see several names called in this spot, but, in New York fashion, we see Sheldon coming off the board here. She gives a slight boost in the defensive category, but they’ll most likely look to add another shooter at this spot. If they can't defend, they'll try to pour in as many points as possible.
Los Angeles Sparks - Nyadiew Puoch F - Australia
With the last selection in the first round we look for the Sparks to draft the second international player of 2024. Puoch is hybrid forward that can get out in transition, beat you with her first step and has good hands defensively. Being versatile within rotations will be a prospects’ quickest way of making a roster in the W. With her size, athleticism and raw ability at only 19, we think Puoch is certainly worth a flier at the end of the first round.
Georgia Amoore is very good at creating separation to get off a shot, but she is currently shooting only 32.6 percent from three (compare that with Crystal Dangerfield, who shot 41 percent from deep as a senior), and at a little over 5’ 5” tall, I have doubts about how she will do on the defensive end when she gets to the WNBA. I can’t see Seattle picking her at 4 with Aliyah Edwards and Cardoso still on the board.
I kind of like the idea of Dallas doing a deferral pick, but 5 seems very early for Carla Leite. The French guard prospect who has got a lot more buzz, and who I expect to get drafted earlier than Leite is Leila Lacan.
I can’t see Taiyanna Jackson, a less mobile, comparatively slow-footed big, being selected before Kamilla Cardoso.
And finally, I can’t see a 6-foot tall post like Liatu King, who hasn’t attempted a three in four years, sneaking into the first round ahead of Reese, Osborne, Pao Pao, and the like.
Where’s Cardoso? Reese? Sherrod? Osborne? Kitley?
You were so high on Kitley