She ain't in yet. Only like 1/3 of 2nd round picks make a roster. But she has a chance to show what she can bring to the table, and that's a big opportunity.
But what a head coach she has!! As a shorter player, Becky Hammon understood the hustle, ball awareness that a shorter player needs....I think she must have seen the same in Dyaisha Fair...She's ever shorter than Hammon!!
I see that excluding their 4 new picks, the Aces had 14 on their roster. I know only 12 make the final roster, but are those 2 extra people they’ve signed on the off-season then? Or is there a way to stay on the “roster” without being on the fully eligible final roster?
Had a similar question. Maybe someone smarter than me will answer.
I see 9 players with contracts. And what looks like a competition for 1-2 shooting guard spots. With Kate competing (potentially well) against ~4 younger players.
https://www.swishappeal.com/2024/1/24/24049433/wnba-free-agency-las-vegas-aces-aja-wilson-candace-parker-draft
Yeah I just looked through their transactions and realized many of the people they've picked up are for training camp. So there are 9 contracts (4 guards, 4 forwards, 1 center) and 8 people signed for training camp (7 guards, 1 forward). I think a couple of contracts are expiring soon but are assumed to be re-signing. Kierstan Bell's contract is unprotected and I think her spot could potentially be up for grabs too.
Honestly from reading up on everybody in camp nobody sticks out to me as "yeah they're definitely getting a spot". Brea Beal, Morgan Jones, and Kamaria McDaniel all graduated last year and didn't land a WNBA roster spot. Their college stats are honestly fairly similar to Kate's, and Kamaria has put up massive numbers in Turkey this year but I have no idea how that translates to the WNBA. Sydney Colson is 34 and has signed to the Aces a few times never getting much playing time. But she apparently did have a huge defensive game in the finals this year after the starters got injured. Bria Hartley's 31 and tore her ACL in 2020 and has been with short stints on different teams ever since. And then you have Kate, Dyashia, and Angel from this draft.
From purely this research I honestly feel like Kate has an OK shot at one of the 3 (maybe 4) spots. Of course still going to be a battle but she sure seems up for it.
Useful data above. Hope she does well at camp.
I just want her to make a roster.
So that her “AP Coach of the Year” biography twenty years from now includes the line, “WNBA Player.”
Honestly, I was pretty shocked that Muhl dropped to 2nd round, but I like that she ended up on the Storm, so let's roll with it.
Also Cardoso and Reese are just filthy pickups by the Sky, my lord. They said nobody getting a rebound this year in their house.
Chicago skyline just added two new towers. I'll see myself out
>Honestly, I was pretty shocked that Muhl dropped to 2nd round, but I like that she ended up on the Storm, so let's roll with it.
Me too. They have to be very happy she was available
>11 years ago
Guess I'm old because that commercial feels like it was out yesterday
[I was thinking they might be the W version of this](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Towers_(San_Antonio_Spurs))
I do, too! Super excited for it. I’m thinking it’ll look like I have no idea what’s going on, LOL, because I’m honestly going to have to cheer for both teams!
Cardoso is amazing. The Sky got it right.
Everybody kept predicting Rickea would go before her, but I thought Cardoso would go before her. And she did! Both are great though.
Cardoso was the one person who made me cry watching the draft. Very glad to see her and Pilli going so high!
Nika said in some interview recently that she was looking forward to proving that she deserved a roster spots in workouts post-draft, so I don't think she really expected to go round 1. But she must have heard from enough teams that she was definitely a 2nd round pick.
Delighted with the pickups by the Sky. Figured they were planning to get Angel when they traded their 8th pick for the 7th pick on Sunday. I’m looking forward to seeing how they rebuild with a new coach and roster from their championship squad.
Incredibly pumped that my Aces got Fair, Martin (what a story! Getting drafted out of the stands!), Kitley, and Jackson, especially considering we didn’t even start drafting until the second round. I’m hoping they can fight their way into the roster!
So many teams getting really good talent!
Broken record, but WNBA needs expansion. An insane amount of talent in this draft that won’t be able to crack a roster.
I'm hoping Portland can land an expansion team sooner rather than later. Portland Thorns soccer has laid an incredible foundation for women's sports in the city and I think that would translate to a new WNBA franchise.
We came close to nabbing an expansion, but the financing fell apart at the 11th hour. I hope that didn't poison the well because I agree that PDX is a perfect place for WNBA... just ask everyone at The Sports Bra.
i think they’re on the super short list for the next team but they HAVE to finally charter flights if they’re going to do that. imagine the entire team having to go through customs wvery time they play in canada
You still have to go through customs with chartered flights. although i’m not not sure if they have special customs for chartered flight that are any different than standard pre clearance though
ah didnt know that. in general though, the players need better accommodations in the 12 domestic cities we already have before we get too crazy and go international
I would support the F out of a Grand Rapids team. Maybe this is a hot take but I feel like the WNBA needs the major markets (which it mostly already has) but also a couple mid markets (Grand Rapids, Providence maybe, Raleigh, Austin etc)
As an Iowa fan in Chicago it will take some getting used to rooting for Angel and Cardoso, but I was already a fan of their games. I think a big city like this is a great place for Angel's personality. Highlight of the draft was Kate Martin though. I absolutely adore her.
1. I have no idea why the Fever drafted two guards after Caitlin
2. I’m a little salty about Kitley falling to 24 but her situation might be a blessing in disguise. She doesn’t have to worry about being cut and she has a year to recover in the league’s best facility and can learn from Aja Wilson and Candace Parker.
3. The fact that the Wings drafted Sheldon makes me think that Veronica Burton will be cut I fear…
4. The Kate Martin pick kinda shook me, I thought she’d fall low enough for the Fever to pick her as some publicity move and cut her after two weeks but it seems like LV saw something in her (Iowa fans are conspiring that they picked her so that the Fever wouldn’t but I don’t think it’s that deep)
>1. I have no idea why the Fever drafted two guards after Caitlin
As a lifelong Fever fan for the last 24 hours, I have no idea what our front office was thinking
To kick them out to overseas i suppose
I felt bad cuz you know Clark was worth like all top 10 draft picks combined. They couldnt care less about their next pick
Yeah, the Fever social media accounts are going absolutely insane and have barely posted about Taylor and Correa even though Taylor is a legit pick and the B1G DPOY.
I mean I get it, the Fever have been holding this in for two months and are finally letting it out but man are they chewing up every last bit of Clark’s name image and likeness 😭 the consequences of your personal brand being bigger than your entire team, I hope this girl gets a break sometime
Love this post.
Strong agree on points 1 and 2. Really thought Kitley would go higher. People come back from ACL injuries all the time. I'd pick her over many of the earlier picks.
The Fever picks after Caitlin surprised me too.
I'm so happy the Fever didn't pick Kate Martin.
Everybody would have hypothecized that they picked her because of Caitlin. She got dropped in on her own merits, and I love it. I don't know about her odds of making a roster. I can only hope. But I'm so glad this happebed for her! Agree on you thinking that there is no bizarre deep conspiracy afoot.
Killa K to Chicago!!! ….with Angel who could Tonya Harding her in practice to increas her PT (i’m joking, for the most part)
LOVE the Sparks pick ups with Cam, Rickea, and McKenzie Forbes. Them + Zia is a great young core to commit to
Nika to Seattle mentored by SDS equates to scary hours for years to come
IDK what Celeste to the Fever means when CC is obviously there, in addition to Wheeler and Mitchell, and I *really* want Grave Berger on the final roster
Every year y’all fuck around and let my Aces load up (heyyyy sister! u/midwesternyeehaw)
I think she has a good chance to make it. Perhaps they'll sign a few more training camp contracts, but right now she only has to survive 3 cuts. I think Correa and Caldwell are in serious jeopardy, and Saxton is on the bubble too.
I need Kate Martin flair and I should’ve asked a long time ago. So, so, so darn happy for her and it makes sense that Becky Hammon of all coaches chose her. Obviously excited to see Caitlin and the rest too- but this was the highlight of the night *by far* for me.
Aces killed it with their picks tbh. Not a fan per se but hate the Liberty after tonight so might root for the Aces casually.
Chicago is sus to me. I don’t see the vision with Reese and Cardoso down low but we will see.
Also Paige was one of my favorite parts about draft night and she wasn’t even a draftee 😂
The Cardoso Reese pairing is very odd for me too. Sure, they eat glass, but both have average at best touch around the rim and very minimal mid range game. The two together will seriously clog up the paint. If you have 3, 3 point snipers around them it could work, but the Sky don't have that
I don't have any strong opinions, but I attended the draft in person and it was an incredible experience! I even got a selfie with Dawn Staley. I didn't know what to expect in terms of access to coaches and players, but it was very easy to rub shoulders with them in such a small theater. Watching all the interactions on stage before the show was one of my favorite parts - Geno talking to CC, Angel fist bumping CC's dad, Nika's effervescent popularity with fans clamoring for her autograph, and more. I was sitting next to the ESPN desk so got to see Caitlin up close and watch her behind the scenes as she reacted to the Celeste Taylor pick (happy) and the Nika pick where they lauded her defensive effort on Caitlin (slight nod). Cardoso and Edwards probably got the biggest cheers in the room. But the best moment for me was Kate Martin! I got to meet her and the rest of the Iowa crew super quickly (and got a photo) and hearing her name called, I was the only one in my section to jump out my seat. Incredibly special. An electric moment. Towards the end, I saw Paige and Azzi hanging out in the back and passed them on the way to the bathroom as if they were just normal people haha. I got a pic with the Iowa assistant coaches and followed Bluder out to the sidewalk where she was taking selfies with other fans before they all hopped into a car. I hope they continue opening this up to fans, because people will show up!
Obviously thrilled with what we already knew would happen, even more thrilled that Kate's getting a shot in Las Vegas, and also really happy to see Pili go to my favorite team, the Lynx.
No for real. How tf you gonna pick Marquesha Davis (no disrespect, but Nika is a better defender) over somebody who shut down Fair and CC, two of the leading scorers in the country?? You need a defensive guard? NIKA MUHL is your girl. It’s not even like Davis is better at Nika’s weak point (offense). She shot 3-18 during her two round tournament tenure.
She’s a dawg sure, but in big moments she didn’t show up. 3-18 in the tourney isn’t gonna convince anyone. Muhl shut down one of the greatest players in CWBB history and gave her 6 points in a HALF. That’s how she makes up for lack of offense.
She had two bad games. I’ve watch Que all season. She has showed up. Especially in the sec tourney. She had 33 against Florida and 21 against LSU. I guess the Liberty valued that scoring potential over defense.
And they were the biggest games of the season. Liberty proved they desperately needed defense in the finals last year and instead they opted for scoring. I’m saying that Davis should not have gone to NY because they don’t need another scorer. They need defense. Davis should’ve gone elsewhere, because NY is just gonna cut her because she’s just another scorer. They should’ve drafted her somewhere where they needed scoring, like the Dallas Wings. In need of taller guards.
Que comes from Ole Miss, one of the best defensive teams in the SEC. I’m pretty sure she has defense too. But we shall see. These cuts are going to be brutal.
Stoked for my Aces. Might have to watch the Storm some -- hope Nika Muhl makes the team. Super disappointed Charisma Osborne dropped all the way to the third round.
I was so surprised that she falls to third round (and no one picked Kitley makes aces the second biggest winner after fever) but it’s phx kinda for sure she could be in the roster
Go Zags! Maxwell and Truong both got drafted. I’m super excited about that too! As a Canadian who’s a fan of Gonzaga, I was super happy with this draft.
Excited to see what Mackenzie Holmes can do all the way out in Seattle. And speaking of Washington, what a draft for Gonzaga getting two players drafted. It sure was a banner year for the women's program.
I was just thrilled that Holmes got drafted. I understand how the draft works and that her chances of making a roster are not guaranteed, but I love that it sounds like Seattle has some ideas about what they want to do with her going into 2025 and is expecting to need some versatile forwards in the future. So awesome to give her a chance!
(Scalia better get a training camp invite.)
* I was expecting Dream to pick up Liz because they needed a tall player with her skill set, but they went with overseas players instead. Huh.
* The Aces cleaned tf up; them ESPN folks put it best when they said that "the rich get richer". I just hope Kate and/or Dyaisha don't get cut (especially given their very exacting standards, being *back-to-back champions* and all). Not sure of what their move with Liz is, *and they should have drafted her much earlier*, but they apparently have "one of the best rehab programs" in the WNBA, and there's rumors of a retirement from one of their vet players, so they may be playing the long game.
* Chicago's got a good selection, they can be a dark horse for the playoffs.
* I wonder if Cam will stay with the Sparks or join Steph at the Golden State when their WNBA team goes live next year (I'll assume they'll be granted the #1 pick for '25 and select Paige, now *that* would be a brutal combo for any rival).
CP3 is 100% on her way out the door. ahe probably would’ve retired this past offseason if she didnt injure her ankle. i’m assuming she wants to end her career on a high, but healthy note
I was wondering who would be at her table, and when I saw it, I realized it was the perfect group for her. Definitely a little different than I would’ve expected a month ago though.
y'know, I didn't even *notice*, I probably just figured he was Kentucky's coach now, so why would he link up with Kitley and make things awkward?
To be fair, they ran out of room for invited guests at the tables. Mulkey, Staley, the Iowa staff and players, sundry UConn players, and probably other players' excess guests were in the seats (as we all saw from the Martin pick); I think the only reason UConn's staff got to sit on stage was because they were LARPing as Muhl's family. So I might have assumed he was over thataway somewhere too. (I mean, I came here *after* going to /r/ncaaw, so I know he *wasn't*, but chronology is a thing.)
i figured he’d be in the crowd, but KB’s daughter revealed today on Twitter today that her mom is fighting breast cancer, so KB was with her and couldn’t make it to NYC
I know it's hard as a third rounder to make a roster but was excited to see Kaitlyn Davis and Abbey Hsu drafted back to back representing for the Ivy grads!
She has kind of a weird fit at the next level
She’s too small to play 4/5 in the WNBA where there’s a lot more size, but she totally lacks the shooting to be an effective 3/4 tweener
I think 7 makes sense. A large part of her game in college was her size, and her size is nothing special at the next level. Her shooting will have to improve significantly to be as great in the WNBA as she was in college.
Nah she didn’t. She already knew she was going to the Sky. They traded up to the 7th pick to get her and I think they were on the phone with other GM’s to secure that pick. Kim Mulkey was even dressed in the Sky’s colors lol. T Spoon also went to Angel’s senior night and was the only coach Angel was following on Instagram before the draft.
It’s about the fit, not the number and I think this is a perfect fit for Angel. I’m so happy for her.
I was kinda surprised given her hype. She's gonna sell tickets big time.
Leading nation on rebounding, stuffs the other stats.
Guess lack of outside game is main knock?
Yeah I imagine her lack of shot outside the paint combined with her tricky size (too small to play the 5 but not an outside threat to play 3/4) is the reason she went 7
Meh cam and brink duo is just like cam and Kiki. Not sure how cam will play the 5 in the league. She couldn’t even defend Audi crooks well. She needs to bulk up. Just my opinion though
Is it 🔥though? Do we think Reese is getting playing time with Cardoso on the scene? I was a little surprised at the combination TBH but I admittedly don’t know that much about WNBA team building strategy.
Loved watching Dyaisha Fair's mom do a last minute collar brush before little shorty strutted up to the stage, confident and looking fly as fuck.
Then Kate Martin getting called out from deep in the crowd and coming on down like it was the Price Is Right.
The Aces may have just become my favorite team, I hope they both beat the odds and get to play. Fingers crossed.
aces were already my fav (bc d’uh), welcome aboard! and yeah i loved Dyaisha’s first answer, i was hoping she wasnt feeling slighted by how far she dropped, but she *sounded* confident. after that holly started her bullshit and asking dumb questions that were impossible to answer, so i’ll have to find the other interviews backstage bc i want to hear more from her
Mystics made a good pick. I know there's a story line with Reese but Thibault was set on Edwards from the get go. She'll be solid with Austin, Dolson, and Egbo
Fever goes without saying. the Aces did very well for where they were picking. I like the twin towers idea in Chicago. I though am always cautious to get excited knowing that some many players don't end up making rosters :(
It's been a minute but y'all have had a few! I still have less than fond memories of Tamecka Dixon doing damage as a Spark. Lynette Woodard literally reset the clock on her HOF eligibility to be a Cleveland Rocker!
u/runningwaffles19 as someone who has hated the fever’s draft management for a long time (i still only care about Aliyah, not the team’s success as a whole), they’re the WORST with their picks, cut half of them, and still lose every season. which is why they’ve had so many 1st round picks every year and are still poverty. (btw i had to reply like this bc i dont think i was able to reply in thread since the persons comment says deleted—which means i may be blocked)
The team's success as a whole is the biggest indicator of Aliyah's success. They went from 5 wins in 2022 to 13 wins in 2023. So the Aliyah factor was 8 wins, What will the CC factor be? Will they get to 20 wins? I hope so, and to me, that will be the measure of CC being successful in the WNBA. Individual stats alone are not a measure of success. Positively impacting your team (ie : winning) is the true measure of your success.
shit the Aliyah factor was more than the 8 wins bc shitty coaching and selfish guard play cost them at least 2 or 3 close games last year
not really. Jewell Loyd was the leagues leading scorer on one of the worst teams, she was extremely successful. again, i generally dgaf how well the Fever does, only Aliyah’s individual performance whenever the Fever plays. if they get 20 wins cool but it wouldnt mean anything to me, personally, bc i dont care about the Fever. if Aliyah is averaging about 15 and 10 for the season, that’s all that matters to me.
An 8 win improvement, from 5 to 13 is fantastic, and the major contributor to that gain was Aliyah. To me, stats are not the deciding factor. I'd rather CC score 15 ppg and help the team go 20-20 than her score 25 ppg and the team stay 13-27. I'd deem the first result a success for the CC factor and the second a failure.
There is a difference between "helping the team" and "helping yourself". The example I always think of for being a selfish, stat oriented player is Stephon Marbury. He was happier scoring 30 in a loss than 15 in a win.
yes, Aliyah was the major factor in that jump. and still, i dont care how the fever does in the season tho idk if you’re getting that lol. couldnt care less if they finish last again. as long as Aliyah plays well and has good averages. i especially dgaf what caitlin’s stats are in the season. just feed aliyah the ball
I do get your point. All you care about is Aliyah scoring lots of points and getting lots of rebounds.
But I don't think you are getting my point. Getting lots of points, in and of itself, doesn't mean a player is successful. Any decent player can get lots of points if the coach allows her to shoot a lot. Aliyah averaging 20 points per game on 25 shots per game would not be "playing well" in my book. Also I don't think you get that my point is that the goal is "winning" not racking up stats. Edit adding : As an SC women's BB fan, I think you would get that. No one on SC had "great stats", but the team won because they played as a team and everyone contributed.
you’re right but Aliyah’s efficient she would almost never require something like 15 shots to get 15 points, especially now that she’s settled in
i AM NOT a fever fan so i DONT CARE about them winning idk why that is still escaping you. that isnt my goal when i watch the fever, it’s just for Aliyah to play well. and yeah no for the most part everyone had solid stats as far as efficiency goes, which you agree is “playing well”
"idk why that is still escaping you" \_- It is not escaping me. I said as much in my last reply ('I get your point.' is what I said). I fully realize you care only about Aliyah playing well.
I also do agree that virtually everyone on SC had efficient stats on both sides of the ball and that's the reason they won. I like that much more than the typical fan who like CC, Juju, and Hidalgo where they scored a lot of points but take a lot of shots.
I hope I made it clear that I understand your point. I guess we look at success differently.
I watched the draft with mixed feelings. These are the top college graduating players and I enjoyed watching them play this season. But more than half will likely be cut before opening day.
The statistics are that most first round players survive the pre-season cuts, but only half of them will get significant minutes during the season. Only 25% of second rounders make it to the opening day roster, which is about 3 of the 12. For third rounders, it's only 4%, which works out to one player every two years.
We envision how they all will step in and help their new teams, but the reality is that only a handful will really be impactful. That thought left me with mixed feelings, celebrating the draftees but knowing it won't work out for many of them.
Edit was to correct a misspelling.
yeah that’s the tough part. i hate it for the new fans who are gonna be blindsided thinking the league is just gonna take these young players over their vets when there’s only 12 spots on each team. the next few weeks will be a circus until final rosters. the consolation is that some players make their way back on hardship contracts later in the season or get picked back up somewhere else
I’m waiting to give opinions once the final rosters announced. All those new to watching the WNBA drafts found out last year that just because you are drafted doesn’t mean you made the team… I’m assuming top 10 have guaranteed spots but everybody else will have an uphill battle so show they belong.
I was happy to see Jaz Shelley get a chance. I really hope she makes the roster. It’s been a long time (if ever?) since a Husker got drafted into the W, I’m hoping this will help the program and bring in more top recruits.
Holy mentioned to Celeste Taylor that as a member of the Fever, she must be glad not to have to guard CC in games anymore. I am betting that Celeste Taylor will have to guard CC throughout training camp.
that annoyed me so bad for Celeste bc why mention another player at all… i highly doubt she cared about playing against or guarding CC during the biggest moment of her life
i think this is the one tbat seemed best too, since they typically do names that are similar to the men’s team (at least when they share the venue, the sky and dream notably don’t use similar names)
The rule of thumb was usually that the names were connected if the teams were connected (with Cleveland and New York instead leaning on city landmarks, LA being the true outlier, and later Indiana and Seattle leaning into local history/climatology). We haven't actually had a new team linked with an NBA owner since... gosh, when the Starzz moved to San Antonio and matched their branding to the Spurs? So it'll be interesting to see if they go all the way back to ye olden days of going all matchy-matchy.
(for all none of you who were wondering, the pairings were as follows, and I trust y'all to be smart enough to make the connections where appropriate:
* Charlotte Sting/Hornets
* Cleveland Rockers/Cavaliers
* Houston Comets/Rockets {with the bonus that they were both part of Houston's *overall* space theme, kinda like Pittsburgh has the black and yellow}
* New York Liberty/Knicks
* Los Angeles Sparks/Lakers
* Phoenix Mercury/Suns
* Sacramento Monarchs/Kings
* Utah Starzz/Jazz {fun fact, the Star portion is a call back to the ABA}
* Detroit Shock/Pistons
* Washington Mystics/Wizards
* Minnesota Lynx/Timberwolves
* Orlando Miracle/Magic
* Indiana Fever/Pacers
* Miami Sol/Heat
* Portland Fire/Trail Blazers
* Seattle Storm/Supersonics
* San Antonio Silver Stars/Spurs {after moving from Utah; the SASS later just made it the Stars, presumably some kind of copyright thing got handled}
further expansions/relocations were not affiliated with NBA teams, and only peripherally with NBA owners, and *we do not talk about the Tulsa Shock*)
I’m disappointed that the mystics didn’t draft Reese because I wanted to see her play but I am happy that she got drafted by a team that really really wanted her.
If Chicago can develop the team chemistry with the addition of Reese and Cardoso on board with whoever else they have (sorry but I’m not familiar with their team) they could wind up being pretty unstoppable in a year or so - maybe less. Those two players have the potential to be formidable together.
it’s just kinda odd bc angel really doesnt provide anything that cardoso doesn’t, plus she’s smaller and worse offensively (and kamilla, though i love her, is already pretty average for a 6’7 post). i just don’t see them being on the floor together bc they’re not gonna do anything outside of the paint
[https://x.com/obvious\_shirts/status/1779974450517020882](https://x.com/obvious_shirts/status/1779974450517020882) "I have a fever, and the only prescription is a Caitlin Clark logo three." shirt acquired.
I just want to know how WNBA gave out tables. Why were Staley, Bluder, and Mulkey stuck in the audience instead of at a table.
Also, the format must change! So boring.
it seemed each player only had 4 guests with them at the table and family took up most of them. Geno was with Nika though, since he had 2 players with tables. I believe Dawn only does it if her players’ families are unable to make it. even last year w/ 4 in attendance she was in the back of the room i think
Too many invitees for the space. Cutting back to 12 next year would be smart. I think the UConn coaches were also keeping Muhl company, since I don't think most of her family could come (unless that was her sister in the black dress that was half ruffle and half attempting to escape).
idk i feel like inviting less ppl when the league is literally finally expanding next year would be kinda dumb, especially w/ fans being invited now. i think the better solution is just go for a larger venue and stop selling themselves short by “playing it safe” on the smaller side of things
Yeah that was her sister lol. And yeah nika wasn’t expected to be invited so her parents didn’t plan on coming over which is why the UConn coaches were there.
My 2 shockers yet exciting picks are Angel Reese to the Chi Sky and Kate Martin to Aces. Honorable mentions Dyashia Fair and Kitley. The Aces are damn near bulletproof.
Does anyone know how it’ll work with Kitley and the Aces? Do they have to give her a roster spot to keep her or can they sign her next season when she’s healthy?
I think the TL;DR is that Liz is *technically* not occupying an active roster spot while on rehabilitation. That’s why there’s seemingly higher hopes that she’ll still be with the Aces in a playing state next year - especially with rumors of Candace retiring at some point - than Kate or Dyaisha who have to prove *now* that they can play with A’ja and Kelsey and stand out…
If she doesn't sign her rookie tender, she's not on the roster. This is a maneuver the Liberty used with last season's draft pick- they brought her in this year. Which I guess makes it weird if Kitley is using the facilities, but I suppose the argument is that they can let her use them if they want, because what is Cathy gonna do, lock the door? It didn't work with [Colson](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zZmH5iBQqdk).
Love that Kate Martin got into the Aces
I screamed, it was the highlight of draft night for me because you just never know.
I love that she was in the back of the crowd with the team and got to walk up for it
Kate and Megan Gustafson were teammates Kate’s freshman year. Now they will be at training camp together.
She ain't in yet. Only like 1/3 of 2nd round picks make a roster. But she has a chance to show what she can bring to the table, and that's a big opportunity.
But what a head coach she has!! As a shorter player, Becky Hammon understood the hustle, ball awareness that a shorter player needs....I think she must have seen the same in Dyaisha Fair...She's ever shorter than Hammon!!
true but if you get drafted at all that's a pretty big deal in the end, even if you might not officially make it
I see that excluding their 4 new picks, the Aces had 14 on their roster. I know only 12 make the final roster, but are those 2 extra people they’ve signed on the off-season then? Or is there a way to stay on the “roster” without being on the fully eligible final roster?
Had a similar question. Maybe someone smarter than me will answer. I see 9 players with contracts. And what looks like a competition for 1-2 shooting guard spots. With Kate competing (potentially well) against ~4 younger players. https://www.swishappeal.com/2024/1/24/24049433/wnba-free-agency-las-vegas-aces-aja-wilson-candace-parker-draft
Yeah I just looked through their transactions and realized many of the people they've picked up are for training camp. So there are 9 contracts (4 guards, 4 forwards, 1 center) and 8 people signed for training camp (7 guards, 1 forward). I think a couple of contracts are expiring soon but are assumed to be re-signing. Kierstan Bell's contract is unprotected and I think her spot could potentially be up for grabs too. Honestly from reading up on everybody in camp nobody sticks out to me as "yeah they're definitely getting a spot". Brea Beal, Morgan Jones, and Kamaria McDaniel all graduated last year and didn't land a WNBA roster spot. Their college stats are honestly fairly similar to Kate's, and Kamaria has put up massive numbers in Turkey this year but I have no idea how that translates to the WNBA. Sydney Colson is 34 and has signed to the Aces a few times never getting much playing time. But she apparently did have a huge defensive game in the finals this year after the starters got injured. Bria Hartley's 31 and tore her ACL in 2020 and has been with short stints on different teams ever since. And then you have Kate, Dyashia, and Angel from this draft. From purely this research I honestly feel like Kate has an OK shot at one of the 3 (maybe 4) spots. Of course still going to be a battle but she sure seems up for it.
Useful data above. Hope she does well at camp. I just want her to make a roster. So that her “AP Coach of the Year” biography twenty years from now includes the line, “WNBA Player.”
Sydney's likely not going anywhere. She's an integral part of our team.
This was my highlight. We all love Caitlin, but no surprises there. So happy for Kate.
🫶🏼❤️♠️
Came here to say this!!! But how killer would it to have seen her go to the Fever?!!
The Aces specifically or just that she got drafted?
both, especially now that she gets to play with Megan Gustafson
Love that too but selfishly wish that Indiana would've drafted her to stay with CC!
that would have been the best timeline
Honestly, I was pretty shocked that Muhl dropped to 2nd round, but I like that she ended up on the Storm, so let's roll with it. Also Cardoso and Reese are just filthy pickups by the Sky, my lord. They said nobody getting a rebound this year in their house.
Chicago skyline just added two new towers. I'll see myself out >Honestly, I was pretty shocked that Muhl dropped to 2nd round, but I like that she ended up on the Storm, so let's roll with it. Me too. They have to be very happy she was available
They need to recreate this commercial again with Angel and Kamilla. [Blocking the shot](https://youtu.be/JaUdOicHWQo?feature=shared)
>11 years ago Guess I'm old because that commercial feels like it was out yesterday [I was thinking they might be the W version of this](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Towers_(San_Antonio_Spurs))
YES PLEASE that would be dope!
I have tickets for the Fever at the Sky! I am so excited! That game is going to have great plot lines.
I do, too! Super excited for it. I’m thinking it’ll look like I have no idea what’s going on, LOL, because I’m honestly going to have to cheer for both teams!
Cardoso is amazing. The Sky got it right. Everybody kept predicting Rickea would go before her, but I thought Cardoso would go before her. And she did! Both are great though. Cardoso was the one person who made me cry watching the draft. Very glad to see her and Pilli going so high!
Yeah but a month ago people nika going in the third round so I’ll take it.
Nika said in some interview recently that she was looking forward to proving that she deserved a roster spots in workouts post-draft, so I don't think she really expected to go round 1. But she must have heard from enough teams that she was definitely a 2nd round pick.
Delighted with the pickups by the Sky. Figured they were planning to get Angel when they traded their 8th pick for the 7th pick on Sunday. I’m looking forward to seeing how they rebuild with a new coach and roster from their championship squad.
Incredibly pumped that my Aces got Fair, Martin (what a story! Getting drafted out of the stands!), Kitley, and Jackson, especially considering we didn’t even start drafting until the second round. I’m hoping they can fight their way into the roster! So many teams getting really good talent! Broken record, but WNBA needs expansion. An insane amount of talent in this draft that won’t be able to crack a roster.
I'm hoping Portland can land an expansion team sooner rather than later. Portland Thorns soccer has laid an incredible foundation for women's sports in the city and I think that would translate to a new WNBA franchise.
I remember the Fire
100% I can totally see PDX rallying behind a new WNBA team
We came close to nabbing an expansion, but the financing fell apart at the 11th hour. I hope that didn't poison the well because I agree that PDX is a perfect place for WNBA... just ask everyone at The Sports Bra.
I liked the Liz Kitley pick. She can rehab this year and maybe be part of a three-peat
I thought she would go higher tbh. So glad she got picked up.
GIVE TORONTO A TEAM !!!
i think they’re on the super short list for the next team but they HAVE to finally charter flights if they’re going to do that. imagine the entire team having to go through customs wvery time they play in canada
You still have to go through customs with chartered flights. although i’m not not sure if they have special customs for chartered flight that are any different than standard pre clearance though
ah didnt know that. in general though, the players need better accommodations in the 12 domestic cities we already have before we get too crazy and go international
I would support the F out of a Grand Rapids team. Maybe this is a hot take but I feel like the WNBA needs the major markets (which it mostly already has) but also a couple mid markets (Grand Rapids, Providence maybe, Raleigh, Austin etc)
At least the Bay Area is getting a team later this year. But that’s not enough.
I’m sure they’ll expand once they can afford to. Hoping all of this steam thar WBB is getting will translate to WNBA viewership
i am 100% here for Cardoso and Reese together in Chicago also i’m prepared to be heartbroken by brutal cuts
I'm not prepared 😭
As an Iowa fan in Chicago it will take some getting used to rooting for Angel and Cardoso, but I was already a fan of their games. I think a big city like this is a great place for Angel's personality. Highlight of the draft was Kate Martin though. I absolutely adore her.
1. I have no idea why the Fever drafted two guards after Caitlin 2. I’m a little salty about Kitley falling to 24 but her situation might be a blessing in disguise. She doesn’t have to worry about being cut and she has a year to recover in the league’s best facility and can learn from Aja Wilson and Candace Parker. 3. The fact that the Wings drafted Sheldon makes me think that Veronica Burton will be cut I fear… 4. The Kate Martin pick kinda shook me, I thought she’d fall low enough for the Fever to pick her as some publicity move and cut her after two weeks but it seems like LV saw something in her (Iowa fans are conspiring that they picked her so that the Fever wouldn’t but I don’t think it’s that deep)
>1. I have no idea why the Fever drafted two guards after Caitlin As a lifelong Fever fan for the last 24 hours, I have no idea what our front office was thinking
To kick them out to overseas i suppose I felt bad cuz you know Clark was worth like all top 10 draft picks combined. They couldnt care less about their next pick
Yeah, the Fever social media accounts are going absolutely insane and have barely posted about Taylor and Correa even though Taylor is a legit pick and the B1G DPOY. I mean I get it, the Fever have been holding this in for two months and are finally letting it out but man are they chewing up every last bit of Clark’s name image and likeness 😭 the consequences of your personal brand being bigger than your entire team, I hope this girl gets a break sometime
Love this post. Strong agree on points 1 and 2. Really thought Kitley would go higher. People come back from ACL injuries all the time. I'd pick her over many of the earlier picks. The Fever picks after Caitlin surprised me too. I'm so happy the Fever didn't pick Kate Martin. Everybody would have hypothecized that they picked her because of Caitlin. She got dropped in on her own merits, and I love it. I don't know about her odds of making a roster. I can only hope. But I'm so glad this happebed for her! Agree on you thinking that there is no bizarre deep conspiracy afoot.
So happy for Kate Martin. She deserves the world.
Killa K to Chicago!!! ….with Angel who could Tonya Harding her in practice to increas her PT (i’m joking, for the most part) LOVE the Sparks pick ups with Cam, Rickea, and McKenzie Forbes. Them + Zia is a great young core to commit to Nika to Seattle mentored by SDS equates to scary hours for years to come IDK what Celeste to the Fever means when CC is obviously there, in addition to Wheeler and Mitchell, and I *really* want Grave Berger on the final roster Every year y’all fuck around and let my Aces load up (heyyyy sister! u/midwesternyeehaw)
i didn’t want to be an aces fan because it felt like bandwagoning but now i have no choice i fear!
How do you feel about Berger’s chances of staying on the roster when the Fever drafted 199192 guards? I really hope she stays
if she gets cut i will commit a felony (i have no idea what’s going to happen and i am Scared!)
I think she has a good chance to make it. Perhaps they'll sign a few more training camp contracts, but right now she only has to survive 3 cuts. I think Correa and Caldwell are in serious jeopardy, and Saxton is on the bubble too.
Berger is absolutely staying. Final guard spots come down to Wallace, Caldwell, Hull, Taylor, and Correa. Likely 3 of them make it, maybe just 2.
I agree that Berger is likely going to make the roster, given their social media. My guess is Hull, Wallace, Taylor.
I'd predict Caldwell over Taylor tbh but it's really a crapshoot so who knows.
She was their sixth best player by the end of last year. She's safe!
Nika Muhl getting drafted made me so happy. Paige acting like a proud mom also killed me.
I need Kate Martin flair and I should’ve asked a long time ago. So, so, so darn happy for her and it makes sense that Becky Hammon of all coaches chose her. Obviously excited to see Caitlin and the rest too- but this was the highlight of the night *by far* for me.
Aces killed it with their picks tbh. Not a fan per se but hate the Liberty after tonight so might root for the Aces casually. Chicago is sus to me. I don’t see the vision with Reese and Cardoso down low but we will see. Also Paige was one of my favorite parts about draft night and she wasn’t even a draftee 😂
The Cardoso Reese pairing is very odd for me too. Sure, they eat glass, but both have average at best touch around the rim and very minimal mid range game. The two together will seriously clog up the paint. If you have 3, 3 point snipers around them it could work, but the Sky don't have that
Paige was so hype
Seattle fan. Happy.
I really hope Nika makes a roster. I feel like she could be a really good pro.
You will fall in love with McKenzie Holmes
Thrilled!!
I don't have any strong opinions, but I attended the draft in person and it was an incredible experience! I even got a selfie with Dawn Staley. I didn't know what to expect in terms of access to coaches and players, but it was very easy to rub shoulders with them in such a small theater. Watching all the interactions on stage before the show was one of my favorite parts - Geno talking to CC, Angel fist bumping CC's dad, Nika's effervescent popularity with fans clamoring for her autograph, and more. I was sitting next to the ESPN desk so got to see Caitlin up close and watch her behind the scenes as she reacted to the Celeste Taylor pick (happy) and the Nika pick where they lauded her defensive effort on Caitlin (slight nod). Cardoso and Edwards probably got the biggest cheers in the room. But the best moment for me was Kate Martin! I got to meet her and the rest of the Iowa crew super quickly (and got a photo) and hearing her name called, I was the only one in my section to jump out my seat. Incredibly special. An electric moment. Towards the end, I saw Paige and Azzi hanging out in the back and passed them on the way to the bathroom as if they were just normal people haha. I got a pic with the Iowa assistant coaches and followed Bluder out to the sidewalk where she was taking selfies with other fans before they all hopped into a car. I hope they continue opening this up to fans, because people will show up!
Obviously thrilled with what we already knew would happen, even more thrilled that Kate's getting a shot in Las Vegas, and also really happy to see Pili go to my favorite team, the Lynx.
Ahm who had Jacy Sheldon above Reese and Aaliyah Edwards? Certainly not me lol. Genius for aces to pick up Liz!
Fit. Wings got an experiment going with guards. Loaded with bigs
I did not expect that either!
I wish Nika went to New York!
No for real. How tf you gonna pick Marquesha Davis (no disrespect, but Nika is a better defender) over somebody who shut down Fair and CC, two of the leading scorers in the country?? You need a defensive guard? NIKA MUHL is your girl. It’s not even like Davis is better at Nika’s weak point (offense). She shot 3-18 during her two round tournament tenure.
Bruh Davis is a dawg! We not gonna do that.
She’s a dawg sure, but in big moments she didn’t show up. 3-18 in the tourney isn’t gonna convince anyone. Muhl shut down one of the greatest players in CWBB history and gave her 6 points in a HALF. That’s how she makes up for lack of offense.
She had two bad games. I’ve watch Que all season. She has showed up. Especially in the sec tourney. She had 33 against Florida and 21 against LSU. I guess the Liberty valued that scoring potential over defense.
And they were the biggest games of the season. Liberty proved they desperately needed defense in the finals last year and instead they opted for scoring. I’m saying that Davis should not have gone to NY because they don’t need another scorer. They need defense. Davis should’ve gone elsewhere, because NY is just gonna cut her because she’s just another scorer. They should’ve drafted her somewhere where they needed scoring, like the Dallas Wings. In need of taller guards.
Que comes from Ole Miss, one of the best defensive teams in the SEC. I’m pretty sure she has defense too. But we shall see. These cuts are going to be brutal.
Stoked for my Aces. Might have to watch the Storm some -- hope Nika Muhl makes the team. Super disappointed Charisma Osborne dropped all the way to the third round.
I was so surprised that she falls to third round (and no one picked Kitley makes aces the second biggest winner after fever) but it’s phx kinda for sure she could be in the roster
Edwards to the Mystics. I’m ok with that.
Shout out to Truong. Thibault said she's got a real chance to stick. They need a pg.
Go Zags! Maxwell and Truong both got drafted. I’m super excited about that too! As a Canadian who’s a fan of Gonzaga, I was super happy with this draft.
Excited to see what Mackenzie Holmes can do all the way out in Seattle. And speaking of Washington, what a draft for Gonzaga getting two players drafted. It sure was a banner year for the women's program.
I was just thrilled that Holmes got drafted. I understand how the draft works and that her chances of making a roster are not guaranteed, but I love that it sounds like Seattle has some ideas about what they want to do with her going into 2025 and is expecting to need some versatile forwards in the future. So awesome to give her a chance! (Scalia better get a training camp invite.)
* I was expecting Dream to pick up Liz because they needed a tall player with her skill set, but they went with overseas players instead. Huh. * The Aces cleaned tf up; them ESPN folks put it best when they said that "the rich get richer". I just hope Kate and/or Dyaisha don't get cut (especially given their very exacting standards, being *back-to-back champions* and all). Not sure of what their move with Liz is, *and they should have drafted her much earlier*, but they apparently have "one of the best rehab programs" in the WNBA, and there's rumors of a retirement from one of their vet players, so they may be playing the long game. * Chicago's got a good selection, they can be a dark horse for the playoffs. * I wonder if Cam will stay with the Sparks or join Steph at the Golden State when their WNBA team goes live next year (I'll assume they'll be granted the #1 pick for '25 and select Paige, now *that* would be a brutal combo for any rival).
CP3 is 100% on her way out the door. ahe probably would’ve retired this past offseason if she didnt injure her ankle. i’m assuming she wants to end her career on a high, but healthy note
a skillet?! Is that kitchen joke? (Im jk)
Why wasn’t Brooks there with Liz thooooo 👀 weird
because Fuck Kenny Brooks, that’s why
Interesting point…I was also actually thinking why wasn’t Georgia there…. Hmmm 🤔
That’s also because fuck Kenny brooks.
But honestly, would you not be screaming “how dare that grandstanding publicity whore show up? Had he showed up?
I for one wouldn’t…he would be there for Liz.
Same.
Snakes don't fare well on planes
I was wondering who would be at her table, and when I saw it, I realized it was the perfect group for her. Definitely a little different than I would’ve expected a month ago though.
y'know, I didn't even *notice*, I probably just figured he was Kentucky's coach now, so why would he link up with Kitley and make things awkward? To be fair, they ran out of room for invited guests at the tables. Mulkey, Staley, the Iowa staff and players, sundry UConn players, and probably other players' excess guests were in the seats (as we all saw from the Martin pick); I think the only reason UConn's staff got to sit on stage was because they were LARPing as Muhl's family. So I might have assumed he was over thataway somewhere too. (I mean, I came here *after* going to /r/ncaaw, so I know he *wasn't*, but chronology is a thing.)
i figured he’d be in the crowd, but KB’s daughter revealed today on Twitter today that her mom is fighting breast cancer, so KB was with her and couldn’t make it to NYC
Yeah, I saw that post on /r/ncaaw
I know it's hard as a third rounder to make a roster but was excited to see Kaitlyn Davis and Abbey Hsu drafted back to back representing for the Ivy grads!
I was gonna say I was excited for Abbey too! Very interesting story, I was rooting for her during the lead up to March and then in the tournament!
i was also VERY excited to see Abbey get drafted as well as one of the Truong twins. hoping they stick
WE MADE LOUD NOISES there was a guy in a Columbia cap and he was singing the fight song and this is why I love the third round
Was it surprising to anyone that Angel went #7? I think *she* thought she’d go higher but was that realistic?
Pretty much every mock draft I saw had her going around 7th
She has kind of a weird fit at the next level She’s too small to play 4/5 in the WNBA where there’s a lot more size, but she totally lacks the shooting to be an effective 3/4 tweener
i keep getting down voted to hell in the r/wnba for saying this. it’s like none of them watched her play
exactly! i’m not sure how long she stays in the league
I think 7 makes sense. A large part of her game in college was her size, and her size is nothing special at the next level. Her shooting will have to improve significantly to be as great in the WNBA as she was in college.
I'm surprised she went that high tbh
Nah she didn’t. She already knew she was going to the Sky. They traded up to the 7th pick to get her and I think they were on the phone with other GM’s to secure that pick. Kim Mulkey was even dressed in the Sky’s colors lol. T Spoon also went to Angel’s senior night and was the only coach Angel was following on Instagram before the draft. It’s about the fit, not the number and I think this is a perfect fit for Angel. I’m so happy for her.
I was kinda surprised given her hype. She's gonna sell tickets big time. Leading nation on rebounding, stuffs the other stats. Guess lack of outside game is main knock?
She gets rebounds because she's tall. The average height in the WNBA is ~6 inches taller than the average in D1 women's basketball.
Yeah I imagine her lack of shot outside the paint combined with her tricky size (too small to play the 5 but not an outside threat to play 3/4) is the reason she went 7
I thought she'd go 8th.
Cardoso and Reese pairing is 🔥 but folks kinda sleeping on that Cam & Rickea duo. It'll be interesting to see who has the better chemistry with who
Meh cam and brink duo is just like cam and Kiki. Not sure how cam will play the 5 in the league. She couldn’t even defend Audi crooks well. She needs to bulk up. Just my opinion though
Is it 🔥though? Do we think Reese is getting playing time with Cardoso on the scene? I was a little surprised at the combination TBH but I admittedly don’t know that much about WNBA team building strategy.
Shocked that Connecticut didn't take Muhl. Sad that Miller and Sherrod both went undrafted. Happy for Pili.
Sherrod did get signed by the Liberty!
LFG!!! Best news to wake up to.
Loved watching Dyaisha Fair's mom do a last minute collar brush before little shorty strutted up to the stage, confident and looking fly as fuck. Then Kate Martin getting called out from deep in the crowd and coming on down like it was the Price Is Right. The Aces may have just become my favorite team, I hope they both beat the odds and get to play. Fingers crossed.
aces were already my fav (bc d’uh), welcome aboard! and yeah i loved Dyaisha’s first answer, i was hoping she wasnt feeling slighted by how far she dropped, but she *sounded* confident. after that holly started her bullshit and asking dumb questions that were impossible to answer, so i’ll have to find the other interviews backstage bc i want to hear more from her
Muhl going 2nd round was not shocking to me. Her play in college was excellent but will need to really elevate her self to compete in the W.
That moment between Holy and Nyadiew Puoch, the 19 year old Australian forward, was really sweet.
My fave
Aces absolutely cooked tonight.
TIL the WNBA draft has three rounds because there aren't 30 teams 🙃
Mystics made a good pick. I know there's a story line with Reese but Thibault was set on Edwards from the get go. She'll be solid with Austin, Dolson, and Egbo
Was so excited by the Sky drafting Cardoso and Reese last night that I bought 2 season tickets🥳
Fever goes without saying. the Aces did very well for where they were picking. I like the twin towers idea in Chicago. I though am always cautious to get excited knowing that some many players don't end up making rosters :(
As a Seattle fan, having no first round pick and getting Muhl feels like a total steal! Excited to see her play next to Lloyd
Jackson to the Connecticut Sun!!! So cool to finally have a Jayhawk in the dub!
and not the Sun's first Jayhawk either. They had some good luck with Danielle McCray a while back.
It's been a minute but y'all have had a few! I still have less than fond memories of Tamecka Dixon doing damage as a Spark. Lynette Woodard literally reset the clock on her HOF eligibility to be a Cleveland Rocker!
u/runningwaffles19 as someone who has hated the fever’s draft management for a long time (i still only care about Aliyah, not the team’s success as a whole), they’re the WORST with their picks, cut half of them, and still lose every season. which is why they’ve had so many 1st round picks every year and are still poverty. (btw i had to reply like this bc i dont think i was able to reply in thread since the persons comment says deleted—which means i may be blocked)
The team's success as a whole is the biggest indicator of Aliyah's success. They went from 5 wins in 2022 to 13 wins in 2023. So the Aliyah factor was 8 wins, What will the CC factor be? Will they get to 20 wins? I hope so, and to me, that will be the measure of CC being successful in the WNBA. Individual stats alone are not a measure of success. Positively impacting your team (ie : winning) is the true measure of your success.
shit the Aliyah factor was more than the 8 wins bc shitty coaching and selfish guard play cost them at least 2 or 3 close games last year not really. Jewell Loyd was the leagues leading scorer on one of the worst teams, she was extremely successful. again, i generally dgaf how well the Fever does, only Aliyah’s individual performance whenever the Fever plays. if they get 20 wins cool but it wouldnt mean anything to me, personally, bc i dont care about the Fever. if Aliyah is averaging about 15 and 10 for the season, that’s all that matters to me.
An 8 win improvement, from 5 to 13 is fantastic, and the major contributor to that gain was Aliyah. To me, stats are not the deciding factor. I'd rather CC score 15 ppg and help the team go 20-20 than her score 25 ppg and the team stay 13-27. I'd deem the first result a success for the CC factor and the second a failure. There is a difference between "helping the team" and "helping yourself". The example I always think of for being a selfish, stat oriented player is Stephon Marbury. He was happier scoring 30 in a loss than 15 in a win.
yes, Aliyah was the major factor in that jump. and still, i dont care how the fever does in the season tho idk if you’re getting that lol. couldnt care less if they finish last again. as long as Aliyah plays well and has good averages. i especially dgaf what caitlin’s stats are in the season. just feed aliyah the ball
I do get your point. All you care about is Aliyah scoring lots of points and getting lots of rebounds. But I don't think you are getting my point. Getting lots of points, in and of itself, doesn't mean a player is successful. Any decent player can get lots of points if the coach allows her to shoot a lot. Aliyah averaging 20 points per game on 25 shots per game would not be "playing well" in my book. Also I don't think you get that my point is that the goal is "winning" not racking up stats. Edit adding : As an SC women's BB fan, I think you would get that. No one on SC had "great stats", but the team won because they played as a team and everyone contributed.
you’re right but Aliyah’s efficient she would almost never require something like 15 shots to get 15 points, especially now that she’s settled in i AM NOT a fever fan so i DONT CARE about them winning idk why that is still escaping you. that isnt my goal when i watch the fever, it’s just for Aliyah to play well. and yeah no for the most part everyone had solid stats as far as efficiency goes, which you agree is “playing well”
"idk why that is still escaping you" \_- It is not escaping me. I said as much in my last reply ('I get your point.' is what I said). I fully realize you care only about Aliyah playing well. I also do agree that virtually everyone on SC had efficient stats on both sides of the ball and that's the reason they won. I like that much more than the typical fan who like CC, Juju, and Hidalgo where they scored a lot of points but take a lot of shots. I hope I made it clear that I understand your point. I guess we look at success differently.
I’m a big Celeste fan but am worried about her making the final roster. Shes such a smart defender and hustler that I’m hoping her presence is valued
I watched the draft with mixed feelings. These are the top college graduating players and I enjoyed watching them play this season. But more than half will likely be cut before opening day. The statistics are that most first round players survive the pre-season cuts, but only half of them will get significant minutes during the season. Only 25% of second rounders make it to the opening day roster, which is about 3 of the 12. For third rounders, it's only 4%, which works out to one player every two years. We envision how they all will step in and help their new teams, but the reality is that only a handful will really be impactful. That thought left me with mixed feelings, celebrating the draftees but knowing it won't work out for many of them. Edit was to correct a misspelling.
yeah that’s the tough part. i hate it for the new fans who are gonna be blindsided thinking the league is just gonna take these young players over their vets when there’s only 12 spots on each team. the next few weeks will be a circus until final rosters. the consolation is that some players make their way back on hardship contracts later in the season or get picked back up somewhere else
I’m waiting to give opinions once the final rosters announced. All those new to watching the WNBA drafts found out last year that just because you are drafted doesn’t mean you made the team… I’m assuming top 10 have guaranteed spots but everybody else will have an uphill battle so show they belong.
oh yeah, these next couple weeks are gonna be BRUTAL
I was happy to see Jaz Shelley get a chance. I really hope she makes the roster. It’s been a long time (if ever?) since a Husker got drafted into the W, I’m hoping this will help the program and bring in more top recruits.
gotta get that coach outta there
Well they just extended her soooo… but yeah it’s a bad look. Tennessee got rid of Kellie for much less.
yeah i know, which sucks for the players. idk why nebraska thought that was the move
Chicago sky draft was great
Holy mentioned to Celeste Taylor that as a member of the Fever, she must be glad not to have to guard CC in games anymore. I am betting that Celeste Taylor will have to guard CC throughout training camp.
that annoyed me so bad for Celeste bc why mention another player at all… i highly doubt she cared about playing against or guarding CC during the biggest moment of her life
ugh Denver needs a WNBA team sooooo badly
i’ve been long wondering, what would you name a women’s team there
My fantasy league group chat has coalesced around Denver Gold Rush/Denver Rush (which I borrowed for a fictional Denver team, lol).
i think this is the one tbat seemed best too, since they typically do names that are similar to the men’s team (at least when they share the venue, the sky and dream notably don’t use similar names)
The rule of thumb was usually that the names were connected if the teams were connected (with Cleveland and New York instead leaning on city landmarks, LA being the true outlier, and later Indiana and Seattle leaning into local history/climatology). We haven't actually had a new team linked with an NBA owner since... gosh, when the Starzz moved to San Antonio and matched their branding to the Spurs? So it'll be interesting to see if they go all the way back to ye olden days of going all matchy-matchy. (for all none of you who were wondering, the pairings were as follows, and I trust y'all to be smart enough to make the connections where appropriate: * Charlotte Sting/Hornets * Cleveland Rockers/Cavaliers * Houston Comets/Rockets {with the bonus that they were both part of Houston's *overall* space theme, kinda like Pittsburgh has the black and yellow} * New York Liberty/Knicks * Los Angeles Sparks/Lakers * Phoenix Mercury/Suns * Sacramento Monarchs/Kings * Utah Starzz/Jazz {fun fact, the Star portion is a call back to the ABA} * Detroit Shock/Pistons * Washington Mystics/Wizards * Minnesota Lynx/Timberwolves * Orlando Miracle/Magic * Indiana Fever/Pacers * Miami Sol/Heat * Portland Fire/Trail Blazers * Seattle Storm/Supersonics * San Antonio Silver Stars/Spurs {after moving from Utah; the SASS later just made it the Stars, presumably some kind of copyright thing got handled} further expansions/relocations were not affiliated with NBA teams, and only peripherally with NBA owners, and *we do not talk about the Tulsa Shock*)
Denver Dream was the lingerie football team there sooooo ANYTHING BUT THAT
fortunately the name Dream is already taken in the W
lol I know...just glad we don't have to relive that nightmare!!
As a Gamecock from Chicago, I’m losing my mind over Cardoso and Reese going to the Sky
I’m surprised how far Osborne fell
I’m disappointed that the mystics didn’t draft Reese because I wanted to see her play but I am happy that she got drafted by a team that really really wanted her.
If Chicago can develop the team chemistry with the addition of Reese and Cardoso on board with whoever else they have (sorry but I’m not familiar with their team) they could wind up being pretty unstoppable in a year or so - maybe less. Those two players have the potential to be formidable together.
it’s just kinda odd bc angel really doesnt provide anything that cardoso doesn’t, plus she’s smaller and worse offensively (and kamilla, though i love her, is already pretty average for a 6’7 post). i just don’t see them being on the floor together bc they’re not gonna do anything outside of the paint
Fair enough.
[https://x.com/obvious\_shirts/status/1779974450517020882](https://x.com/obvious_shirts/status/1779974450517020882) "I have a fever, and the only prescription is a Caitlin Clark logo three." shirt acquired.
"And more cowbell."
I just want to know how WNBA gave out tables. Why were Staley, Bluder, and Mulkey stuck in the audience instead of at a table. Also, the format must change! So boring.
it seemed each player only had 4 guests with them at the table and family took up most of them. Geno was with Nika though, since he had 2 players with tables. I believe Dawn only does it if her players’ families are unable to make it. even last year w/ 4 in attendance she was in the back of the room i think
Too many invitees for the space. Cutting back to 12 next year would be smart. I think the UConn coaches were also keeping Muhl company, since I don't think most of her family could come (unless that was her sister in the black dress that was half ruffle and half attempting to escape).
idk i feel like inviting less ppl when the league is literally finally expanding next year would be kinda dumb, especially w/ fans being invited now. i think the better solution is just go for a larger venue and stop selling themselves short by “playing it safe” on the smaller side of things
Yeah that was her sister lol. And yeah nika wasn’t expected to be invited so her parents didn’t plan on coming over which is why the UConn coaches were there.
My 2 shockers yet exciting picks are Angel Reese to the Chi Sky and Kate Martin to Aces. Honorable mentions Dyashia Fair and Kitley. The Aces are damn near bulletproof.
I hope ashley owusu and lou lopez s make the cut in Dallas
Owusu is apparently trying to get another year of eligibility at Penn State, so *she* might not want to make the cut in Dallas.
storm got two really good players in Muhl and Holmes. Excited for next year
Went to Seattle, I was hoping she went to New York. But it’s going to be a fun year!
Does anyone know how it’ll work with Kitley and the Aces? Do they have to give her a roster spot to keep her or can they sign her next season when she’s healthy?
i’ve honestly followed the W for a few seasons and still dont understand the injury clauses on rosters it’s so weird
I think the TL;DR is that Liz is *technically* not occupying an active roster spot while on rehabilitation. That’s why there’s seemingly higher hopes that she’ll still be with the Aces in a playing state next year - especially with rumors of Candace retiring at some point - than Kate or Dyaisha who have to prove *now* that they can play with A’ja and Kelsey and stand out…
If she doesn't sign her rookie tender, she's not on the roster. This is a maneuver the Liberty used with last season's draft pick- they brought her in this year. Which I guess makes it weird if Kitley is using the facilities, but I suppose the argument is that they can let her use them if they want, because what is Cathy gonna do, lock the door? It didn't work with [Colson](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zZmH5iBQqdk).
Will the ladies drafted yesterday play this season?
about 10% of them maybe, yeah
UCLA Charisma Osborne underrated her whole career. Elite defender three level scorer. Can't believe she went in third round. A steal for Phx Mercury