Projecting the 2017 WNBA Draft: It Starts with Kelsey Plum
![Apr 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) shoots the ball between Syracuse Orange guard Alexis Peterson (1) and forward Bria Day (55) during the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Apr 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) shoots the ball between Syracuse Orange guard Alexis Peterson (1) and forward Bria Day (55) during the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fbe0fb127294a7e752eaaaaa50923cc33b78050b4dc8a436defd42b63524dd31.jpg)
3: Alaina Coates, C, Dallas Wings
Though news came Monday, first broken by The Summitt, that Coates will miss at least part of the 2017 WNBA season after undergoing ankle surgery, there are too many reasons to draft her in this spot. Between her elite rebounding, efficiency around the basket, and legit 6’5 frame, Coates projects as a contributor at center right away. The Wings currently employ Courtney Paris and Ruth Hamblin at center, but have had their eye on additional bodies up front for months.