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 /
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Mar 6, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Alaina Coates (41) grabs a rebound as Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward Victoria Vivians (35) and Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward LaKaris Salter (44) defend in the fourth quarter during the women’s SEC basketball tournament at Jacksonville Memorial Veterans Arena. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 66-52. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Alaina Coates (41) grabs a rebound as Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward Victoria Vivians (35) and Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs forward LaKaris Salter (44) defend in the fourth quarter during the women’s SEC basketball tournament at Jacksonville Memorial Veterans Arena. The South Carolina Gamecocks won 66-52. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

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.