2018 WNBA Draft Big Board v. 6.0: Azura Stevens shakes up the board

7. Washington Mystics: Gabby Williams, 5’11 F, Connecticut

At first glance, Williams wouldn’t look like the obvious pick for what Mike Thibault runs. For instance, Williams was asked about getting compared to Maya Moore at a presser during NCAA Regionals in Albany, and her immediate quip response was: “You mean without the outside shot, right?”

But here’s the thing: Gabby Williams understands what she can and can’t do at this point. And the combination of her work ethic and obscenely high basketball IQ leaves me optimistic she can add that shot. She is comfortable at 15-18 feet already, and her free throw shooting, north of 70 percent three years running, is another positive indicator of what her shot can become. Better still, playing for Thibault and his staff is a surefire way to maximize her ability from the perimeter.

And that’s the other part here: Gabby Williams is a starter in this league if the three never comes because of the way she leaps, rebounds, defends. She can guard bigger and she can stick with smaller players, even guards. But if Gabby Williams adds a three? Well, she’ll make a bunch of all-WNBA first teams. Expect Thibault to plan around a front line with Williams, Elena Delle Donne and when she returns next season, Emma Meesseman. Good luck dealing with that.