PODCAST: WNBA Draft preview, pick-by-pick look at the first round
Host Howard Megdal is joined by Ben Dull of High Post Hoops. The two discuss the thought process behind each of the first round picks in the draft.
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- New York lands ‘every single target’ in a historic six-pick draft
- Fever draftee Kathleen Doyle prepares for life after Iowa
- L.A. Sparks add first-round talent with later WNBA draft picks
For instance, exactly why is Las Vegas so certain to choose A’ja Wilson, and how will she fit into the way Bill Laimbeer plays? What is it about Kelsey Mitchell that makes her such a great fit for Pokey Chatman’s offense? Exactly how should Amber Stocks supplement the all stars she already employs at center (Stef Dolson), shooting guard (Allie Quigley) and point guard (Courtney Vandersloot)?
And on it goes through an absurdly deep first round. Who is a better fit for Washington, the defensive wunderkind Gabby Williams or scorer nonpareil Victoria Vivians? How on earth is a player as talented and ready for the league as Kia Nurse possible falling to ninth in the draft? And can Monique Billings help teams more by bulking up and crashing the boards, or stretching her range beyond the three-point line?
With so many teams in win-now mode, even in the middle of the first round of the draft, the number of WNBA-ready players presents both a delightful problem and a welcome opportunity for general managers deciding the future direction of their franchises.
Listen to Megdal and Dull break down the Xs and Os, stats and personalities behind all the action to come Thursday night in New York, on a draft you can watch starting at 7 PM on ESPN2.
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