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2018 WNBA Draft Diary: Pick-by-pick updates, analysis, news

By Ben Dull

NEW YORK - APRIL 13: WNBA President Lisa Borders and WNBA Legend Dawn Staley poses for a photo during the 2017 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2017 at the Samsung 837 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 13: WNBA President Lisa Borders and WNBA Legend Dawn Staley poses for a photo during the 2017 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2017 at the Samsung 837 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 04: Nneka Ogwumike
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 04: Nneka Ogwumike /

There are plenty of questions worth asking about Russian forward/center Maria Vadeeva.

How much will her availability be impacted by national team commitments? At just 19 years old, what exactly is her ceiling? Are her sights set on remaining in the WNBA for a long time, or is she more interested in testing the waters?

The Los Angeles Sparks are in as good a position as anyone to select her and find out. Vadeeva is currently playing alongside Los Angeles forward and 2016 WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike overseas.

The Sparks return their three-headed frontcourt rotation of Candace Parker, Jantel Lavender and Ogwumike. More help up front would certainly be welcome as these WNBA teams prepare for a condensed season, playing the same number of games in about 20 fewer days.

Vadeeva has shown flashes of being a multi-faceted player. She can knock down an open jumper. She can deliver some slick interior passes. She isn’t afraid to put her shoulder in the chest of a defender to go right through them to get to her lefty hook.

The Sparks already solidified their backcourt, adding unrestricted free agent Cappie Pondexter to the mix earlier this offseason. Essence Carson remains a top-tier defender on the wing coming off the bench behind reigning Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard.

How much could Vadeeva give them in year one? That remains unclear. 8-10 minutes per game might be all the Sparks need right now. That said, it’s tough to see this any other way. The Sparks came away with an absolute steal at No. 11.

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