2018 WNBA Rookie Report: Azura Stevens

Welcome to the 2018 Rookie Report. This initial set of posts will give a brief outlook on members of the 2018 WNBA draft class.

We will discuss the answers these players provide to their new teams along with questions that will need to be answered for them to maximize their potential as a player. We’ll close with thoughts on what will need to happen for each player to get some playing time and offer thoughts on what you should be looking forward right away as you tune in on League Pass. (Advanced stats obtained via HerHoopStats. Read their glossary here.)

Azura Stevens

Round 1, Pick 6 – Dallas Wings

Age: 22 – Height: 6’6 – Position: Forward/Center

2017-18 stats at UConn:

Seen as one of the steals of the draft, Dallas landed a skilled big with a very intriguing blend of length, shooting, shot-blocking and interior scoring.

Answers she provides

• Length and mobility to further diversify their frontcourt rotation
• Versatility to her jump shot not often seen in forwards of her size
• Size and athleticism to immediately log minutes at both PF/C spots
• Pick and pop and spot up threat to open up driving lanes for All-WNBA point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith

Questions looking forward

• Adding enough strength to defend one on one in the post
• Ability to command the defensive glass in minutes as a center
• Lateral quickness to corral opposing guards in open space
• First step in attacking closeouts to go finish at the rim

Path to playing time

The Wings kept 2017 draft pick Breanna Lewis, and Theresa Plaisance is working her way back to full strength (ACL). Dallas will need to fill minutes at center behind Liz Cambage. The need at center may outweigh the need at power forward, where both Glory Johnson and Kayla Thornton return.

One thing to watch right now

How much value does her size and shot-blocking add to the team defense? The Wings went small quite often last year, sliding Karima Christmas-Kelly or Aerial Powers up to the four spot. If Stevens can knock down her open jump shots, she’ll provide the same value on offense. Being nearly eight inches taller than those players, will the added length on the floor help the Wings build a league-average defense in 2018?

Preseason highlights

Here are two great examples illustrating just how tough Stevens can be to score on out away from the basket:

And here are some offensive highlights, including her shot up shooting, movement without the ball and face up game:

Preseason stat line: 31 points (13-26 FG, 4-9 3PT), 17 rebounds, one assists, three steals, two blocks and seven turnovers in 74 minutes.