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2018 WNBA Rookie Report: Diamond DeShields

By Ben Dull

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams pose for a portrait after being selected by the Chicago Sky during the WNBA Draft on April 12, 2018 in New York, New York at the Nike New York Headquarters. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams pose for a portrait after being selected by the Chicago Sky during the WNBA Draft on April 12, 2018 in New York, New York at the Nike New York Headquarters. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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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.)

Diamond DeShields

Round 1, Pick 3 – Chicago Sky

Age: 23 – Height: 6’1 – Position: Guard/Wing

2016-17 stats at Tennessee:

The Sky added another dynamic player that can initiate offense to go with 2017 assists leader Courtney Vandersloot and All-Star Allie Quigley.

Answers she provides

  • Shot creation in the midrange
  • Third creator to pair with their two perimeter stars eliminating hiding spots for an opponent’s weakest defender
  • Another big ball handler to allow for more lineup flexibility, especially when Vandersloot rests
  • Frame and athleticism to be aggressive in attacking opposing bigs right at the rim

Questions looking forward

  • Defending top wing players for a team with star players already in their prime
  • Demanding the attention of her defender off the ball as a spot up three-point shooter
  • Picking spots to create offense with two proven high-usage guards already in tow

Path to playing time

Chicago does have other promising options including veteran Alex Montgomery and Kahleah Copper, another promising young wing, who will allow the team to foster a competitive environment in practices.

One thing to watch right now

How much will she be asked to create for herself and others? Quigley brings a special element with her shooting, and Vandersloot is always looking to push the tempo and get all the way to the rim or set somebody else up to score. DeShields can capitalize against opponents that prefer to drop their bigs back all the way under the rim, daring opposing guards to meet them at the rim.

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