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2018 WNBA Rookie Report: Lexie Brown

By Ben Dull

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 7: Lexie Brown #4 of the Connecticut Sun drives to the basket defended by Sydney Wiese #24 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the Connecticut Sun Vs Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA pre season game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 7, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT- May 7: Lexie Brown #4 of the Connecticut Sun drives to the basket defended by Sydney Wiese #24 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the Connecticut Sun Vs Los Angeles Sparks, WNBA pre season game at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 7, 2018 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis 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.)

Lexie Brown

Round 1, Pick 9 – Connecticut Sun

Age: 23 – Height: 5’9 – Position: Guard

2017-18 stats at Duke:

The Sun return 10 players, but managed to add a two-way guard at No. 9 capable of earning time for last year’s fourth overall seed.

Answers she provides

  • Versatile three-point shooter
  • Size and physical tools to defend both guard spots

Questions looking forward

  • Ideal role on a championship-caliber team
  • Ability to attack downhill and finish at the rim in the halfcourt

Path to playing time

Brown’s shot could unlock a lot of possibilities for head coach Curt Miller. At best, she flanks Shekinna Stricklen for 10-12 minutes each night to stretch defenses thin, opening up driving lanes for Alyssa Thomas. This combination would also free up Jasmine Thomas or Courtney Williams to spend some time keeping second units afloat.

One thing to watch right now

Many questions are being asked about how Miller will handle his frontcourt with Chiney Ogwumike (Achilles) healthy to start the season. Which combinations will get the most run early on off the bench? Rachel Banham and Alex Bentley bring an added scoring punch as pick and roll ball handlers, and Betnijah Laney impressed enough in training camp to make the final roster. 

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