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2019 WNBA Mock Draft Big Board: Version 1.0

By Howard Megdal

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: A'ja Wilson poses with a Las Vegas Aces hat during the 2018 WNBA Draft 2018 on April 12, 2018 at Nike New York Headquarters in New York, New York. 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 Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: A'ja Wilson poses with a Las Vegas Aces hat during the 2018 WNBA Draft 2018 on April 12, 2018 at Nike New York Headquarters in New York, New York. 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 Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 25: Napheesa Collier of the USA Women’s National Team passes the ball during training camp on April 25, 2018 at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. 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 Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – APRIL 25: Napheesa Collier of the USA Women’s National Team passes the ball during training camp on April 25, 2018 at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. 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 Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. Connecticut Sun: Napheesa Collier, 6’1 F, Connecticut

If there is a hallmark of the roster Curt Miller has built in Connecticut, it is this: there’s always a Plan B. It’s the deepest team in the WNBA, almost to a fault. But Miller is ready. Behind Chiney Ogwumike is Jonquel Jones (or at times, vice versa), and Bri Jones. He’s got Morgan Tuck, too, for good measure, to go along with Shekinna Stricklen. Jasmine Thomas is at the point, but there’s Layshia Clarendon, added midyear, even with Lexie Brown already in tow. Courtney Williams is an emerging star, and there, right behind her, is Rachel Banham, who just had her best season yet.

But there’s one thing Curt doesn’t have: any kind of fallback plan for Alyssa Thomas, one of the most valuable and necessary players in the WNBA. Collier represents a possible Thomas-in-training, though. Her defense has improved dramatically at Connecticut. Her court awareness is rare at 6’1, and would allow Miller to run similar sets as he does with Alyssa Thomas as effectively co-facilitator. Collier is extremely efficient around the rim, and hits shots from beyond the arc as well—34.4 percent in 2017-2018, 43.1 percent in 2016-2017. Eventually, these young players will grow out of their rookie contracts, and Miller will need to make some tough decisions. Collier could grow into a player who makes those decisions a little easier to swallow.

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