2. New York Liberty: Teaira McCowan, 6’7 C, Mississippi State
For a team that long prided itself on defense and rebounding, it was an especially disappointing year for the New York Liberty. So to finish in the bottom half of the league in rebounding percentage, sixth in points in the paint, eleventh in block percentage and tenth in the league in defensive efficiency—well, that calls for a significant change in personnel, particularly at the defensive end.
So while Katie Smith has a potential opening at point guard—Brittany Boyd just completed her rookie contract, and when asked after the lottery, wasn’t ready to commit to Boyd as a playoff-quality starter at the position—finding someone to perform the role of rebounding and rim-protecting so Tina Charles can roam freely in and out of the lane, being her best self.
The obvious answers to this question are McCowan or Kalani Brown. But there are a few things that I think tip things into McCowan’s favor, though I’m high on both players. McCowan is already in WNBA shape. She showed an ability to play her best on the biggest stage, obliterating the record for rebounds in an NCAA tournament in 2018. And while there’s reason to think she has even more potential in her, from free throw rate to passing out of double teams, both her block and rebound percentage already dwarf those of Brown’s. There are two WNBA centers in this draft who can start immediately. The Liberty have guaranteed themselves one if they want her, and I think it’ll be McCowan they choose.