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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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COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 01: Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs center Teaira McCowan (15) focuses on a pass in the National Championship game between the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on April 1, 2018 at Nationwide Arena. Notre Dame won 61-58. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 01: Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs center Teaira McCowan (15) focuses on a pass in the National Championship game between the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on April 1, 2018 at Nationwide Arena. Notre Dame won 61-58. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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.

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