4. Chicago Sky: Asia Durr, 5’10 G, Louisville
Here’s what we know about the Sky, through two seasons of Amber Stocks: they can score, particularly when everyone is healthy. And, at least on a consistent basis, they cannot defend well enough. Stocks spoke about making this a point of emphasis in 2018. She brought in a pair of versatile, impact defenders, and Diamond DeShields certainly delivered, while Gabby Williams led the league in steal percentage as a rookie. And still: the Sky finished last in defensive rating, and it wasn’t that close.
So how do you fix this? It’s complicated. The wings are set, with Cheyenne Parker around as a sixth starter, essentially. Stef Dolson is a talented defender, particularly at full strength. Then there’s the backcourt. Allie Quigley is a legitimate all star and elite three-point shooter, Courtney Vandersloot is the best facilitator in the league. Neither one is a defensive standout, however, and the Sky may need to start thinking about how to replace them, anyhow, with both hitting free agency this winter.
Enter Asia Durr, who might be the most talented player in the draft, period. She’s an excellent three-point shooter, 41.5 percent last season, and at 5’10 with a strong frame, could well guard both twos and threes in the WNBA. Katie Smith thinks her skills are point guard-ready now, and you can expect Jeff Walz to give her plenty of time at the point this year to help prepare her. Either as an heir apparent or a new starter, Durr makes a lot of sense in Chicago.