2019 WNBA Mock Draft: Big Board 2.0 is wide open

2019 WNBA Mock Draft Big Board 2.0: Wide open field at top and bottom of first round

NEW YORK - APRIL 1: WNBA President Val Ackerman announces the Houston Comets have received the number one overall pick in the upcoming Draft during the 1997 WNBA Draft Lottery on April 1, 1997 in New York City. 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 1997 NBAE (Photo by Chuck Solomon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – DECEMBER 02: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Connecticut Huskies dribbles the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on December 2, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. Dallas Wings: Napheesa Collier, 6’1 F, Connecticut

By the time April rolls around, Greg Bibb and Brian Agler will have a better idea, you’d imagine, whether Liz Cambage is coming back for 2019 or not. But let’s put it this way: can the Wings really build around her for the long-term either way? She’s signed through 2019, and then she has the ability to sign with any WNBA team. Of course, Dallas can core her, but that is of limited utility if Cambage makes it clear she wants out, and even less so if she names her team. And yet: she is Liz Cambage, and the chance to utilize her is one any WNBA team needs to prioritize if possible. All of which leads to Collier, who is an Alyssa Thomas clone-in-waiting, and would work as both a skilled two-way four next to Cambage, a complement to Azura Stevens if Cambage doesn’t return, and even an option as a big three next to the two of them in an imposing front line. Collier’s assist rate in north of 20 percent once again, a vital secondary playmaker skill set in this modern WNBA. Only thing to watch: her three-point percentage has slipped so far in 2018-19. That needs to recover for her to reach her full potential at the next level.

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