WNBA Mock Draft Big Board 3.0: Knock-on effects as free agency arrives

BRISTOL, CT - APRIL 11: Elizabeth Cambage and Maya Moore pose for a photo during the 2011 WNBA Draft Presented By Adidas on April 11, 2011 at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. 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 2011 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Potthieiser/NBAE/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, CT - APRIL 11: Elizabeth Cambage and Maya Moore pose for a photo during the 2011 WNBA Draft Presented By Adidas on April 11, 2011 at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. 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 2011 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Potthieiser/NBAE/Getty Images) /
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STORRS, CT – NOVEMBER 28: Connecticut Huskies Guard / Forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33) shoots a jump shot with DePaul Blue Demons Guard Dee Bekelja (23) defending during the first half of the DePaul Blue Demons versus the Connecticut Huskies on November 28, 2018, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
STORRS, CT – NOVEMBER 28: Connecticut Huskies Guard / Forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33) shoots a jump shot with DePaul Blue Demons Guard Dee Bekelja (23) defending during the first half of the DePaul Blue Demons versus the Connecticut Huskies on November 28, 2018, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Las Vegas Aces: Katie Lou Samuelson, 6’3 G/F, Connecticut

Let’s consider the following: if the Aces choose the best fit for their roster, it is Katie Lou Samuelson, who slots in perfectly next to A’Ja Wilson and Carolyn Swords/Kelsey Bone in a big, versatile front line. But Samuelson makes more sense for virtually any other contender for this pick in a Dallas deal, either directly or via a three-team deal. She can force teams into matchup nightmares as a shooting guard, she defends the rim well enough to play the four, even a smallball five as a Draymond Green of the WNBA type (except Katie Lou shoots it better from three). She doesn’t turn the ball over. She comes from a reasonably decent program in UConn. We’re keeping her atop our board for now.