WNBA Mock Draft Big Board 4.0: The best-laid plans
4. Chicago Sky: Katie Lou Samuelson, 6’3 G/F, Connecticut
This isn’t an easy pick to peg—there’s no obvious place for a rookie to come in and start, with Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot (should they re-sign, Vandersloot, at least, is now cored) at the guard positions, Gabby Williams and Diamond DeShields at the wings, and Stef Dolson occupying the middle. Which is why Katie Lou Samuelson, whose slump doesn’t concern anyone I spoke to, and who broke out of it in a big way against East Carolina anyway, might be the best way to go. Samuelson’s height, rim protection, varied offensive skills and ability to shoot the three mean Chicago can do plenty with her. Put her with Dolson and DeShields and you have a five-out matchup nighmare. Pop her into the game in place of, say, Allie Quigley, and there’s an insoluble size problem for an opposing shooting guard. It’s a tantalizing prospect for James Wade, that’s for sure.