WNBA Draft: Pick-by-pick analysis of the 2019 draft

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Jackie Young looks on after being drafted number one overall by the Las Vegas Aces 2019 WNBA Draft on April 10, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Jackie Young looks on after being drafted number one overall by the Las Vegas Aces 2019 WNBA Draft on April 10, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – AUGUST 21: Marie Gulich #21 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball before the game against the Dallas Wings in Round One of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs on August 21, 2018 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – AUGUST 21: Marie Gulich #21 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots the ball before the game against the Dallas Wings in Round One of the 2018 WNBA Playoffs on August 21, 2018 at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

11. Atlanta Dream selected Brianna Turner, 6’3 F/C, Notre Dame (traded to Phoenix)

Look: Chris Sienko and Nicki Collen built a contender in a year. So they deserve the benefit of the doubt. But I was definitely puzzled at first glance at their draft night.

At 11, Sophie Cunningham and Jessica Shepard were still available for a team that needs more shooting, versatility and secondary playmakers at the wings, not to mention scoring to help bridge the gap until Angel McCoughtry returns. Instead, a team that already employs Elizabeth Williams, Imani McGee-Stafford and Monique Billings already added Brianna Turner. Ah, but there’s a trade, sure, I got it now — except it was for another big, Marie Gulich, from Phoenix, talented but hardly an instant sensation as Brittney Griner’s backup in her rookie year.

This is an immensely talented Atlanta team, and a part like Cunningham to help get those final few wins for a WNBA title, or even an overseas stash because the roster is settled, both seemed plausible. This, well, I don’t really understand it.

The answer appears to lie not in Gulich’s limited rookie WNBA season, but what she did as a senior at Oregon State. A highly efficient big big who defended well, with a block percentage near 8, take a look not just at her overall effectiveness offensively, but how she got there, via Synergy:

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When you think about how posts operate in Nicki Collen’s offense, it’s hard to script someone more built for her than what Gulich did here for Scott Rueck.

That said, I’m thinking there’s another shoe still to drop.

Speaking of Pac-12 products, Maite Cazorla, at 23, offers elite efficiency as well, a three-point shot and ability to run an offense. It’s fair to wonder whether she’d have been a first-round pick if she’d had the chance to shoot as often as she was capable, in a backcourt without Sabrina Ionescu as well. That’s a great value pick. So is Li Yueru at 35. If she comes stateside, Atlanta’s got her.

Our Bria Felicien has more from draft night in Atlanta.