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2020 WNBA mock draft: Big Board 2.0 with team projections

By Howard Megdal

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Head Coach of the Baylor University Women's Basketball, Kim Mulkey is seen during the 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: Head Coach of the Baylor University Women's Basketball, Kim Mulkey is seen during the 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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ALBANY, NY – MARCH 29: UCLA Bruins Guard Japreece Dean (24) dribbles the ball up the court during the second half of the game between the UCLA Bruins and the University of Connecticut Huskies on March 29, 2019, at the Times Union Center in Albany NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ALBANY, NY – MARCH 29: UCLA Bruins Guard Japreece Dean (24) dribbles the ball up the court during the second half of the game between the UCLA Bruins and the University of Connecticut Huskies on March 29, 2019, at the Times Union Center in Albany NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

12. Connecticut Sun select Japreece Dean, 5’6 G, UCLA

However 2019 ends for Connecticut, a title clearly within reach, Curt Miller is going to face some difficult questions this offseason, packing a lot of salaries into an unforgiving cap (CBA may change this, of course). And there’s going to be pressure to cut corners where he can. There’s also going to be a ton of interest in Layshia Clarendon, a backup point guard in Connecticut with a ridiculous resume for such a role, between her USA Basketball tenure, All Star campaign and elite playmaking profile. Teams in need of a point guard are going to come to Connecticut with offers for her, and Miller could trade her to open up salary space, then draft Dean, a good bet to come in and contribute at both ends right away. Unlike many other teams, the Sun can afford to bring her shot along slowly, and Dean is both a shot of adrenaline on the defensive end, grabbing steals in bunches, and capable of picking up some minutes while Jasmine Thomas rests. Thomas is also a perfect mentor for Dean, coming out of a strong UCLA program, and as Miller navigates next season, Dean could be a key bridge to that future.

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