10. Connecticut Sun select Joyner Holmes, 6’3 F, Texas
I remain a Joyner Holmes believer, even though there is not a numbers argument to be made for her yet. Plagued by injuries and a suspension, Holmes put up pedestrian marks even last year, fouling too much, hitting only 9-for-34 from three (though points for adding it to the repertoire), with a higher turnover percentage than assist percentage. And yet: the physical talent is undeniable. There’s a clear understanding of how she needs to get better. She’s got an ideal coach to help make it so in Karen Aston. And the upside is a Diamond DeShields/Natasha Howard hybrid, the kind of player teams desperately want as we enter the next decade of WNBA play. She also has a year to prove it on the court. Curt Miller likes to get like-skilled players to plug into his second units. Alyssa Thomas is sui generis, but it is worth trying to turn Joyner Holmes into her apprentice.