2020 Mock Draft: Big Board 5.0

Donna Orender WNBA President at the 2007 WNBA Draft (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images for Robinson Lerer and Montgomery)
Donna Orender WNBA President at the 2007 WNBA Draft (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images for Robinson Lerer and Montgomery)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Aarion McDonald #2 of the Arizona Wildcats drives against Taylor Chavez #3 of the Oregon Ducks during the Pac-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on March 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Wildcats 88-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Aarion McDonald #2 of the Arizona Wildcats drives against Taylor Chavez #3 of the Oregon Ducks during the Pac-12 Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on March 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Ducks defeated the Wildcats 88-70. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

12. Washington Mystics select Aari McDonald

It’s been a Mike Thibault world for a while, and accordingly, it would continue to be so if Aari McDonald decides to come out early. After all, he decided not to re-sign Kristi Toliver, but in McDonald, he’d be getting a Toliver-like performer — big shots in big moments, basketball IQ in spades and even an added defensive presence beyond what Toliver provides — at the end of the first round. Even if McDonald stays in school, though, the plug-and-play combo point guards are the deepest part of this draft, and that’s what the Mystics need. He can get one on a rookie contract, and if recent seasons are any indication, Thibault will pick the right one, she’ll contribute more quickly than anyone expects, and the Mike Thibault world will keep on turning.