The Washington Mystics are preparing for the 2025 WNBA Draft. Washington finished the 2024 season with a 14-26 record. Although it was far from an ideal overall season for the Mystics, Washington's future is bright considering their WNBA Draft outlook.
The Mystics have the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 picks in the draft. Washington features the ability to control the dynamic of the first-round following the top two overall picks. However, what exactly do the Mystics need to reach the next level?
What Mystics need in WNBA Draft
Breaking down positional needs and roster strategies is one thing, but this Mystics team needs a franchise superstar to build around. Ariel Atkins is now with the Chicago Sky and Washington is rebuilding. There are certainly players with franchise superstar potential who will be available within the top six picks of the draft.
Paige Bueckers is likely going to be selected first overall. That means the Mystics should be able to select either Kiki Iriafen or Dominique Malonga, depending on who is selected second overall. Both players could be superstars at the WNBA level.
Sonia Citron and Aneesah Morrow are options as well. They will be candidates to be selected fourth overall. Iriafen and Malonga feature especially high ceilings, though.
Olivia Miles' decision to return to college basketball will negatively impact the Mystics in the draft. Had Miles declared for the 2025 WNBA Draft, she likely would have been selected second overall. That would have meant that Washington could have drafted both Iriafen and Malonga.
Nevertheless, the Mystics will pivot and adjust their draft strategy.
While it is true that the Mystics don't need to focus on a specific position in order to draft their next superstar, Washington is in need of more backcourt depth. Their No. 6 pick should probably be used on drafting a guard.
Georgia Amoore and Hailey Van Lith probably won't be selected until later in the draft. The Mystics could consider using the pick on one of them, though. However, Shyanne Sellers is probably the more realistic option. The 6'2" point guard offers size and versatility. She could be the best draft selection at No. 6 overall for the Mystics.
The Mystics' draft outlook has its ups and downs. Three picks within the top six selections is exciting, but Washington won't necessarily be able to address all of their needs in the draft. With that said, they could find a franchise superstar to build around for years to come and that is what matters for Washington at the moment.