Her Hoops Stats WNBA Top 50 (actually, 48) Snake Draft
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This past November, I released the first Her Hoop Stats Top 50 WNBA Players list. The list was compiled with the idea of being able to draft any player for one year. Taking that idea a step further, I thought it would be a fun exercise to see what these hypothetical teams would look like if the league was drafted in accordance with that list. Using a snake draft format to eliminate some of the positional advantage of a traditional draft, I’ve assembled the teams below using the WNBA’s 2020 draft order (excluding trades). In order for the teams to have the same number of players, only the top 48 players on the list were used, giving each team a “core four.” While teams won’t jive perfectly (ex. Phoenix with Courtney Vandersloot and Jordin Canada), it’s interesting to imagine how these teams might fare.
I can almost see Joe Tsai’s eyes lighting up. Imagine bringing the league’s best player and reigning MVP, along with one of its most exciting rookies to the bright lights of New York and the Barclays Center. Add to that Jewell Loyd, who won a title with Seattle in 2018, and you have the most exciting basketball team in New York since the 70’s.
This would be another potential powerhouse with former MVP Brittney Griner leading the way. Under her wing would be 2019 Rookie of the Year, Napheesa Collier, a great contributor in Tiffany Hayes, and one of the league’s best three point shooters, Alysha Clark.
Liz Cambage surrounded by shooters? Sounds like something that could work. Cambage can score inside at will, but would have perimeter shooters around her if any defense clogs the lane. But having Chelsea Gray, Kristi Toliver, and Natasha Cloud would help spread the floor enough that Cambage wouldn’t have much trouble getting inside.
Nneka Ogwumike brings her basketball and leadership talents to Atlanta to join up with a returning Angel McCoughtry, and arguably, the league’s best three point shooter in Allie Quigley. Breakout performer Erica Wheeler joins them as well to create a formidable threat under head coach Nicki Collen.
Courtney Vandersloot and Jordin Canada on the same team could prove interesting. I’d keep Vandersloot at point and move Canada over to the two. She would still be effective and would bring her defensive skills to the shooting guard position. Chiney Ogwumike could play inside and out and Stefanie Dolson would provide rebounding and defense inside.
This team would be trouble on both ends of the court. Breanna Stewart and Kayla McBride are highly capable three point shooters. Both Stewart and Maya Moore would be a threat from anywhere on the court, and Parker has improved steadily over the course of her career.
Need a rebound? A frontcourt pairing of Natasha Howard and Tina Charles would have you covered. Howard grabbed a career high 8.2 boards last season. Charles, who led the league in rebounding for four seasons, brought down 7.5. Adding 2019’s Most Improved Player, Leilani Mitchell, at point and you have some exciting pick and roll opportunities that would drive defenders crazy.
This might be the team with the highest potential. An emerging superstar in Diamond DeShields, who can score from anywhere on the floor, combined with Jonquel Jones and Teaira McCowan who have no problem scoring inside and crashing the boards. Add Kelsey Plum at point guard, and you have a well-balanced machine at work.
Playoff stalwart and multiple-time champion Sylvia Fowles leads an impressive team with playoff hero Emma Meesseman, along with Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Williams. Scoring could be spread across the team and if Meesseman gets hot, her team can get her open.
Small ball is the name of the game for the new look Los Angeles Sparks. What this team would lack in size, they’d make up for it in shooting and speed. While Diana Taurasi missed most of last season due to injury, she is primed for a comeback year. Skylar Diggins-Smith is a Top 5 point guard that could run the offense while Odyssey Sims and Ariel Atkins could provide solid shooting and defense.
You’d have to consider this team a title favorite for 2020. Floor general Sue Bird brings returns to the state of Connecticut (where she won two national titles with UConn) to join up with DeWanna Bonner, forming an impressive offensive tandem. Add to that playoff hero, Dearica Hamby and seasoned veteran Candice Dupree and you have an incredible core that could make a deep playoff run.
Jasmine Thomas finds herself in a great situation on her new team. It would be a point guard’s dream to have A’ja Wilson, Candace Parker, and Elizabeth Williams all on the floor. Double teams on Wilson or Parker could lead to a lot of wide open shots for whoever shares the floor. I’d look for Thomas to be among the league leaders in assists with this team.
Who ya got??
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