The 2024 WNBA Draft: Identifying each team’s primary needs and potential matches; the Sparks hold a favorable position with two selections within the top five with Caitlin Clark holding No. 1 position but plenty others lying behind her.
Caitlin Clark is poised to be the undisputed No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft, yet a plethora of intrigue awaits beyond her selection. Teams are gearing up for the big night scheduled for April 15 in New York City, with the Indiana Fever securing the top pick and Clark expected to join their ranks. However, notable prospects such as Stanford’s Cameron Brink, South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson are anticipated to round out the lottery.
Despite these certainties, much remains uncertain, particularly with several players opting to return to school and the presence of intriguing international prospects. Each team’s picks and their most pressing needs are already on the radar. Let’s delve deeper into the draft landscape and explore potential fits for all 12 teams:
Atlanta Dream:
Picks: Nos. 12, 20, 32
Needs: 3-point shooting, point guard, and frontcourt depth
Dream made strides last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They’re seeking depth, particularly at point guard and in the frontcourt, with a focus on improving 3-point shooting—a glaring deficiency in the previous season.
Chicago Sky:
Picks: Nos. 3, 8, 13
Needs: Comprehensive overhaul
Sky’s short-term decisions have left them with multiple picks in the top 13. They need to address various areas without tethering to their current roster, aiming to rebuild effectively.
Connecticut Sun:
Picks: Nos. 10, 19, 22, 34
Needs: 3-point shooting, wing, and frontcourt depth
Sun’s remarkable performance last season calls for reinforcements in 3-point shooting to complement their depth and experience, particularly with notable departures.
Dallas Wings:
Picks: Nos. 5, 9, 33
Needs: 3-point shooting, perimeter defense, backcourt, and wing depth
Wings’ resurgence under Coach Latricia Trammell prompts a search for perimeter support to bolster their already promising roster.
Indiana Fever:
Picks: Nos. 1, 15, 27
Needs: Caitlin Clark, 3-point shooting, defense
Fever’s recent upturn, fueled by Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, sets the stage for a transformative draft night, centered around Clark’s arrival and fortifying their squad with complementary talents.
Las Vegas Aces:
Picks: Nos. 16, 18, 24, 36
Needs: Wing and frontcourt depth
Aces boast a formidable lineup and are seeking depth to maintain their dominance, albeit with limited draft assets.
Los Angeles Sparks:
Picks: Nos. 2, 4, 28
Needs: Franchise players
Sparks’ strategic offseason maneuvers pave the way for selecting potential franchise players, with a focus on revitalizing their roster for future success.
Minnesota Lynx:
Picks: Nos. 7, 31
Needs: Point guard, frontcourt depth, 3-point shooting
Lynx’s resilient performance last season calls for reinforcements, particularly at point guard and in the frontcourt, to consolidate their youthful core.
New York Liberty:
Picks: Nos. 11, 17, 23, 35
Needs: Perimeter defense, all-around depth
Liberty’s dynamic lineup demands enhanced depth and defensive prowess, particularly in the perimeter, to sustain their competitive edge.
Phoenix Mercury:
Picks: Nos. 25, 29
Needs: All-around depth
Mercury’s offseason revamp necessitates additional depth across all positions, albeit with limited draft assets.
Seattle Storm:
Picks: Nos. 14, 26
Needs: Backcourt and wing depth
Storm’s offseason acquisitions bolster their lineup, with a focus on nurturing young talents in the backcourt and on the wing.
Washington Mystics:
Picks: Nos. 6, 21, 30
Needs: Impact player
Mystics are seeking a transformative talent to overcome recent setbacks, prioritizing immediate impact over roster fit amidst uncertainty.
As teams gear up for the 2024 WNBA Draft, anticipation mounts over potential game-changers beyond the top pick, setting the stage for a draft night filled with excitement and strategic maneuvers.
