Introduction
The buzz is already building. With the anticipated WNBA expansion draft on the horizon in , the landscape of women’s professional basketball is poised for a significant shift. The addition of new teams promises to inject fresh talent and create new rivalries, but the initial hurdle is the expansion draft. This event will allow the new franchises to select players from existing teams, and the strategy of protecting key assets becomes paramount. This article delves into the complex chess game that general managers are playing, predicting which players will be safeguarded from selection and highlighting potential shockers that could reshape team rosters.
The upcoming expansion is not just about adding teams; it’s about the ripple effect it will have on the entire league. Veteran players could find themselves revitalized on new teams, young talent could get a chance to shine, and established contenders could be forced to re-evaluate their championship aspirations. As we approach the draft, all eyes are on each team to see how they’ll approach their protected player list and which players they may ultimately be willing to risk losing.
Understanding the Expansion Draft Rules
The WNBA expansion draft operates under specific guidelines designed to balance the needs of the expansion teams with the established franchises. A crucial element of the draft is the number of players each existing team can protect. Typically, teams are allowed to shield a limited number of players (usually between eight and ten) from selection. This protection is their most valuable asset, allowing them to retain the core of their roster and continue building towards future success.
However, the process isn’t simply about naming the most talented players. Certain restrictions apply. For example, players who are designated as unrestricted free agents at the time of the draft are automatically unprotected. Additionally, the specific rules may include limitations on the number of players that can be selected from any single team.
The decision-making process surrounding protected players is a high-stakes gamble. Protecting the wrong players could mean losing a key contributor and weakening the team’s overall competitiveness. Conversely, leaving a valuable player unprotected could give the expansion teams a major boost, potentially accelerating their path to contention. The expansion draft is a pivotal moment for every team, shaping their future and altering the balance of power in the league. It also provides an opportunity for players left unprotected to showcase their talent on a new team.
Team-by-Team Protected Player Predictions
Let’s dive into the predictions, team by team, focusing on the likely protected players and potential surprises for each franchise.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream has been steadily building a strong foundation of young talent. At the forefront is Rhyne Howard, a dynamic scorer. Guarding her as a cornerstone of the franchise is paramount. Alongside Howard, Allisha Gray’s versatility and veteran presence make her a definite lock for protection. Naz Hillmon, with her consistent rebounding and inside scoring, is another key piece that the Dream will likely prioritize.
A crucial decision will revolve around players like Cheyenne Parker-Tyus. Although she is a valuable player, the team might consider her contract situation when making the final call. Another player to watch is Aari McDonald; her defensive tenacity and playmaking ability are valuable, but she may be “on the bubble” due to the depth in the Dream’s backcourt. Sika Kone’s potential could also make her a consideration.
Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky, recent champions, are in a different phase of team building and may have more difficult decisions to make based on how they wish to rebuild their team. Kahleah Copper has been the heart and soul of the Sky and is someone that the Sky will definitely be protecting. Dana Evans has shown flashes of brilliance, her offensive firepower is something that the Sky will want to hold onto. Elizabeth Williams’ defense would likely earn her protection.
The Sky will have a tougher time with players like Isabelle Harrison and Marina Mabrey. The Sky may need to prioritize certain positions on the floor over others, ultimately leaving some talented players vulnerable.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun are a team that is still considered contenders and have a number of impactful veterans on their roster. Alyssa Thomas, the engine that drives the Sun’s offense, is undoubtedly the first player on the protected list. DeWanna Bonner’s experience, scoring prowess, and leadership are invaluable. Brionna Jones is another must-protect player.
The Sun face a tougher choice when considering players like Tiffany Hayes. While Hayes is a talented scorer, her age and contract situation could factor into the decision-making process. Natisha Hiedeman’s shooting ability and perimeter defense make her valuable, but her protection isn’t guaranteed.
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings are a team on the rise with a number of young stars leading the way. Arike Ogunbowale is the team’s leading scorer. Satou Sabally’s all-around game is essential to the Wings’ success. Teaira McCowan’s dominant presence in the paint is another key element of the Wings’ strategy.
Players like Natasha Howard and Diamond DeShields present more difficult choices. Both are talented veterans, but the Wings may prioritize developing their younger players. Crystal Dangerfield and Veronica Burton will also be players on the Wings protected roster.
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever are in the process of building a team that has a strong presence. Aliyah Boston’s potential as a defensive anchor and offensive threat makes her indispensable. Kelsey Mitchell has proven to be one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Guarding Lexie Hull will also be something the Fever do in the Expansion Draft.
Important decisions must be made regarding players like Erica Wheeler. While Wheeler provides valuable veteran leadership, her age might make her expendable as the Fever focus on their younger core.
Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces, reigning champions, boast a roster brimming with talent, making their protection decisions particularly challenging. A’ja Wilson, the league’s MVP, is obviously untouchable. Chelsea Gray’s playmaking skills are second to none. Kelsey Plum’s scoring ability is a valuable asset.
The Aces may face a difficult decision regarding players like Jackie Young. While Young is a star in her own right, the Aces’ embarrassment of riches means some talented players may be left exposed. Kiah Stokes’ defense and rebounding could also be protected by the Aces.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks are undergoing a rebuild, with several young players at the forefront. Cameron Brink’s potential is something the Sparks will be unwilling to give up. Guarding Dearica Hamby and Kia Nurse are other priorities for the organization.
Players like Lexie Brown and Azura Stevens are less certain.
Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx have a nice mixture of veteran and young players. Napheesa Collier is a player that is essential to the Lynx. Protecting Kayla McBride’s shooting is something the Lynx will be doing. Diamond Miller will also be on the protected list for the Lynx.
Players like Dorka Juhasz are less certain to be protected.
New York Liberty
The New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu is a sure lock to be on the protected list for the Liberty. Jonquel Jones is a key member of the team with her all around contributions on the offensive and defensive end. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s perimeter defense will have her on the protected player list.
Players like Kayla Thornton and Marine Johannes are less certain to be on the protected list.
Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi is a sure lock for the Mercury. Kahleah Copper is a player that they traded for and definitely will be protecting. Natasha Cloud’s playmaking skills will earn her protection as well.
Brittney Griner will definitely be the most talked about unprotected player for the Mercury.
Seattle Storm
Jewell Loyd is a player that the Storm will be unwilling to part ways with. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike will also be key pieces that the Storm will be protecting.
The Storm have a few players that are on the fence to be protected on their protected roster list.
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics’ Ariel Atkins is someone they would want to keep on their roster. Shakira Austin is another up and comer and someone they will want to keep.
The Mystics have a few interesting decisions that they need to make in regards to the expansion draft.
Potential Expansion Draft Steals/Surprises
Even with the best-laid plans, surprises are inevitable in the expansion draft. Veteran players with expiring contracts might be left unprotected as teams focus on the future. Sometimes, positional redundancy can also lead to a player being left vulnerable, even if they possess significant talent. A team may have a lot of good guards and need to prioritize other positions like forwards or centers.
These unprotected players can be a goldmine for expansion teams. A veteran presence can provide leadership and stability.
Impact on the League
The expansion draft is more than just a transfer of players. It will impact the competitive balance of the league. Existing teams will need to adjust their strategies, knowing that they may have lost a key piece of their roster. The addition of new teams could also shake up the playoff picture, creating new contenders and shifting the balance of power. The overall strength of the league could change based on how good these expansion teams are.
Conclusion
The WNBA expansion draft is a defining moment for the league, offering both opportunities and challenges. Teams must carefully weigh their options, balancing the desire to retain their core players with the risk of losing valuable assets. Ultimately, the draft will reshape the WNBA landscape, paving the way for new rivalries and a new era of women’s professional basketball.
What are your thoughts? Who do you think will be the biggest surprise left unprotected?
