WNBA: Grading the draft night for the Dallas Wings, rest of the West

Now that the WNBA Draft is over, it’s time to put the pencils down and give out some grades.

It’s always fascinating to assess teams’ drafts, look back on the analysis years later and see how right or wrong we were with our initial reactions. With that in mind, here is an instant take on how every team in the Western Conference did on draft night:

Dallas Wings: A+

Picks: Paige Bueckers (1), Aziaha James (12), Madison Scott (14), JJ Quinerly (27), Aaronette Vonleh (31)

When you have the top pick, and it’s a generational talent like Paige Bueckers, it’s hard to get your draft wrong.

In the end, Dallas got the best prospect and made themselves a team to watch in 2025 and beyond. Add in Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly and Aaronette Vonleh, and it’s clear they won the draft.

Golden State Valkyries: B

Picks: Justė Jocytė (5), Shyanne Sellers (17), Kaitlyn Chen (30)

Shout to Lukasź Muniowski for pinpointing Lithuanian teenager Justė Jocytė as an option for the Valkyries in his draft preview. She fits with the long-term focus, international flavor of the WNBA’s newest team, although she might not have the star upside that Golden State needs.

But maybe that player is Shyanne Sellers? The big point guard improved over her four years at Maryland, consistently proving that she could stuff the stat sheet. Falling to No. 17, she could be the steal of the draft. It also was great to see newly-minted national champion Kaitlyn Chen hear her name called. As a steady-handed point guard with significant college experience, it wouldn’t be surprising if she snuck onto the final roster.

Minnesota Lynx: C

Picks: Anatasiia Kosu (15), Dalayah Daniels (24), Aubrey Griffin (37)

With only late round draft picks, there wasn’t much of a splash the Lynx could make during this draft. They selected Russian forward Anastasiia Olairi Kosu with the No. 15 pick, later picking up Dalayah Daniels of Washington and UConn’s Aubrey Griffin.

The Lynx have a packed roster so it’s unlikely we see any of these players making an impact for this team beyond participating in training camp.

Las Vegas Aces: C-

Picks: Aaliyah Nye (13), Harmoni Turner (35)

Similar to Minnesota, Las Vegas did not have a first-round pick. With their second round pick, the Aces went with Aaliyah Nye, who averaged 15.2 points per game during her final year at Alabama. Their last pick was in the back end of the third round, and they went with Harvard star Harmoni Turner.

These players will have a shot at making the roster, but given Las Vegas’ championship aspirations, they are unlikely to get much playing time.

Seattle Storm: A

Picks: Dominique Malonga (2), Serena Sundell (26), Jordan Hobbs (34)

The Storm went with Dominique Malonga from France with the No. 2 pick in the draft, and I’m mixed. On the one hand, Malonga dominated EuroCup, averaging 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game. However, is the 19-year-old ready to make an impact and be an integral part of Seattle’s frontcourt?

Seattle took guard Serena Sundell from Kansas State at No. 26, and at that spot, that’s a great pickup. They also drafted Madison Conner from TCU to give themselves some more backcourt options for 2025. The Storm’s draft will ultimately be judged by Malonga’s success, and if they are right, they may have gotten the best player in this draft not named Bueckers.

Los Angeles Sparks: B

Picks: Sarah Ashlee Barker (9), Sania Feagin (21), Liatu King (28)

The Sparks need wings, and they got one with Sarah Ashlee Barker at the No. 9 spot. They also added Sania Feagin of South Carolina in the second round and Liatu King from Notre Dame in the third.

Overall, they addressed some needs and brought in players from winning programs to help with their rebuild.

Phoenix Mercury: N/A

The Mercury had zero draft picks, so obviously, they will not be getting a grade this year.