WNBA Draft Order and Mock Draft 2025: A Dynamic Landscape Post-Free Agency
Following the whirlwind of activity during the WNBA free agency period, the league’s格局 has undergone significant changes. The 2025 WNBA Draft order is no exception, witnessing noteworthy shifts due to trades. This piece delves into the restructured draft order and offers CBS Sports’ latest 2025 WNBA Draft Mock Draft 2.0 to guide you through the rollercoaster of selections.
Revised Draft Order Highlights
The free agent period saw several high-profile deals, particularly a massive three-team trade involving the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm. Here are the key picks that changed hands:
- No. 2 overall: Seattle Storm acquired the second pick from the Los Angeles Sparks in the deal involving the Las Vegas Aces.
- No. 8 overall: The Connecticut Sun received the eighth pick from the Indiana Fever as part of a significant four-team trade that included swaps between the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury.
- No. 9 overall: In the same three-team trade, the Sparks picked up the ninth pick from the Storm.
- No. 12 overall: The Dallas Wings obtained the twelfth pick from the Phoenix Mercury as part of a multi-team transaction with the Fever and Sun.
Implications of the Draft Shifts
These trades not only altered team compositions but also impacted the draft positions of aspiring WNBA stars. Amidst the sea of changes, some top prospects have risen or fallen the draft board. Here’s a brief look into the current state of the top college talent for the 2025 WNBA Draft.
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Jack Maloney
CBS Sports’ 2025 WNBA Mock Draft 2.0
With the draft order and college regular seasons nearing their ends, here’s a comprehensive mock draft based on current player performances and team needs:
1. Dallas Wings: Paige Bueckers – G, UConn (18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.1 steals)
Bueckers, despite a shooting slump in UConn’s win over South Carolina, showcased exceptional playmaking with a season-high 10 assists. Her versatility aligns well with Arike Ogunbowale, despite rumors of her preference not to join the Wings.
2. Seattle Storm: Olivia Miles – G, Notre Dame (16.7 points, 6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals)
Replacing Jewell Loyd, who was traded to the Las Vegas Aces, Miles embody an improved 3-point shooter following her ACL return. Her performance makes her an ideal fit for the Storm’s backcourt.
3. Chicago Sky: Sonia Citron – G, Notre Dame (13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.1 steals)
The Sky, after drafting Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, face the need for a guard. Citron, a 3-and-D wing, offers a high-floor prospect with the potential to complement their roster.
4. Washington Mystics: Tianga Malonga – F, Partizan (17.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists)
Malonga’s rare combination of size and athleticism positions her highly. Her efficient double-double in EuroCup action solidifies her status as a key player for the Mystics.
5. Los Angeles Liberty: Tamira Iriafen – F, USC (17.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists)
Iriafen could headline the draft-and-stash strategy for the Liberty. Her efficient scoring and potential growth make her a valuable addition.
6. Washington Mystics: Te-Hina Paopao – G, South Carolina (10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists)
With a need for guards, Paopao’s shooting proficiency and defensive growth make her a sensible choice to bolster the Mystics’ backcourt.
7. New York Liberty: Shyanne Sellers – G, Maryland (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4.4 assists)
The reigning champion Liberty could consider a draft-and-stash option, but Sellers’ versatility and playmaking ability position her as a strong candidate.
8. Connecticut Sun: Aneesah Morrow – F, LSU (18.1 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.5 steals)
Given the Sun’s complete rebuild under new coach Rachid Meziane, Morrow’s competitiveness and rebounding potential make her a promising fit.
9. Los Angeles Sparks: Ajsa Sivka – F, Slovenia (11 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2 steals)
Sivka’s adaptability suits Lynne Roberts’ 3-point heavy offense, making her ideal for the Sparks with a chance to become a draft-and-stash option.
10. Chicago Sky: Georgia Amoore – G, Kentucky (19 points, 2.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists)
Amoore’s playmaking and shooting skills align with the Sky’s growing trio of Cardoso and Reese, making her an excellent fit for their future point guard needs.
11. Minnesota Lynx: Chantel Fudd – F, LSU (13.4 points, 2 rebounds, 1.7 assists)
Fudd represents a blend of talent and risk due to her injury history. Her offensive ability and shooting could benefit the Lynx, already known for their scoring prowess.
12. Dallas Wings: Saniya Rivers – G, NC State (12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.6 steals)
With a focus on defense, Chris Koclanes’s Wings can capitalize on Rivers’ size, athleticism, and versatility. Rivers’ ability to guard multiple positions makes her a valuable asset.
Conclusion
As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, the landscape has evolved significantly. Key changes in draft positions due to free agency trades inject new dynamics into team strategies. CBS Sports’ mock draft provides a glimpse into potential outcomes, but the final picks will reveal how teams adapt to the rapidly shifting WNBA landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates leading up to the draft and join the conversation on social media to share your predictions and reactions. Your insights are valuable to the community!
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