The past month has been a thrilling experience for the American public with women’s March Madness taking center stage. From the Elite Eight to the Final Four, fans were treated to countless memorable moments, including the highly-anticipated rematch of last year’s Finals between the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU Tigers. Iowa’s Final Four showdown with UConn also ended in controversy, adding even more excitement leading up to the Finals.

The 2024 Finals didn’t disappoint either, with stars making their mark and South Carolina capping off an undefeated season with a resounding victory.

However, there’s no time to dwell on the past. It’s now time to shift our focus to the WNBA Draft. With a slew of talented stars, including Finals participants Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso, set to enter the WNBA this year, there’s plenty to speculate about before the draft in just eight days. Here are the latest projections on where standout players like Clark, Cardoso, and LSU’s Angel Reese are expected to land.
These predictions are projected by CBS Sports, Sporting News, and Tankathon

First-round predictions

1) Indiana Fever – G Caitlin Clark, Iowa

Caitlin Clark, named the Naismith Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, is widely regarded as the top choice for the first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Beyond her exceptional talent on the court, Clark’s superstardom transcends mere skill, drawing in a significant fan base that promises substantial revenue for any team lucky enough to select her. With her scoring prowess, unparalleled court vision, and knack for performing under pressure, Clark is poised to become a standout star in the WNBA.

2) Los Angeles Sparks – C Cameron Brink, Stanford

Brink’s defensive prowess is undeniable, solidifying her status as a near lock for the second overall pick in one of the most stacked WNBA Draft classes in history. Throughout the tournament, Brink’s impressive stat line speaks for itself, with 32 rebounds and 18 blocks amassed in just 71 minutes of play.

3) Chicago Sky (from Phoenix) – F Rickea Jackson, Tennessee

Rickea Jackson’s performance during the tournament was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing an incredible shooting efficiency of 63.9% from the field across two games. With her combination of size, athleticism, and exceptional midrange shooting skills, Jackson is undoubtedly a lock for a top-three selection in the upcoming WNBA Draft.

4) Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle) – C Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina

Cardoso’s dominance was evident throughout the NCAA Finals, where she showcased her unparalleled ability to physically overpower opponents and control the boards with ease. Her efficiency around the rim is exceptional, and she consistently demonstrates a remarkable blend of scoring and rebounding prowess. At the collegiate level, Cardoso’s dominance sets her apart as a force to be reckoned with on the court.

5) Dallas Wings (from Chicago)

CBS Sports: G Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State

Sporting News: F Aaliyah Edwards, UConn

Tankathon: F Aaliyah Edwards, UConn

The Wings face numerous uncertainties as they approach the draft. However, with the top four picks seemingly set, they have various options available to them. While Edwards is often seen as the more well-rounded player, Sheldon could better address the Wings’ current requirements by providing a defensive-minded presence in the guard position, which the team currently lacks.

6) Washington Mystics

CBS Sports: F Aaliyah Edwards, UConn

Sporting News: G Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State

Tankathon: F/C Angel Reese, LSU

Mock drafts offer a wide range of predictions for the Washington Mystics’ sixth overall pick. If Edwards is still on the board, her versatile skill set would make it difficult for the Mystics to overlook her. However, Angel Reese’s defensive prowess might present an enticing option for the team, adding an extra layer of appeal to their decision-making process.

7) Minnesota Lynx

CBS Sports: F/C Angel Reese, LSU

Sporting News: F/C Angel Reese, LSU

Tankathon: G Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State

Many sources anticipate Reese being selected seventh overall by the Minnesota Lynx. While Reese’s offensive struggles, exemplified by her 7-of-21 shooting performance in LSU’s Elite Eight loss to Iowa, are widely acknowledged, her ability to consistently record double-doubles in college remains impressive. Additionally, her potential to continue the LSU-Minnesota Lynx connection, following in the footsteps of Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles, adds an intriguing narrative to her draft projection.

8) Chicago Sky (from Atlanta, via Los Angeles)

CBS Sports: F Nyadiew Puoch, Australia

Sporting News: F Nyadiew Puoch, Australia

Tankathon: F Alissa Pili, Utah

Given that the Sky are obligated to relinquish their 2025 first-round pick to the Dallas Wings, it may incentivize them to take a bold approach by selecting a prospect from outside the United States, such as Puoch. While Puoch may not immediately make a huge impact at the WNBA level, given her young age of just 19, she represents a long-term investment with the potential for significant returns in the future. Although Tankathon offers alternative predictions, Puoch aligns well with Chicago’s current situation and could be a strategic choice for the team.

9) Dallas Wings

CBS Sports: G Isobel Borlase, Australia

Sporting News: G Charisma Osborne, UCLA

Tankathon: G Charisma Osborne, UCLA

While many anticipate the Wings potentially trading either this pick or their fifth pick due to their challenging cap situation, they still have the option to select players like Osborne or Borlase and strategize to manage their roster effectively. Borlase could be an intriguing choice if the Wings prioritize long-term development, especially considering their pick-swap agreement with Chicago in 2025. On the other hand, Osborne’s prowess as a strong perimeter defender could also address an immediate need for the team. Ultimately, the Wings have multiple avenues to explore as they navigate their draft strategy.

10) Connecticut Sun

CBS Sports: F Alissa Pili, Utah

Sporting News: C Ayoka Lee, Kansas State

Tankathon: F Nyadiew Puoch, Australia

With Connecticut facing the departure of three out of their five players who attempted two or more three-pointers per game last season, the Sun could certainly benefit from outside shooting reinforcements. Pili stands out as one of the most efficient shooters from long range this season, boasting a shooting percentage of over 40% from beyond the arc. However, opting for a high-value pick such as the talented yet injury-prone Ayoka Lee, or considering an international project prospect like Puoch, could also be strategic moves for the Sun, especially if they aim to reshape their offensive dynamics in the coming years.

11) New York Liberty

CBS Sports: G Charisma Osborne, UCLA

Sporting News: F Alissa Pili, Utah

Tankathon: C Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech

The Liberty are in need of defensive help on the perimeter, making Osborne an ideal fit for the team. However, if Osborne is already selected by this point in the draft, the Liberty may choose to pivot their strategy and capitalize on their strengths. Pili’s capacity to stretch the floor could align seamlessly with New York’s offensive style, offering an alternative solution for the team.

12) Atlanta Dream (from Las Vegas, via Los Angeles)

CBS Sports: G Nika Muhl, UConn

Sporting News: G Leila Laca, France

Tankathon: C Taiyanna Jackson, Kansas

Although the Atlanta Dream don’t have any pressing needs at any position, they could benefit from bolstering their backcourt depth. Players like Muhl and Laca possess excellent ball-handling skills and can step up as scorers when needed. Either of them would make a fantastic addition to the Dream’s roster, providing valuable depth and versatility in the backcourt rotation.

When is the 2024 WNBA Draft?

Date: Monday, April 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Cable: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+