The best case scenario for a Paige and Arike pairing is Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks. Nobody thought that pairing would work but it has worked
Except Luka isn't as bad of a ball stopper as Arike is and Luka has made a few playoff appearances before, she'd be coming there playing next to a loser just like CC did with Mitchell.
Paopao should be top 5 on ALL DRAFT BOARDS because she is a combo guard that's good at EVERYTHING. I had hoped other mock drafts would be right and she would go to Chicago at 10 but there's no way she drops that far. Paopao makes the right play like all the time.
I can see Guards (especially PG and shooters) getting pushed up the draft board, because so many teams are searching for guards. 3 prospects that are rising for me that are not mentioned here are: Jordan Hobbs (Wing) Michigan 6’3” Aaliyah Nye (Wing) Alabama 6’0” Deja Kelly (CG) Oregon 5’8”
Yes. Yes! YES!! Finally. Finally, young Mr. Cruse has given Chicago fans the player we covet the most at the #3 pick... Olivia Miles. Olivia is exactly what the Sky need at the PG position. I just hope the Sky GM & new HC see it the same way.
Olivia Miles will be marketed as the next “Magic Johnson” as she will be headed to the LA Sparks !! BOOK IT !!!! They didn’t lose getting the 2nd pic !!!
I like Iriafin. She has a chance to be good, but MIles has a chance to be special. Plus, Olivia is immediately a good fit for the Sparks. As for NY, they're moving toward long athletic players who are switchable on defense. An undersized PF does not fit that mold. Barker is more likely, but the player I see is Makayla Timpson. She might be the best shot-blocker and rebounder in college basketball right now. As you pointed out in another video, her 6-7 wingspan allows Timpson to play bigger than her listed 6-2. She is quick enough to hang with guards on the perimeter, but long enough to defend in the post. Offensively, she doesn't shoot 3s, but that's not much different from Morrow not making them. As for shooting 2s, Timpson has a higher career percentage than Morrow.
@@buzzard6410 Idk lately she's been doing decent enough from 3 on five attempts per game, which is similar to Paige's. And her FG% is 55% compared to Iriafen's 54% and Paopao's 56%. (Paige's is 65% which is unusual for a guard. More common for players who play close to the basket).
Sad Sparks fan here lmao. Paige was perfect for my Sparks. I have fit concerns with Kiki. We have guard issues too. Need some pullups + paint touches. Anyone in mind that fits that archetype in FA?
If im Cintron i would absolutely not wanna be drafted by Chicago!!! Id be trying hard to get to indiana and team up to form a great backcourt with caitlin clark even if i have to learn behind mitchel a season or two
Hit 2-3 3pts a game? When did she do that? Miles is a horrible 3pt shooter. Her best year was 2021-2022, and she shot 1.0 3pt per game at 27%. That was her best year. 2020-2021 was 10% and 2022-2023 was 22.8%. She's been pretty good this year, but of course that was against weak competition. She needs to work on that outside shooting if she's gonna want to be successful in the wnba. If your opponents know your not a threat outside, it makes you more predictable on your shot selection. Wish the young lady nothing but the best. Just being observant of what I see.
@@royacfalle1570 Isn't that exactly what I said in my comment. I said if she can do it like she's been doing this year, we're not saying anything different.
@@colleenposadas8415 She has an extra year if she wants because of an injury so it's her choice whether or not she comes out this year. It probably depends on how she ends the year.
@@craigstringer1265 lol I mean LSU has hitters on this years team. What do you want from her Reese was outstanding as a rookie. And Morrows up next and Williams, Johnson to follow. That’s outstanding
@@Coach_Go They're good but their games never really developed much with Mulkey. Angel has already shot and made more mid range shots in her time at the Sky than her entire college career. Morrow's 3pt shot also never got better and she hasn't been shooting it at all this year. If she went to SC, or UConn who were also recruiting her , she would have probably done that earlier. Having her play center at 6'3 also would have made her drop in the draft which is why we got her at 7.
@ I think Angel was always between 3 and 7 wouldn’t have mattered. Clark was always first and Brink, Jackson, Sheldon was a need pick, kardosa 6-7, Then it was preference. I really thought she’d be in DC
@@Coach_Go It was more DC I was thinking about too, she's from Maryland so it seemed like a no brainer to bring her home basically. Would've sold a ton of tickets.
That makes no sense when literally LAST YEAR she had her player finish her rookie season as an all star, second best rookie in a stacked class, and a top 20 player in the league. Mulkey didn’t have Angel ready for the W??
I really like the top 2 picks. Especially Kiki to LA. I’m excited to see Brink and Kiki play together next year. I can see the sparks looking to free agency to get a seasoned PG.
Great job as usual, Hunter. The only thing I would add would be the pics of the players. Would be a nice add especially for those new fans who aren't familiar with women's college basketball. Would be nice to attach faces to the names.
I honestly really don’t like the idea of Paige having to play with Arike in the backcourt. A young player needs the ball in their hands to properly develop & Arike is just way too ball dominant. (I know CC did do great having the ball dominant KM as her backcourt partner but even this pairing still isn’t ideal IMO, thus why I don’t like a Paige Arike duo)
The best case scenario for the two is similar to what the Mavericks have with Luca Doncic and Kyrie Irving. It is a pairing that has worked well when everyone thought it was going to be a disaster
Arike takes 19.2 FGA , Mitchel is at 15.1 , Arike is much bigger ball-hog, and the thing is Mitchel is also more efficient +she benefits to get the ball from boston/cc gravity, unlike arike who is forcing the bad shots 38% Arike fg vs 47% Mitchell FG. I wouldnt be surprised if Paige takes another year (coz she can) and stay in NCAAW +sweet NYL $$ , i do not think Dallas is good place to go, if Arike is still there, 2026 CBA deal, better contract ,tons of free agents much easier to build a team around her.
@@reachllnx3954 Wrong, she aways avg between 18 and 19 FGA for her career, in fact this season she pass the ball the most of any other season in the 1st half, and then reverted to old self not passing as much, but you know everyone can have a opinion and we can disagree, but the stats/numbers don't lie, people do.
As a Sparks fan (who posts here occasionally), this STINKS - but I also knew this would happen and called it yesterday. Team cannot catch a break. I'm done. After Paige, picks 2-6 are just a jumble IMO. So the Sparks either draft a bench player at #2 OR take the #3 pick with the #2 slot. LOL Who cares! I guess we'll be in the lotto again next year. Also you are pronouncing Kiki's last name incorrectly.
I don’t see LA taking Kiki they need guards. Kiki is great just a horrible fit. Miles to LA. Also, Malonga to GS?! With 1st ever franchise pick?!?! I don’t see that happening
Agree, not a good pick for them unless she agrees to come. French players are too big of a gamble to draft high. Their season overlaps and they can get paid more staying home.
Chicago takes Olivia then makes a blockbuster trade using Angel Reese to get a scorer with some size. Reese is not an asset to the team except that she can rebound and for a team to win they need that rebounder to also play amazing defense which Angel does not. I do think they could get a really good player for her if they do it before she plays another season.
@@user-xh6jk4mi8uOf course, Angel Reese is their best defender. He's just an Angel Reese hater. He only watch the Chicago Sky games when they play the Indiana Fever.
I know everyone thinks of Paige as a PG but I think she is more like a cross between a SG & DG. What worries me with Paige as the primary floor general in the PG position because she is a very passive player
It's been a great couple weeks for the Wings: 1) Paige Buekers!! 2) Kurt Miller In, Bibb Out !! Along with moving into World class arena and Training center in Dallas for 2026 season. Great content as always! Question: What is one or two moves you would make as a GM for Dallas? Especially interested in what you would do at the center position. I am thinking an athletic shot blocker, defender or maybe a Dolson who can shoot the 3. Maybe someone in the draft who is an elite defender at the five. What would you do Hunter? Thanks in advance.
They gotta bring back Satou, losing both her and Natasha in one offseason would be terrible for the versatility of their front court. I personally think their center rotation is fine with McCowan & Brown. I want to see if they’re gonna give Stephanie Soares more run this upcoming season, because in college she wasn’t afraid to extend her range attempting close to 3 threes per game. Obviously the most important thing is to nail this next head coach. There’s been too much musical chairs with this position over the past couple of years, and if you’re bring in a caliber of Paige Bueckers in a couple of months then you better get that right.
Morrow is not the type of player the Liberty would draft if her shooting is suspect. They would take Citron or Barker. Libs are probably hoping for Malonga or Sivka.
The Liberty has plenty great shooters so she is exactly the type of player they need. LMAO. Since Everything else she does is perfect for what the Liberty need. LMAO.
@@natureredux1957 - The Liberty have tons of size, defense and rebounding. She's a wing. The way Coach Sandy runs the offense, wings on this team have to be able to hit shots on either penetration from the guards or kick-outs from JJ. Coach talks about this all the time in her press conferences. All our wings can hit open shots. Don't get me wrong, Morrow's talented and I understand Hunter's points, but shooting cannot be a weakness. You have to see the skill sets in the players Jonathan Kolb has been adding to the team.
Morrow isn't necessary with 6-5 Nyara Sabally wnba finals star already on the roster! J Barker a 4 position player c,pf,sf,sg similar to Stewie is the pick if Malonga isn't available!
Some people don't seem to understand that the primary person that got in the way of Arike Ogunbowale was herself. This year was one of her poorer shooting years. But everything else was still elite. Paring her with Paige will be Heaven for her. Either player can play guard and either player can play off ball. Wayyyy to many folks that don't know basketball are saying Paige is a bad fit for Dallas. Those folks don't really know basketball. LOL.
Question ... if the sparks pick Kiki Iriofen at number 2 ... which I like ... what guard might the Sparks select in the early second round? Also do the Sparks make a few phone calls to the tall player in France forgot her name as a possible second round pick? PS ... is there a free agent guard the Sparks might attract?
As always excellent work. You are my go to analyst for all things W. I do however have some questions. 1, won’t any top player that can return to school wait a year to sign under the new contract structure? 2, why would NY take Morrow a 6”1’ forward (45) ahead of Barker at 6’4” (60). 3, why would LA, in great need of a point guard not take Miles at 2. Again thanks for sharing your great work with us.
Re: Satou. Paige is unproven. On the other hand, Caitlin is not only proven, she broke a crapload of records while being the worst she will ever be. I think Satou is smart enough to know her chances at a ring is far greater with the Fever. Dallas also has 2 more top tier PFs besides Satou so it's not like they will miss her too much.
Having watched here since her days at Hopkins MN...she is a fantastic distributor. Pulling some stat out of context as some kind of defining fact is pretty par for the course for youtube trolls and critics.
Indiana should not be drafting Barker, I think Sonia Citron is the best move for them if she's available at 8 unless they plan on taking Lucy Olsen in the 2nd round. They need a guard with size who plays defense to replace Mitchell next to Caitlin.
I didnt know citron places so low. I didnt watch the games but heard the name everywhere i thought it would be higher up. But i do agree its would be veryvunwise to pass up kk as 2nd pick.
Big admirer of your work, do you think the sparks could select janiah barker at 2 or even trade down for better value/fit and grab some additional assets in the process?
I fell sorry for LA Sparks to have not the opportunity to pick #Paige as 1st pick overall because its a bad deal for them in terms of business & marketing 💰
If I was the Sparks I would get Olivia Miles or Flau'jae if she declares. As far as scoring they're already set with Rickea and Dearica. All they need is someone to facilitate and be open.
Kiki Iriafen is an ideal fit for any team. Trade off any Blank weight and that's taken off. For the Spark, TRADE Dearica Hamby like yesterday and any problem is Solved. It's really not that hard.
@@darrjon67 Hamby is not solid at both ends. Her and Azura aren’t good defensively😂😂 Kiki’s defense is overrated herself so it’s a wash to me. They’ll have to trade either one but will be able to get more for Hamby.
Hey hunter! great insights as always. If you're looking for new video ideas, I'd love to know what some of your dream trade proposals are for teams to take the next step. For example, the Fever core and trade KM to the Valks for their #5 pick if Kiki is projected to drop and KM wants something new. Or if LA picks Kiki, perhaps they'd be in the market to trade Hamby for a competent guard!
Because as far as I'm aware she had previously stated her intentions of doing so and will be eligible by age, but the situation may have changed now that she is at UCLA. I'm guessing it will have a lot to do with how good of year she has in WCBB.
well things just got really interesting....especially with who i want in chicago (aneesah morrow and janiah barker, raven johnson and sneak in a shooter like te-hina paopao)...who can come to chicago in the sense that after paige anyone can be available with kiki or olivia......but also interesting in the sense of how the wnba is going to approach the big and small markets....also interesting in the sense of where Juju might go to now that Dallas can officially go after Paige at #1.....also interesting in the sense of possible draft day trades....in the sense Derrica Hamby could be traded along with the second overall pick for paige .....and therefore dallas could pick up olivia miles and derrica hamby to the wings...and then at #3 that leaves chicago with the option of having kiki in which they could trade with washington and essentially get washington 4th and 6th pick that would send kiki a true pf to washington and allow chicago to draft aneesah morrow and janiah barker in the first round with 2 of the 3 first round picks but also use the last first round pick to pair with their second round pick in another trade package to get a shooter to play alongside raven johnson sn: olivia also could also end up going to la..the sparks keep derrica hamby and prepare to get juju in the future....while dallas gets paige (i don't know how paige and arike going to work out but we shall see).....either way kiki could become a great draft collateral for us at 3 to make a great trade down with washington
Thank you Hunter! I Really Appreciate your time and Details here. I Think you covered this very well. I dont have alot of Details to add here. Just on a Personal note, I want Sabally to Be picked up By My Fever, I really Like Sabally, She is a fantastic player on both Offense and Defense, “My Opinion” She is an impact player, and she likes Caitlin and has Defended Caitlin Since the Begining of the Season, and has had nothing but good things to say about Caitlin Clark. Sabbally would be My Top Pick as far as The Fever Free Agent Acquisitions, and The Fever Would Benefit from A Good Defensive player along with Coach Whites Defense type game. I do think your Pick of Janiah Barker for the Fever is a Very Good Selection if its possible. I think Dallas It’s going to definitely be a contender Either way it goes with Bueckers being added, Because adding paige with Ogunbawale’, Siegrist, and Howard, then if Sabally stays in Dallas and I think Sheldon is going to continue improving, so it would be a Much Stronger Team in Dallas. Thanks again Hunter for this Video/ Projections and your commentary
Considering olivia miles will probably not fall past 3, what would you say her ceiling is? Does her injury history prevent you from selecting her that high?
To say Paige is one of the biggest. Come on. Caitlin Clark is the only big move in this league. Paige is awesome, but she's not Clark. Let's get real Jerry's.
The more I think about it, Olivia is the only great option at #3. I definitely think Olivia’s shooting is fake right now but that type of playmaking/passing talent is just too good to pass up on. With Sivka, it’s weird. She’s definitely an awesome talent offensively especially as an on-ball/off-ball scorer, but her speed (if she’s supposed to truly be a wing) and defensive issues make me want to get Sonia instead and just look for that type of scoring versatility/talent in the 2026 draft. I agree with the Sky GM in that they need length and shooting from their wings (I would also add in speed and/or athleticism).
The Indiana Fever need to draft either Sonia Citron or Azzi Fudd... hopefully they will find a way to get both! (For example: the Fever could sign and trade Kelsey Mitchell along with our #8 pick to the Mystics for their picks #4 and 6). Sonia and Azzi are the best fits with Caitlin's playing style. The Fever can get a Power Forward elsewhere, they should not go for Janiah Barker. Janiah's playing style is too similar to Nalyssa Smith's... and we already know that doesn't fit or work.
My sense is that you enjoyed being able to place these players in positions and with teams that would be best for everybody concerned, as opposed to each successive team choosing the best available player with less regard to the longer term prospects of the fit. Is this just my imagination? It's really clear that you care about the players' well-being.
Paige is obviously a top player but seems to be injury prone. I hope I am wrong. Being a Unconn player, she will be given the red carpet when she enters the WNBA, unlike other rookies.
I was waiting to see when the CC trolls would rear their heads and how they go about it. you were a little more creative and veiled than most. Paige will be accepted because she was and is respectful of those who went before her to the league. CC not so much. I love the way they explain cc's tantrums as her being "Competitive".
Good analysis. Impressive as they may be, Olivia Miles, Te-Hina Paopao, Azzi Fudd and Georgia Ammore are, in my opinion, too small to be WNBA players. They may play in world leagues, but any player shorter than 6'0" is probably too short for American WBB.
Why is the media pushing Paige at number 1. She’s a good player but there are plenty of good players out playing her now in the early part of the season.
Good job!!Watch Morrow and against any good player she hasn't done well and doesn't get it done. Also, if Azzi comes out and has a good year and doesn't get hurt. I think she's going to go to New York or sooner. It's all about the injury siri
Fever is not going to draft a rookie to fill Smiths spot if she goes. That would make the starting 5 with less than 5 years experience in the WNBA. I think they bring in a experience free agent and use the draft to build their bench.
Who are they going to get though? The only two Power Forwards that I'd have any interest in that are even in the realm of possibility would be Nneka or Satou, and both are very unlikely to leave their current teams. Otherwise, you're looking at trying to convince someone like Emma Meesemann, Janelle Salaun, or Elena Delle Donne to join. Otherwise, you're looking at having to do a trade.
I don’t think Paige will make a difference for Satou - otherwise, she would’ve waited to to decide to leave until after the draft lottery. I don’t get the sense any of her issues with Dallas are with the roster, it’s all with the front office (like the many other players who’ve left)
Why would Raven stay when the Talent coming out in the draft after this ones will only be deeper. Her best bet is to come out now. TEAMS are not going to draft her based on her shooting.
I'm not giddy with the thought of Chicago picking Azzi Fudd at the #10 pick, because of her history of injuries. But, I'm not upset about it either. After choosing PG Olivia Miles at #3, all the Sky's other picks will need to be 3pt shooters. If Azzi Fudd can stay healthy & fill that need, then I'm ok with the choice.
She doesn’t control where she goes even if she stays at UConn. There’s another draft lottery next year. There is no guarantee on who wins the #1 pick next year.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
The Sparks had a whole watch party too lmao
We did that last year too when we got the 2nd. You didn’t have to be mean. We were already wrecked lol
@@ayabellabhojwani24 My bad , I was sure you guys were getting her too lol.
LA fans think they're entitled to Paige. It doesn't work that way.
@@LinkRocks Well, Paige seems to not wanting to go to Dallas.
Ehhh it kinda could work like that who cares the goal for next 3-5 years is to get viewership.rig that shit pull an Eli
The best case scenario for a Paige and Arike pairing is Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks. Nobody thought that pairing would work but it has worked
or the (good) Chris Paul n Harden in Houston run
nobody except anyone who actually watches basketball
It is being reported she may stay in college because she does not want to play in Dallas.
Except Luka isn't as bad of a ball stopper as Arike is and Luka has made a few playoff appearances before, she'd be coming there playing next to a loser just like CC did with Mitchell.
And Kyrie is Paige's favorite player.
Paopao should be top 5 on ALL DRAFT BOARDS because she is a combo guard that's good at EVERYTHING. I had hoped other mock drafts would be right and she would go to Chicago at 10 but there's no way she drops that far. Paopao makes the right play like all the time.
Pao Pao is BY FAR a better all-round player than Paige B. PERIOD.T
@@RustyLou18 LOL stop it.
I can see Guards (especially PG and shooters) getting pushed up the draft board, because so many teams are searching for guards. 3 prospects that are rising for me that are not mentioned here are:
Jordan Hobbs (Wing) Michigan 6’3”
Aaliyah Nye (Wing) Alabama 6’0”
Deja Kelly (CG) Oregon 5’8”
I hope you are right. Indiana really needs a high level F/C.
Yes. Yes! YES!!
Finally.
Finally, young Mr. Cruse has given Chicago fans the player we covet the most at the #3 pick... Olivia Miles.
Olivia is exactly what the Sky need at the PG position.
I just hope the Sky GM & new HC see it the same way.
Olivia Miles will be marketed as the next “Magic Johnson” as she will be headed to the LA Sparks !! BOOK IT !!!! They didn’t lose getting the 2nd pic !!!
I like Iriafin. She has a chance to be good, but MIles has a chance to be special. Plus, Olivia is immediately a good fit for the Sparks. As for NY, they're moving toward long athletic players who are switchable on defense. An undersized PF does not fit that mold. Barker is more likely, but the player I see is Makayla Timpson. She might be the best shot-blocker and rebounder in college basketball right now. As you pointed out in another video, her 6-7 wingspan allows Timpson to play bigger than her listed 6-2. She is quick enough to hang with guards on the perimeter, but long enough to defend in the post. Offensively, she doesn't shoot 3s, but that's not much different from Morrow not making them. As for shooting 2s, Timpson has a higher career percentage than Morrow.
Only problem is Miles is a poor shooter.
@@buzzard6410 Idk lately she's been doing decent enough from 3 on five attempts per game, which is similar to Paige's. And her FG% is 55% compared to Iriafen's 54% and Paopao's 56%. (Paige's is 65% which is unusual for a guard. More common for players who play close to the basket).
@@alegriatd419 Let's see what the end of the year stats look like. Notre Dame hasn't played anyone ranked yet.
@@buzzard6410 We'll see ND vs USC on the 23rd
This channel is the best for draft coverage and everything WNBA
Will you do a preview of USC/ Norte Dame game? I can’t wait to watch that game.
If you were to do a mock draft with only international players, considering the draft pick order, who would be the top five selections?
Sad Sparks fan here lmao. Paige was perfect for my Sparks. I have fit concerns with Kiki. We have guard issues too. Need some pullups + paint touches. Anyone in mind that fits that archetype in FA?
WNBA fcked up, they should’ve just rigged Paige to LA, this is bad for the growth of the game.
If im Cintron i would absolutely not wanna be drafted by Chicago!!! Id be trying hard to get to indiana and team up to form a great backcourt with caitlin clark even if i have to learn behind mitchel a season or two
I imagine that LA will probably take Miles if she can shoot at least 4-5 3 pointers a game and hit at least 2-3 like she's been doing.
Miles is a senior?
Hit 2-3 3pts a game? When did she do that? Miles is a horrible 3pt shooter. Her best year was 2021-2022, and she shot 1.0 3pt per game at 27%. That was her best year. 2020-2021 was 10% and 2022-2023 was 22.8%. She's been pretty good this year, but of course that was against weak competition. She needs to work on that outside shooting if she's gonna want to be successful in the wnba. If your opponents know your not a threat outside, it makes you more predictable on your shot selection. Wish the young lady nothing but the best. Just being observant of what I see.
@@royacfalle1570 Isn't that exactly what I said in my comment. I said if she can do it like she's been doing this year, we're not saying anything different.
@@colleenposadas8415 She has an extra year if she wants because of an injury so it's her choice whether or not she comes out this year. It probably depends on how she ends the year.
@@Randomrazer she gone in my opinion. Hidalgo ready to be the Alpha on that team alone.
I echo that sentiment on LSU's/Kum Mulkey's lack of development of players for WNBA systems.
@@craigstringer1265 lol I mean LSU has hitters on this years team. What do you want from her Reese was outstanding as a rookie. And Morrows up next and Williams, Johnson to follow. That’s outstanding
@@Coach_Go They're good but their games never really developed much with Mulkey. Angel has already shot and made more mid range shots in her time at the Sky than her entire college career. Morrow's 3pt shot also never got better and she hasn't been shooting it at all this year.
If she went to SC, or UConn who were also recruiting her , she would have probably done that earlier. Having her play center at 6'3 also would have made her drop in the draft which is why we got her at 7.
@ I think Angel was always between 3 and 7 wouldn’t have mattered. Clark was always first and Brink, Jackson, Sheldon was a need pick, kardosa 6-7, Then it was preference. I really thought she’d be in DC
@@Coach_Go It was more DC I was thinking about too, she's from Maryland so it seemed like a no brainer to bring her home basically. Would've sold a ton of tickets.
That makes no sense when literally LAST YEAR she had her player finish her rookie season as an all star, second best rookie in a stacked class, and a top 20 player in the league. Mulkey didn’t have Angel ready for the W??
I really like the top 2 picks. Especially Kiki to LA. I’m excited to see Brink and Kiki play together next year. I can see the sparks looking to free agency to get a seasoned PG.
Great job as usual, Hunter. The only thing I would add would be the pics of the players. Would be a nice add especially for those new fans who aren't familiar with women's college basketball. Would be nice to attach faces to the names.
I honestly really don’t like the idea of Paige having to play with Arike in the backcourt. A young player needs the ball in their hands to properly develop & Arike is just way too ball dominant. (I know CC did do great having the ball dominant KM as her backcourt partner but even this pairing still isn’t ideal IMO, thus why I don’t like a Paige Arike duo)
The best case scenario for the two is similar to what the Mavericks have with Luca Doncic and Kyrie Irving. It is a pairing that has worked well when everyone thought it was going to be a disaster
I do Arike had to do it all on her own this year cause their best players were hurt she won’t be nearly as ball dominant
Arike takes 19.2 FGA , Mitchel is at 15.1 , Arike is much bigger ball-hog, and the thing is Mitchel is also more efficient +she benefits to get the ball from boston/cc gravity, unlike arike who is forcing the bad shots 38% Arike fg vs 47% Mitchell FG.
I wouldnt be surprised if Paige takes another year (coz she can) and stay in NCAAW +sweet NYL $$ , i do not think Dallas is good place to go, if Arike is still there, 2026 CBA deal, better contract ,tons of free agents much easier to build a team around her.
@@reachllnx3954 Wrong, she aways avg between 18 and 19 FGA for her career, in fact this season she pass the ball the most of any other season in the 1st half, and then reverted to old self not passing as much, but you know everyone can have a opinion and we can disagree, but the stats/numbers don't lie, people do.
@@DANGMQ who is the Luka in this situation? Caitlin plays exactly like Luka so it worked on Indiana, Paige has never proven heliocentric in this way
As a Sparks fan (who posts here occasionally), this STINKS - but I also knew this would happen and called it yesterday. Team cannot catch a break. I'm done. After Paige, picks 2-6 are just a jumble IMO. So the Sparks either draft a bench player at #2 OR take the #3 pick with the #2 slot. LOL Who cares! I guess we'll be in the lotto again next year. Also you are pronouncing Kiki's last name incorrectly.
It totally stinks. I'm so pissed right now.
I don’t see LA taking Kiki they need guards. Kiki is great just a horrible fit. Miles to LA. Also, Malonga to GS?! With 1st ever franchise pick?!?! I don’t see that happening
Kiki is far too good to pass up.
Hamby is 31 and on her last year. They can draft a guard at pick 13. Kiki too good to pass up.
Agree, not a good pick for them unless she agrees to come. French players are too big of a gamble to draft high. Their season overlaps and they can get paid more staying home.
Chicago takes Olivia then makes a blockbuster trade using Angel Reese to get a scorer with some size. Reese is not an asset to the team except that she can rebound and for a team to win they need that rebounder to also play amazing defense which Angel does not. I do think they could get a really good player for her if they do it before she plays another season.
You're a weirdo. Angel Reese is the best lock-down defender on the Chicago Sky.
Angel is the best defender on the Sky and you can see that if you’ve watched them or looked at advanced stats. She was able to hold A’ja and Phee
@@user-xh6jk4mi8uOf course, Angel Reese is their best defender. He's just an Angel Reese hater. He only watch the Chicago Sky games when they play the Indiana Fever.
I know everyone thinks of Paige as a PG but I think she is more like a cross between a SG & DG. What worries me with Paige as the primary floor general in the PG position because she is a very passive player
It's been a great couple weeks for the Wings: 1) Paige Buekers!! 2) Kurt Miller In, Bibb Out !! Along with moving into World class arena and Training center in Dallas for 2026 season. Great content as always! Question: What is one or two moves you would make as a GM for Dallas? Especially interested in what you would do at the center position. I am thinking an athletic shot blocker, defender or maybe a Dolson who can shoot the 3. Maybe someone in the draft who is an elite defender at the five. What would you do Hunter? Thanks in advance.
They gotta bring back Satou, losing both her and Natasha in one offseason would be terrible for the versatility of their front court.
I personally think their center rotation is fine with McCowan & Brown. I want to see if they’re gonna give Stephanie Soares more run this upcoming season, because in college she wasn’t afraid to extend her range attempting close to 3 threes per game.
Obviously the most important thing is to nail this next head coach. There’s been too much musical chairs with this position over the past couple of years, and if you’re bring in a caliber of Paige Bueckers in a couple of months then you better get that right.
I love Te -Hina guess I have to watch Washington. They need a good guard like PaoPao
Pao Pao should be #1 pick, no way is PB better.
@RustyLou18 I think so too, but I need to watch PB play or know her stats. But I'm bias I love PaoPao
Hey Hunter, love your content as always! Where do you see HVL getting drafted? And do you think she can raise her stock back up this year?
Possibly, just depends if the shooting comes back around. Her efficiency has dropped every season since she was frosh
sedona prince will be the suprise of the draft
Morrow is not the type of player the Liberty would draft if her shooting is suspect. They would take Citron or Barker. Libs are probably hoping for Malonga or Sivka.
The Liberty has plenty great shooters so she is exactly the type of player they need. LMAO. Since Everything else she does is perfect for what the Liberty need. LMAO.
@@natureredux1957 - The Liberty have tons of size, defense and rebounding. She's a wing. The way Coach Sandy runs the offense, wings on this team have to be able to hit shots on either penetration from the guards or kick-outs from JJ. Coach talks about this all the time in her press conferences. All our wings can hit open shots. Don't get me wrong, Morrow's talented and I understand Hunter's points, but shooting cannot be a weakness. You have to see the skill sets in the players Jonathan Kolb has been adding to the team.
@@robmonroe9113 I see all the skill sets and that's why I know you are completely wrong on this.
@@natureredux1957 LOL! We'll agree to disagree on this one.
Morrow isn't necessary with 6-5 Nyara Sabally wnba finals star already on the roster! J Barker a 4 position player c,pf,sf,sg similar to Stewie is the pick if Malonga isn't available!
Some people don't seem to understand that the primary person that got in the way of Arike Ogunbowale was herself. This year was one of her poorer shooting years. But everything else was still elite. Paring her with Paige will be Heaven for her. Either player can play guard and either player can play off ball. Wayyyy to many folks that don't know basketball are saying Paige is a bad fit for Dallas. Those folks don't really know basketball. LOL.
She had too lol
Just like paring Paige with her helps both
@@Happyglimore8187 Exactly.
Paige will help unlock Arike’s off ball game and will just modernize the Wings offense as a whole.
@@Matthew-xl5bc how? Paige doesn’t draw the type of gravity Arike does. If anything, Paige will be the one playing off ball
Question ... if the sparks pick Kiki Iriofen at number 2 ... which I like ... what guard might the Sparks select in the early second round?
Also do the Sparks make a few phone calls to the tall player in France forgot her name as a possible second round pick?
PS ... is there a free agent guard the Sparks might attract?
As always excellent work. You are my go to analyst for all things W. I do however have some questions. 1, won’t any top player that can return to school wait a year to sign under the new contract structure? 2, why would NY take Morrow a 6”1’ forward (45) ahead of Barker at 6’4” (60). 3, why would LA, in great need of a point guard not take Miles at 2. Again thanks for sharing your great work with us.
Great video thanks for the information
Re: Satou. Paige is unproven. On the other hand, Caitlin is not only proven, she broke a crapload of records while being the worst she will ever be. I think Satou is smart enough to know her chances at a ring is far greater with the Fever. Dallas also has 2 more top tier PFs besides Satou so it's not like they will miss her too much.
I feel like Jeff is about to fuck this up for Chicago
The clown already said he's looking for a forward and not a guard🤡
He probably will smh
Watch him draft Citron way too high at 3 smh.
You’re crazy if you think Paige is some great passer. Come on Dude. She averages like 4 assists a game.
Having watched here since her days at Hopkins MN...she is a fantastic distributor. Pulling some stat out of context as some kind of defining fact is pretty par for the course for youtube trolls and critics.
Indiana should not be drafting Barker, I think Sonia Citron is the best move for them if she's available at 8 unless they plan on taking Lucy Olsen in the 2nd round. They need a guard with size who plays defense to replace Mitchell next to Caitlin.
Did Mitchell leave Indiana?
@@starlight7641 Not yet, but she's about to when offseason moves start happening in January or February.
The expansion draft happens either the first or second week in December. Maybe do another mock draft after that?
For sure!
Just what I was waiting for! Hey Hunter! Lol
Yooooooo
Paige, Flau'jae, Olivia Miles, Te-Hina Paopao, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron - first 6
Pao pao is not a point guard, if you’re drafting her thinking she’s a point guard you’re gonna be disappointed
Pao Pao can play both guard positions and with ease.
he said combo guard man you dont listen
Malonga with johannes to the valkyries ,love it ❤
I didnt know citron places so low. I didnt watch the games but heard the name everywhere i thought it would be higher up. But i do agree its would be veryvunwise to pass up kk as 2nd pick.
Big admirer of your work, do you think the sparks could select janiah barker at 2 or even trade down for better value/fit and grab some additional assets in the process?
Thank you! Yea for sure. A trade down could make sense
I fell sorry for LA Sparks to have not the opportunity to pick #Paige as 1st pick overall because its a bad deal for them in terms of business & marketing 💰
I think Sparks gonna steal Oliva Miles from the Sky.
If I was the Sparks I would get Olivia Miles or Flau'jae if she declares.
As far as scoring they're already set with Rickea and Dearica. All they need is someone to facilitate and be open.
You think Paige is the best is the best to come out of college CC is the greatest to ever come out of college period
They are both amazing but I personally think Caitlin is a more generational talent
Candace Parker was the best to come out of college, CC and PB don't hold a candle to her.
Paige Bueckers Is a 511 shooting guard Last year, Nika Muhl was UConn’s point guard This year, Princeton transfer Kaitlin Chen Is UConn’s point guard
Does Van Lith have one more year or do you not think she will be drafted?
Kiki Iriafen is an ideal fit for any team. Trade off any Blank weight and that's taken off. For the Spark, TRADE Dearica Hamby like yesterday and any problem is Solved. It's really not that hard.
Hamby is solid at both ends of the floor, she's durable and most important she's experienced. I would try to trade Azura Stevens before I would Hamby.
Trade an all star? 😅
@@darrjon67 Hamby is not solid at both ends. Her and Azura aren’t good defensively😂😂 Kiki’s defense is overrated herself so it’s a wash to me. They’ll have to trade either one but will be able to get more for Hamby.
Hey hunter! great insights as always. If you're looking for new video ideas, I'd love to know what some of your dream trade proposals are for teams to take the next step. For example, the Fever core and trade KM to the Valks for their #5 pick if Kiki is projected to drop and KM wants something new. Or if LA picks Kiki, perhaps they'd be in the market to trade Hamby for a competent guard!
Barker is a JR. Who says she comes out after this season, if eligible?
Because as far as I'm aware she had previously stated her intentions of doing so and will be eligible by age, but the situation may have changed now that she is at UCLA. I'm guessing it will have a lot to do with how good of year she has in WCBB.
He literally said it in the video
well things just got really interesting....especially with who i want in chicago (aneesah morrow and janiah barker, raven johnson and sneak in a shooter like te-hina paopao)...who can come to chicago in the sense that after paige anyone can be available with kiki or olivia......but also interesting in the sense of how the wnba is going to approach the big and small markets....also interesting in the sense of where Juju might go to now that Dallas can officially go after Paige at #1.....also interesting in the sense of possible draft day trades....in the sense Derrica Hamby could be traded along with the second overall pick for paige .....and therefore dallas could pick up olivia miles and derrica hamby to the wings...and then at #3 that leaves chicago with the option of having kiki in which they could trade with washington and essentially get washington 4th and 6th pick that would send kiki a true pf to washington and allow chicago to draft aneesah morrow and janiah barker in the first round with 2 of the 3 first round picks but also use the last first round pick to pair with their second round pick in another trade package to get a shooter to play alongside raven johnson
sn: olivia also could also end up going to la..the sparks keep derrica hamby and prepare to get juju in the future....while dallas gets paige (i don't know how paige and arike going to work out but we shall see).....either way kiki could become a great draft collateral for us at 3 to make a great trade down with washington
Thank you Hunter! I Really Appreciate your time and Details here. I Think you covered this very well. I dont have alot of Details to add here. Just on a Personal note, I want Sabally to Be picked up By My Fever, I really Like Sabally, She is a fantastic player on both Offense and Defense, “My Opinion” She is an impact player, and she likes Caitlin and has Defended Caitlin Since the Begining of the Season, and has had nothing but good things to say about Caitlin Clark. Sabbally would be My Top Pick as far as The Fever Free Agent Acquisitions, and The Fever Would Benefit from A Good Defensive player along with Coach Whites Defense type game. I do think your Pick of Janiah Barker for the Fever is a Very Good Selection if its possible. I think Dallas It’s going to definitely be a contender Either way it goes with Bueckers being added, Because adding paige with Ogunbawale’, Siegrist, and Howard, then if Sabally stays in Dallas and I think Sheldon is going to continue improving, so it would be a Much Stronger Team in Dallas. Thanks again Hunter for this Video/ Projections and your commentary
Considering olivia miles will probably not fall past 3, what would you say her ceiling is? Does her injury history prevent you from selecting her that high?
Her ceiling is being an All-WNBA player. I don’t think there’s a big injury history
To say Paige is one of the biggest. Come on. Caitlin Clark is the only big move in this league. Paige is awesome, but she's not Clark. Let's get real Jerry's.
Looking forward to see Paige Bueckers play with Lou Lopez-Senechal.
LLS will be traded...
Marine Johannes? Is she going back to the Liberty?
Bueckers needs to demonstrate she can stay healthy in order to be the number 1 pick.
Does everyone who plays in the WNBA have to go through the draft or can a team sign some unknown street baller if they wanted too
Finally, someone who actually picks a player that the Fever actually needs.
Now i think la might take olivia miles- what do you think?
What if Paige stays in college a 6th year? She is eligible to do so.
@@_M.... she won’t do that she’s alr getting enough hate for taking her 5th year and she already said this will be her last year
She might...I don't know if she wants to play in Dallas
@@arrylmccall8983 Beggars can't be choosers.
Then next year there is still another draft lottery . . .
Sparks need guards desperately
Lauren Betts is gonna be DOMINANT by the time she’s eligible. 6’7” and is athletic.
If.Majic is making the decisions now, the sparks are.drafting a pg. The have a c, pf, wing, they need a top end floor general.
LA is going to have to go free agency to find that true PG.
The more I think about it, Olivia is the only great option at #3. I definitely think Olivia’s shooting is fake right now but that type of playmaking/passing talent is just too good to pass up on. With Sivka, it’s weird. She’s definitely an awesome talent offensively especially as an on-ball/off-ball scorer, but her speed (if she’s supposed to truly be a wing) and defensive issues make me want to get Sonia instead and just look for that type of scoring versatility/talent in the 2026 draft. I agree with the Sky GM in that they need length and shooting from their wings (I would also add in speed and/or athleticism).
The Indiana Fever need to draft either Sonia Citron or Azzi Fudd... hopefully they will find a way to get both! (For example: the Fever could sign and trade Kelsey Mitchell along with our #8 pick to the Mystics for their picks #4 and 6). Sonia and Azzi are the best fits with Caitlin's playing style. The Fever can get a Power Forward elsewhere, they should not go for Janiah Barker. Janiah's playing style is too similar to Nalyssa Smith's... and we already know that doesn't fit or work.
Olivia Miles will go 2nd.
You can get Iriafen in almost any draft. PGs like Olivia Miles doesn’t come by often.
Good video hunter, i like comment etc for the YT ALGO
My sense is that you enjoyed being able to place these players in positions and with teams that would be best for everybody concerned, as opposed to each successive team choosing the best available player with less regard to the longer term prospects of the fit. Is this just my imagination? It's really clear that you care about the players' well-being.
Do you think the Sparks will consider trading #2 for #4 and #6?
As a Sparks fan, this is the first idea that has gotten me excited in the last few hours. Thank you.
Paige is obviously a top player but seems to be injury prone. I hope I am wrong. Being a Unconn player, she will be given the red carpet when she enters the WNBA, unlike other rookies.
Please shut up
Sue bird had 2 acl tears among many others. Getting hurt is different from being, Injury prone..Paul George.
Zion williamson That's a perfect example
I was waiting to see when the CC trolls would rear their heads and how they go about it. you were a little more creative and veiled than most. Paige will be accepted because she was and is respectful of those who went before her to the league. CC not so much. I love the way they explain cc's tantrums as her being "Competitive".
Great stuff as always though i cant see GS taking a draft + stash. Morrow is the pick.
Im disappointed Dallas will keep Satou forever , but Fever need her
Fever will hopefully still figure out a way to trade for her. 🤞
Good analysis. Impressive as they may be, Olivia Miles, Te-Hina Paopao, Azzi Fudd and Georgia Ammore are, in my opinion, too small to be WNBA players. They may play in world leagues, but any player shorter than 6'0" is probably too short for American WBB.
Paige B is not really 6'0", she's 5'11...they just want you to think she's taller.
The Knicks had a good game last night!! 😁
I love miles for Chicago ❤
When you say a D-1 player on No.3 Notre dame who was number 16 in the class of 2021 isn’t a good athlete
Some of these players might be going to that brand new team
Where Juju Watson
Why is the media pushing Paige at number 1. She’s a good player but there are plenty of good players out playing her now in the early part of the season.
Will have to see a French player dedicate themselves to the W before I start drafting them in the top half of the draft. Why so low on Barker?
Good job!!Watch Morrow and against any good player she hasn't done well and doesn't get it done. Also, if Azzi comes out and has a good year and doesn't get hurt. I think she's going to go to New York or sooner. It's all about the injury siri
Azzi Fudd is NOT a WNBA/Pro player, nope, not by a LONG shot.
I think La goes miles if she enters the draft
Chicago Sky GM said they are going to pick a wing that is minimum 6 foot
Wht about Flaue’je??
Flaujae is not coming out... She's going back for her senior year.. She's not leaving before she's ready..She could be a top 3 pick Next Year..
Natalie might be a guard type of coach
Fever is not going to draft a rookie to fill Smiths spot if she goes. That would make the starting 5 with less than 5 years experience in the WNBA. I think they bring in a experience free agent and use the draft to build their bench.
Who are they going to get though? The only two Power Forwards that I'd have any interest in that are even in the realm of possibility would be Nneka or Satou, and both are very unlikely to leave their current teams. Otherwise, you're looking at trying to convince someone like Emma Meesemann, Janelle Salaun, or Elena Delle Donne to join. Otherwise, you're looking at having to do a trade.
I don’t think Paige will make a difference for Satou - otherwise, she would’ve waited to to decide to leave until after the draft lottery. I don’t get the sense any of her issues with Dallas are with the roster, it’s all with the front office (like the many other players who’ve left)
Dallas recently got a new GM, so that could help even if she had problems with the team management.
@ she posted about leaving after they’d gotten the new GM
Rayah Marshall?
Why would Raven stay when the Talent coming out in the draft after this ones will only be deeper. Her best bet is to come out now. TEAMS are not going to draft her based on her shooting.
I'm not giddy with the thought of Chicago picking Azzi Fudd at the #10 pick, because of her history of injuries.
But, I'm not upset about it either.
After choosing PG Olivia Miles at #3, all the Sky's other picks will need to be 3pt shooters.
If Azzi Fudd can stay healthy & fill that need, then I'm ok with the choice.
Let's go Sky!
Ummm first off Banger….2nd off Thanks
Missing Gianna Kneepkens, Aaliyah Nye and Temira Poindexter
If sparks take miles Chicago gotta take Georgia amoore
I stopped at morrow to New York it’s all over the place at that point bud 😂❤
Give me Sonia Citron instead of Janiah Baker
Paige controls where she goes. As she can stay at uconn if she doesn’t want to go to dallas
She doesn’t control where she goes even if she stays at UConn. There’s another draft lottery next year. There is no guarantee on who wins the #1 pick next year.
why Dallas
Rori Harmon?