2023 WNBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Very Early Mock to start off the New Year

ROUND 1

#1. Indiana Fever – Aliyah Boston, 6’5 C, South Carolina

Potential to be the league’s next dominant center. A pro-ready body that can control the paint on both ends of the floor. Elite footwork and passing ability, plus a defensive stopper inside. Moreover, paired up with NaLyssa Smith inside can be a dangerous frontcourt duo for years for the Fever.

#2. Minnesota Lynx – Diamond Miller, 6’3 SF, Maryland

A strong offensive player that can score from any area on the court. She is currently averaging 18.3 points per game, 6.9 rebounds per game, and two blocks per game. Furthermore, Miller needs improvement on her outside shooting and reducing turnovers. She can also be injury-prone, having missed several games every season at Maryland.

#3. Atlanta Dream – Haley Jones, 6’1 SG/SF, Stanford

A big guard capable of being an elite playmaker at the next level. Having a young backcourt with 2022 Rookie of the Year, Rhyne Howard would be a defensive nightmare for opposing teams. However, her weaknesses include her defensive and lack of an outside shot (15 percent from the three-point range).

#4. Washington Mystics – Ashley Joens, 6’0 SF, Iowa State

The Mystics need offensive help for the 2023 season. New head coach Eric Thibault will look to Joens, with Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins locked into the guard positions. A two-time Cheryl Miller award winner with a strong ability to shoot from long-range. In addition, Joens is currently averaging 19.3 ppg, 9.2 RPG, while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three. However, her defensive abilities and reduced turnovers will need improvement in the WNBA.

#5. Chicago Sky – Charisma Osborne, 5’9 SG, UCLA

The Sky need added depth in the backcourt with the uncertainty of Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley returning. Osborne gives them the option to play either guard position. A solid offensive player with strong ball-handling abilities. Currently, Charisma is averaging 18 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 30 percent from three. Staying consistent offensively will be key to having a successful WNBA career.

#6. New York Liberty – Maddy Siegrist, 6’1 PF, Villanova

The question for the Liberty will depend on the Breanna Stewart free agency sweepstakes. In addition, the Liberty hold the rights to three young post players in 2022’s fifth pick, Nyara Sabally, 2022’s third-round pick, Sika Koné, and Spain’s Raquel Carrera. Currently, Siegrist is the best option for New York. Likely needing to slide over to the SF position in the WNBA. A big player that can score from inside and outside and rebound and defend.

#7. Indiana Fever – Rickea Jackson, 6’2 SF, Tennessee

The Fever would already have a stacked roster at this point by drafting Boston first overall. Adding any depth in the backcourt would be a major asset. Jackson fills the void with the potential to play either forward position. The former Georgia Bulldog would face a difficult time squeezing in minutes here. However, Indiana would be planning for the future with several players up for free agency currently and after the 2023 season.

#8. Atlanta Dream – Mackenzie Holmes, 6’3 PF, Indiana

The Dream needs depth inside and Holmes is the best available post at eighth overall. Holmes is currently averaging 20.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg while shooting 69.1 percent from the field. In addition, during Indiana’s recent loss to Michigan State, Holmes brought down a career-high 32 points and 12 boards. A solid player that can get physical inside. She’ll need to reduce turnovers and run the floor in the WNBA.

#9. Seattle Storm – Dyaisha Fair, 5’5 PG, Syracuse

The Storm could potentially have a wide-open roster to fill. The retirements of Sue Bird and Briann January have left a large hole at point guard. Fair gives them their best option to fill the role, along with the assumption that Seattle also brings someone through free agency. A high-volume shooter that’s currently shooting just 37 percent from the field.

#10. Connecticut Sun – Jordan Horston, 6’2 SF, Tennessee

Horston’s had an up-and-down season offensively. However, her last five games have seen her shoot 45 percent from the field. A solid defender as well that would fit in with this Sun team. Likewise, Jordan’s game is very similar to that of Brittney Sykes of the Los Angeles Sparks. A player at her size that can run the floor and get back on the defensive end as well will be a solid addition to Connecticut.

#11. Dallas Wings – Jacy Sheldon, 5’10 SG, Ohio State

Sheldon has dealt with a lower-leg injury for most of this season. Playing only five games could see Sheldon’s draft stock continue to fall. However, the Wings could use another solid defender in the backcourt to go along with Veronica Burton. Through five games, she’s averaged 20 ppg and six steals per game.

#12. Minnesota Lynx – Elizabeth Kitley, 6’6 C, Virginia Tech

The Lynx need depth inside and Kitley is the best available post here. She’s currently averaging 18.7 ppg, 11.2 rpg and 2.2 blocks per game. Her lack of an outside shot, poor footwork, and slow on defense could limit her playing time at the next level. Fortunately, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has worked with some solid post players during her time and could develop Kitley into a solid player.

ROUND 2

ROUND 3

The 2023 WNBA draft is set for Monday, April 10. WNBA Free agency officially begins on Jan. 11, with qualifying offers being sent out. Official negotiations start on Jan. 21, with contract signings beginning on Feb. 1.

Check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more women’s sports coverage. Todd Roman is on Twitter too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.