The 2025 WNBA Draft has come to a close, and it’s clear that some teams hit the jackpot while others may need to rethink their strategy. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers, highlighting the smart decisions and the head-scratchers from this year’s selection.
Winners
Dallas Wings
It’s hard to argue against the Dallas Wings as one of the clear winners of this draft, especially after securing the number one overall pick. With five choices, they made strategic selections that address crucial areas of need.
Paige Bueckers was the consensus top pick, a talent that was destined to go first no matter who was on the clock. She’s the kind of player that can elevate a franchise with her all-around skill set. Along with Bueckers, the Wings added Aziaha James, whose deep shooting range and ability to run the floor make her a valuable asset off the bench—an extra spark in transition play.
Dallas made strides in fortifying their backcourt by selecting Madison Scott with their third pick. Standing at 6’2”, her versatility on defense provides a solution for a team that struggled on that end of the floor last season. While her offensive prowess may still be developing, the potential for growth under the Wings’ coaching staff is certainly there. The wing position was further bolstered by JJ Quinerly, who could be a hidden gem in the third round after averaging 20.2 points at West Virginia and being recognized as a solid on-ball defender.
Finally, they wrapped up the evening by drafting Aaronette Vonleh, who at 6’3”, brings much-needed depth to the bench. Though she has some work to do on her rebounding, her trajectory in college showed improvement across various aspects of her game. The Wings certainly made a statement with a draft plan that focused on addressing specific needs, with each selection crafted to enhance team dynamics.
Washington Mystics
The Mystics had a strategy that paid off big time with three first-round picks. They brought in Sonia Citron, KiKi Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore, making shrewd selections that blend scoring, shooting, and toughness.
Iriafen stands out as the premier post player in this draft, ready to shine on any stage. Citron’s ability to score in bunches makes her a versatile addition, while Amoore, one of the most dynamic point guards available, can steer the ship. Her tight ball-handling, exceptional passing, and unique scoring ability help structure a strong core for a team that’s looking to find its identity. The Mystics have certainly positioned themselves for a brighter future.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun had a stroke of luck at the seventh pick when Aneesah Morrow was still available. It was a surprising yet fortuitous moment for the Sun, as Morrow is a beast on both ends of the court, averaging 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds at LSU.
In addition to Morrow, they added Saniya Rivers, a defensive-minded point guard who needs to develop her outside shooting but has the makings of a valuable playmaker. Rivers also contributed 11.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game at NC State, which complements Morrow’s game nicely. They capped off their draft with Rayah Marshall, a shot-blocking specialist known for her defensive prowess, adding strength to their front line. The Sun didn’t just make good picks; they made impactful ones.
Loser
Golden State Valkyries
On the flip side, the Golden State Valkyries’ draft raised some eyebrows. Many expected them to take Morrow at fifth overall, but instead, they opted for Juste Jocyte, a 17-year-old talent from Lithuania. While Jocyte has a promising skill set that includes the ability to shoot off the dribble, the decision to pass on Morrow could leave fans questioning whether they maximized this critical pick.
In the second round, they added Shyanne Sellers and then rounded out their selections with Kaitlyn Chen, a point guard with a knack for winning. However, the Valkyries’ focus on guards was a bit puzzling, particularly when they could have benefited from adding some size to the lineup. The pressure is on to see how these selections pan out in the long run; only time will tell if this approach pays off.
In summary, the 2025 WNBA Draft highlighted teams that capitalized on opportunities while others may need to reevaluate their approach. For the Wings, Mystics, and Sun, the future looks bright, while the Valkyries will be hoping their bold choices lead to unexpected successes.
