The WNBA Draft lottery results are in, and let’s just say the Dallas Wings walked away with a winning lottery ticket with Paige Bueckers’ name all over it. If you were hoping for any draft-day drama at the top, sorry to disappoint. The only thing keeping Paige out of the No. 1 spot would be if she suddenly decided she’s having too much fun in college and wants to live the dorm life one more year. (Spoiler: That’s not happening.)
The Wings are practically rolling out a red carpet for her already. And why not? Their roster is overflowing with frontcourt talent like Satou Sabally, Teaira McCowan, and Maddy Siegrist. But what they desperately need is a backcourt maestro to tie it all together. Enter Bueckers, a generational talent who can playmake, defend, and score as if she has cheat codes. Her 98th percentile assist-to-turnover ratio screams, “I’m ready for this,” and if you think she can’t guard, well, try telling that to the four positions she regularly locks down.
So, congratulations, Dallas. You’ve got the WNBA equivalent of a shiny new sports car. Just don’t park it in the wrong spot.
Los Angeles Sparks: Paging Olivia Miles
Moving down the line, the Sparks find themselves in a classic Sparks moment. They’ve been swinging and missing on the playoffs and are already down a 2026 first-round pick. What they need is someone to light up their offense like a Christmas tree, and Olivia Miles fits the bill. Miles, fresh off an ACL tear (because apparently, ACLs in basketball are as expendable as a Kardashian’s handbag), is back with her signature passing wizardry.
Not only does she have the court vision of a chess grandmaster, but she’s also finally figured out how to shoot — which is a handy skill in, you know, basketball. And if LA’s front office doesn’t snag her, their fans might start drafting angry tweets instead of watching games.
The Sky Go Big. Again.
The Chicago Sky are doing what they do best: stockpiling frontcourt players like they’re prepping for an apocalypse. Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese already have the paint on lock, but hey, what’s one more? Kiki Iriafen joins the mix, bringing athleticism, high efficiency, and a knack for big moments. Sure, she’s not exactly Defensive Player of the Year material just yet, but don’t worry; they’ve got time to wait—whether their fans agree is another story.
Mystics: Vive la France!
Oh, the Mystics. No GM, no coach, and yet they somehow still manage to keep things interesting. Michael Winger, the team president with a well-documented love for young French talent, is drooling over Dominique Malonga. She’s 19, she dunks, and she’s already been to the Olympics. Malonga is the basketball equivalent of a fine Bordeaux: French, full-bodied, and ready to age gracefully. Shakira Austin’s injury history makes this pick a no-brainer. Plus, who doesn’t want a dunking French phenom on their squad?
Golden State Valkyries: A Splash Sister in Training
The WNBA’s shiny new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, have an empty roster and an open mind. Enter Georgia Amoore, a pint-sized pick-and-roll magician with a Steph Curry-esque love for the long ball. Sure, her 3-point percentage takes a nosedive when she’s forced to create her own shots, but hey, the Valkyries aren’t exactly swimming in offensive options. This pick screams “potential,” but only time will tell if she’s destined for splash or crash.
The Rest of the First Round
From Hannah Citron’s sharpshooting to Maddy Westbeld’s tough-as-nails interior defense, the rest of the first round is shaping up to be a mixed bag of talent and intrigue. Whether it’s the Fever doubling down on offense with Endyia Paopao or the Mercury looking for hustle and muscle in Aneesah Morrow, every pick brings its own flavor of “what if.”
So, buckle up. This draft class has the makings of future superstars, role players, and the occasional “wait, who is this again?” pick. As for Paige Bueckers, she’ll be the one orchestrating it all from Dallas — or maybe just laughing at the competition on her way to Rookie of the Year.
