2025 WNBA Mock Draft: All Rounds and Top Picks

As the WNBA Draft 2025 is approaching the commencement of the prominent event for the league, the chances of Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick are getting dimmer. Apparently, when the Dallas Wings got the first overall pick in the Draft lottery that happened in December, it was expected that the UConn Huskies might emerge as a new star Guard. First, it was Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers was supposed to follow in the Indiana Fever’s guard footsteps. But Bueckers’ intentions are getting more and more unstable. So let’s explore what can be the possible direction of progression for Paige Bueckers and other projected picks in the league in the upcoming WNBA Draft 2025.

1. Dallas Wings – Paige Bueckers, Guard, UConn Huskies

Paige Bueckers is expected to be the next star guard like Caitlin Clark to rock the league. However, due to injuries and the COVID-19 season, she still has one more year of college eligibility. This equation means she could choose not to enter the draft at all or inform the Wings that she won’t play for them, forcing the team to explore trade options for the first overall pick. As per the reports from Marca, it seems that the guard from UConn Huskies is more keen on joining the Los Angeles Sparks as the new prospect in the league. She can build that roster around her star power, but Arike Ogunbowale already has too much dominance in the Dallas Wings. So it might conceit the chances of Paige Bueckers blooming in the league. That’s why she was expected to rogue on the Wings.

In the new collegiate season, Paige has maintained her consistency as a guard, dishing out 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. What do you think her ultimate destination will be?

2. Los Angeles Sparks – Olivia Miles, Guard, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Olivia Miles has made a big comeback in collegiate basketball due to her past injuries. During the 2023 season’s postseason, she got injured and even missed the whole 2023-24 season as well because of the knee issues. However, in the 2024-25 collegiate season, Olivia Miles has not displayed such issues with her game on the court. Rather, she has tallied 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Coming to the skills, she shot 5-8 from deep, which is a career-high record for the game. She even earned ACC Player of the Week titles. So what’s important for her at this crucial time is to be healthy and fit for the WNBA campaign.

3. Chicago Sky – Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame

If the Chicago Sky opts for a player who can match the aura of Olivia Miles on the court, it is Sonia Citron. The Notre Dame guard has enough skills to challenge the best. However, the return of Miles to Notre Dame after a long injury period has brought a decline in her statistics. Before the return of Miles, Citron was averaging 17.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. So it might be safe to assume that she will thrive in a team that will give her a chance to grow. Also, she is a two-way guard who can meet expectations even under peer pressure.

So, the Chicago Sky will have a valuable asset to give them the upper hand in close-hand situations. But the equations might change during the draft if Citron changes her decision moving forward.

4. Washington Mystics – Dominique Malonga, C, ASVEL

Dominique Malonga’s biggest selling point is her 6’6″ stature, which is a key to defending the paint and scoring the shots necessary. That’s why the Washington Mystics will get an edge while keeping the rim to themselves and making it difficult for the opposition’s offense to break through it. Adding to Malonga’s worth, she is just 19 years old and yet made it to the French National Olympic basketball team last year. So the Mystics can stay assured that she has enough exposure to international basketball.

Apparently, Malonga hails from France, and it is time for the Washington Mystics to make the best of their roster by recruiting some international talent. Another upside of Dominique’s international experience is the will to adapt and deliver as per the situation which will be handy for the Mystics.

5. Golden State Valkyries – Kiki Iriafen, F, USC

After the expansion draft, the Golden State Valkyries are yet looking for a big name to lead the talent that they have got from the WNBA teams. The roster that they have made up seems good, but a talented forward like Kiki Iriafen can make a name like none other. She has experience with two collegiate basketball teams, one at Stanford and the other at USC, for the latest season of college basketball. As per the ESPN data, she averaged 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds with the USC team in just four games. Even her junior season with Cardinal was nothing short of extraordinary as she tallied out 9.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.

Also Read: How Does the WNBA Draft Work? Rules, Rounds, Eligibility, and Key Details to Know

Considering her adaptability and the will to perform, Golden State Valkyries is the best destination for her. Also this is exactly what Valkyries need for at least a year or two to establish their image and place in the league.

6. Washington Mystics (via ATL) – Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

The exceptional skill that works for Azzi Fudd on the court is the three-point shooting ability that can penetrate any defense. However, the major advantage that the Washington Mystics can synthesize is the inside-outside formation of Dominique Malonga and Azzi Fudd to score the hell out of the opponent team. However, there is a major concern that needs to be addressed, which is the knee issue of Azzi Fudd. She went through it last season, and if she can’t be consistent on the court, it might backfire for the Mystics management.

Therefore, it is necessary that the Washington Mystics pick both of the players and use her just as well on the court. Over-dependency on such players will not be good for them in the long run.

7. New York Liberty (via PHX) – Serena Sundell, G, Kansas State

Serena Sundell is a genius when it comes to team play in the sport of basketball. She is currently a senior on the Kansas State basketball team and was able to average 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in just 18 games this season. If she can declare for the draft and go for a professional run, it will be bliss for the New York Liberty management. The major reason behind the statement is that Serena’s ideology matches with the ethics of the Liberty team, which is team-focused basketball.

Overall, for now, Sundell might be just an immediate addition to the bench strength. However, under current supervision, she might be the face of the New York Liberty if the management gives her a chance. It will be easy for the Liberty team as well to rotate the players on the court with Serena Sundell being in the equation.

8. Indiana Fever – Saniya Rivers, G, NC State

The 6’1″ senior from the NC State has spent two of her collegiate season at the University of South Carolina. Even during her freshman year at the USC, she won the national title. Hoping for a surge in her on-court peformance, she took a transfer near her home to the NC State basketball team. Rather than a playmaker, she is more of a defensive guard and might be the best option considering there is Caitlin Clark on the team for the Indiana team. In addition to the game, that she puts on the court, the 6’1″ stature of Saniya Rivers will be a horror for the opponents in the league.

In the 16 games that Rivers has played so far this season with NC State, she has averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. The stats are a testament that Samiya will not only add depth but also defend the paint effectively. Such a combo will be unbeatable with Caitlin Clark on the court.

9. Seattle Storm – Georgia Amoore, G, Kentucky

Georgia Amoore has improved her overall game stats on the court, whether it be the Virginia Tech Hokies that she played for or the Kentucky Wildcats. She stayed with the Koies for four seasons of her college basketball. Last year, she made a transfer to Kentucky for a change and experienced a surge in the points per game. In the 18 games that she has played, she dished out 18.1 points, 7.4 assists and 2.4 rebounds. But the concerning fact is that her shooting ability outside the perimeter has experienced a fall, but she has managed to maintain it at 33.33%.

If the Seattle Storm want to build from scratch, Amoore is a player that they can look ahead to leading the pack. After all, a player with such skills to rotate the players on her command is a luxury for any pro basketball team.

10. Chicago Sky (via CON) – Shyanne Sellers, F, Maryland

Shyanne Sellers’ as a forward is a player, who is more of a jack of all trades than master of one. She can dish out points in the paint and can also defend multiple positions if he is required to do so. That’s why she has managed to average 14.2 points, 4 rebounds and 4.8 assists average in just 16 games this season. Chicago Sky usually depends on nurturing the young talent to get long-term results. Sellers might be the exact prospect that they are looking for in the WNBA Draft. It will be quite engaging to watch such a talent meeting with the most appropriate grooming grounds in the league.

11. Minnesota Lynx – Jordan Hobbs, F, Michigan

The 6’3″ guard from Michigan University has the potential to give the best, but she will need some grooming in the league. In the 17 games that she has played in the league this season for the team, she has averaged 12.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. But it is a great transition considering she could accumulate 9.8 points average while playing in 34 games last season. She took time but ultimately delivered under performance pressure. In the position that she is in now, she will be handy in making the front court of the Minnesota Lynx more robust.

12. Phoenix Mercury – Rori Harmon, G, Texas

Rori Harmon has returned from the knee injury that she suffered on December 27 of 2022. However, her shooting ability has significantly dropped from 31.8% to 19.0% this season. Also in the 16 games that she has played, she has also dropped the will to knock out the opponents around the paint. Her rebounding numbers are down to 3.3 from 5.6 rebounds per game. She might play the whole season with her college team to get back the flow of the game or declare the draft entry for growing under the supervision of pro basketball players.

List of All 2025 WNBA Mock Draft Predictions

Expansion Draft Implications

The Golden State Valkyries have picked their 11 players from the Expansion Draft, and Julie Vanloo is the only player who can be the face of the team. However, the dynamics might change in the main draft when the Valkyries pick up their three players. It will be worth watching how they strategize to form a balanced team through last-minute moves as well, like the sign-and-trade and transfer, among others. Some of the teams might have lost their skill-specific players as well after the Expansion Draft. So they will look out for the players to fill out the spot left by the new Valkyrie players.

In a way, it might be safe to assume that the teams have been affected by the addition of the 13th team and Expansion Draft.

Fantasy Draft Considerations

WNBA Fantasy enthusiasts can have a merry time selecting the WNBA draft for 2025 because this year’s draft class promises many diamonds in the rough. Paige Bueckers and Olivia Miles are sure bets to be among the first rookies chosen. In addition to it, Rori Harmon and Serena Sundell also have the potential to be most rewarding after evolving in the league. But it’s not just the numbers that the Fantasy managers might follow. The draft rankings and expected trade will affect the ranking of a player as well. When it comes to individual play, players capable of contributing across multiple categories could affect a great many fantasy rankings. So, it might be too early to determine the final rankings of players with just a mock draft.

Analysis of Top Prospects

Paige Bueckers

As the crown jewel of the 2025 draft, Paige Bueckers’ combination of scoring, court vision, and leadership sets her apart. She has the potential to revolutionize the guard position in the WNBA. Her ability to deliver in clutch moments and adapt to various defensive schemes further underscores her value. Her marketability off the court, combined with her on-court brilliance, positions her as a transformative figure for the league. Bueckers’ impact will extend beyond basketball, as her charisma and relatability could attract new fans to the WNBA.

Paige Bueckers blends scoring with outstanding court awareness and leadership, being the standout prospect of the 2025 draft. There are chances that she might revolutionize the performance indicators that the league expects from a guard. Her mindset is usually the nature of taking over every role or position that she is offered. Another selling point of her on-court performance is the numbers that she put under clutch situations. So if Paige remains consistent with what the league has expected from her, she might be the first to enter the WNBA market of endorsements after the draft.

Sonia Citron

Sonia Citron, as a two-way guard, is unbeatable on the court. The factor that escalates her worth even more is that she can be used as a bench player and yet she delivers like a core player. And another feature of Citron that stands out the most is the will to learn and evolve without any ego issues. WNBA is evolving, and players like Sonia Citron, along with their work ethic, will emerge to best with their consistency in the long run. Even the mighty players that the league has currently might get left behind in terms of growth if they stop learning the game.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Paige Bueckers vs. Olivia Miles: Both of the guards are exceptional with their hooping skills. However, only the leagues can decide the fate of their growth as soon as they step out into the world of pro basketball.
2. Expansion Team Strategy: Golden State Valkyries are a new team and they need to have a strong foundation to move ahead in the league. It will be worth watching how they use players to decide their approach in upcoming seasons.
3. International Prospects: The league has benefitted much from international talents. So Dominique Malonga’s performance as an individual will get the attention of the experts and analysts as well.
4. Sleeper Picks: Draft does not mean that second-round picks will not perform well. It is possible they might excel as the league evolves.
5. Fantasy Implications: Fantasy drafts sometimes put some players on the surface who are statistically ignored. But their growth chart proves effective in the long run.
6. Team Trades: Sometimes, the teams make last-minute moves on the draft day to pick players to their requirements.
7. Rising Stars: Which lesser-known players will break out and establish themselves as key contributors?

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