2025 WNBA Draft: Grading Every Pick, Full 3-Round Analysis

The 2025 WNBA draft is complete. Names have been called, and it's time to reflect and analyze each team's performance from the big night.

We will take a look at who each team secured in all three rounds, break down the biggest winners from the draft, talk trades and what it took to be in first-round position, and analyze needs that may or may not have been filled.

Here are our 2025 draft grades immediately following draft night.

No. 18 Te-Hina Paopao: B+

No. 36 Taylor Thierry: C+

With only two later draft picks this year, the Atlanta Dream had to be creative when filling needs.

When looking at the Dream roster and the new system head coach Karl Smesko will look to implement, they needed shooters and additional ball-handling, which was addressed with both of these picks. Smesko is building a system where his guards are efficient perimeter shooters.

Securing Paopao at No. 18 feels like a steal to many, and the Dream had to feel lucky she was still on the board at this position, as she was often touted as having first-round potential.

The 5'9" combo guard can play on or off the ball, can create, can stretch the defense with her perimeter efficiency, and brings a pro mentality and competitiveness. She shot a blazing 47 percent her senior year at South Carolina and is one of the top perimeter shot-makers in this class.

Both Paopao and Taylor Thierry are 40 percent career perimeter threats. Thierry has good size at 6'1" and was a solid, late-round pick-up in the third round who will make for a competitive training camp, and the Dream had their eyes on for some time. She's gritty, tough, athletic, plays her role well, rebounds from the guard position and brings two-way potential at the wing.

Atlanta addressed needs as best as they could with the positioning it had in this draft.

No. 10 Ajša Sivka: A

No. 11 Hailey Van Lith: A

No. 16 Maddy Westbeld: B

No. 22 Aicha Coulibaly: C

One the eve of the draft the Chicago Sky made a last-minute trade with the Minnesota Lynx to secure back-to-back picks in the first round while giving up a 2026 first-round pick.

Immediately, a move like this tells you that the Sky are a team looking to add as many assets as possible for the future before a massive shift in 2026 free agency. And we already knew they had to get point guard and strengthen their backcourt. Who were their primary targets?

Ajša Sivka out of Slovenia and Hailey Van Lith from TCU.

Sivka, a 6'3" forward, is only 19 years old. She is capable of stretching the floor with elite size, can score in a variety of ways as an efficient shot-maker, and gives Chicago a stash asset.

Hailey Van Lith was one of the highest stock-risers from the NCAA season. The TCU guard showcased her comfort level in a pro-style system and put the world on notice following an Olympic bronze performance in 3x3. Van Lith gives Chicago an experienced collegiate guard who can learn alongside one of the greatest floor generals in WNBA history in Courtney Vandersloot for at least a year.

The Sky are in a situation to have a competitive training camp for their final one to two positions. Those who are selected in this draft, even in later rounds, have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

No. 7 Aneesah Morrow: A

No. 8 Saniya Rivers: A

No. 25 Rayah Marshall: B-

We may not know a lot about the Connecticut Sun franchise right now and what the future will hold in the midst of a total overhaul, but one thing is for sure: The Sun got better on Monday night.

Connecticut secured two impact players with back-to-back first-round picks in Morrow and Rivers.

Morrow's relentlessness and motor is simply something that cannot be taught. She is a walking double-double, has power and strength, and has proven herself at every step of her career and on the biggest stage. The 6'1" forward can also continue to develop offensively and look to be utilized in a different role as a pro. She gives the Sun a consistent piece to continue to build with.

Rivers was likely always a first-round pick due to her multi-position versatility. She has great size and athleticism, and has all the tools to be an elite WNBA defender with her pressure. One way or another, the 6'1" wing can impact and help the Sun roster.

The Sun offer arguably the most opportunity for players looking to snag a roster spot in the league. Expect a highly competitive training camp with the door open to all their draftees and training camp signees to compete for not just a roster spot, but also meaningful minutes.

No. 1 Paige Bueckers: A+

No. 12 Aziaha James: A

No. 14 Madison Scott: B+

No. 27 JJ Quinerly: B

No. 31 Aaronette Vonleh: B

The Dallas Wings hauled in all sorts of versatility, depth, playmaking, scoring and defense with their five picks.

The big story here is finally securing Paige Bueckers with their No. 1 overall pick and adding the franchise playmaker and facilitator they have so desperately needed.

The Wings have undergone a massive shift in the offseason from roster changes, additions, a new general manager in Curt Miller and a new head coach in Chris Chris Koclanes. There is a lot of opportunity to be had for this draft class to compete for roster spots with Dallas currently having seven players under contract.

This is a critical moment for the franchise, and all of these five draft picks bring something different to the table.

James is an electric playmaker and pure scorer, with a great first step and explosive off the bounce. Scott is a strong, long and highly impactful two-way guard who is ready to be a pro. Quinerly is one of the top defenders in the country, has great natural instincts and can get hot offensively. And Vonleh is a highly athletic post player capable of turning heads in camp with her low block presence, rim running ability and strength.

No. 5 Justé Jocytė: A

No. 17 Shyanne Sellers: B+

No. 30: Kaitlyn Chen: C

For a franchise going through its first ever draft night, the Golden State Valkyries have to feel pretty good about where they stand.

We know Golden State has deep ties in the international game, so the Jocytė pick shouldn't surprise many—when you know who they selected. The 19-year-old guard has essentially competed against pros since she was 13 years old and said time and time again she has ambition for the WNBA. She has all the tools and potential to be a long-time pro in this league.

She is a big, long, lefty guard who can handle the ball, makes great reads and is a high-level shot-maker. She uses her frame well when coming off screens and against defenders to leverage position and make the right read.

The addition of Sellers was a steal in many ways, as the 6'2" point guard was considered a first-round pick by many. Sellers can play the 1-3 spots, is a great athlete and would add versatility and playmaking to the Valkyries backcourt.

The first-year franchise is primed for a highly competitive training camp where anyone who has been selected through the draft, expansion draft or training camp contract can have a shot at making a roster.

No. 19: Makayla Timpson: B+

No. 20: Bree Hall: B

No. 33: Yvonne Ejim: C+

The Indiana Fever made the majority of their offseason moves in free agency, with key additions in veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Sophie Cunningham, and securing the return of long-time franchise guard Kelsey Mitchell to play alongside a young core highlighted by Caitlin Clark.

The most glaring area of concern going into the draft was adding defensive-minded players to help the Fever as a whole improve in that area. Given their second- and third-round positioning in this draft, they should feel good about their selections. and there may be a chance for one or two to compete for a roster spot this season.

Timpson was a key target for the Fever as an elite presence in the paint with double-double potential and high-level defense. Hall is one of the best defenders in the country and has the potential to take on any assignment any given night.

Ejim is a skilled, face-up post who could give the Fever a different type of look offensively but can defend at a high level as well.

No. 13 Aaliyah Nye: B+

No. 35 Harmoni Turner: B

The Las Vegas Aces secured a successful draft despite being penalized their first-round pick. They added two intriguing pieces in Nye and Turner who can add high-level shot-making and defensive versatility. Both have a legitimate opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

Nye was a top target for the Aces all season and at No. 13 is a big wing who was a high level shot maker and able defender at Alabama. The 6'0" guard was a consistent force for the Crimson Tide, shooting a career best 46 percent this past season and is a career 44 percent perimeter shooter. She can help stretch the floor and create space for the Aces to operate.

Turner was named the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year this past season, making this selection a poetic ending to their draft night. Turner was one of the top scorers in the country, averaging 22.5 points per game in 2024-25 and surpassing 2,000 career points for Harvard. She brings instant offense to the Aces, who have big shoes to fill as they look to add the right pieces to win another WNBA championship.

No. 9 Sarah Ashlee Barker: A

No. 21 Sania Feagin: A-

No. 28 Liatu King: C+

Barker going at No. 9 may have surprised a few people, but the Los Angeles Sparks were able to secure a key target they had been high on for the entire season. She brings a unique level of positional versatility on both ends.

She has a high-level IQ, and as we saw in the NCAA tournament with her 45-point performance against Maryland, Barker is an incredible competitor capable of elevating her play on the biggest stage. The 6'0" guard's stock was one of the highest risers over the last month, and she seems more than ready to take on many great years in the WNBA.

Sania Feagin fell lower than I anticipated. The 6'3" forward came into her own over the last season during her time at South Carolina and is one of the most efficient post players in the country. She has soft touch, an efficient mid-range game and shot a career-high 60 percent this past season for the Gamecocks. Her ceiling and potential as a pro is sky-high.

Los Angeles has anywhere from one to two roster spots up for grabs between draft picks and training camp contracts.

No. 15 Anastasiia Olairi Kosu: B+

No. 24 Dalayah Daniels: C+

No. 37 Aubrey Griffin: C

The Minnesota Lynx had one of the league's more underwhelming offseasons in terms of actual moves, looking to run it back with their core group and franchise player Napheesa Collier while aiming at another Finals run.

In the eleventh hour, out of nowhere, 24 hours before draft night, the Lynx traded the No. 11 pick to the Sky in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. The next day, on draft day, Minnesota sent its own 2026 first-rounder to the Washington Mystics for Karlie Samuelson.

The Lynx had to address perimeter shooting one way or another. Their front office opted for a more veteran, experienced player looking to win and give themselves the highest chance at a title this season.

The current roster is loaded, and it would be incredibly difficult for a rookie to secure a spot. A draft-and-stash, promising, top international prospect for the future makes a ton of sense with this pick. Anastasiia Olairi Kosu was one of the most underrated prospects in the draft. At 19 years old, the Russian forward has played at the highest levels of overseas basketball from a young age.

She became one of the youngest players to ever appear in a EuroLeague game while playing for Dynamo Kursk at just 15 years old. She has played against and is familiar with many WNBA pros and currently plays for UMMC Ekaterinburg. At 6'1", she has a versatile skill set and is an elite rebounder.

No. 38 Adja Kane: B-

The Liberty had one pick in this entire draft—the very last one at No. 38. It's no surprise they went with a young, international developmental pick given the current makeup of the championship roster.

At just 20 years old, Kane is a 6'3" center currently playing for  Landerneau Bretagne Basket in France and was a member of the U20 French EuroBasket team in 2024. She has great length, athleticism and a high ceiling.

The talent-loaded Liberty made the most out of the very last pick in the draft.

No Picks

The Phoenix Mercury traded their 2025 draft assets over the last couple of years, leaving them watching from the sideline Monday night.

They acquired Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally in the offseason in a four-team trade that sent their No. 12 pick to Dallas. There are currently just six players under contract for this season, so there is a great deal of opportunity in the Valley.

Phoenix will have to fill out the remainder of its roster with training camp contracts, as they currently have 10 signed, all competing for five or six roster spots.

No. 2 Dominique Malonga: A+

No. 26  Serena Sundell: B+

No. 29 Madison Conner: B

No. 34 Jordan Hobbs: C+

If there was a clear overall winner from this draft, it would be the Seattle Storm. Not only were they able to add a potential generational talent in Malonga with the No. 2 pick, but they also hauled in great picks in the third round.

Malonga is one of the most unique prospects we have seen in years. Her 6'6" frame, combined with her athleticism and advanced skill set for her age, makes her an anomaly.

She has the mobility and a face-up game like a guard, yet she has elite length and imposing size on the interior. At just 19 years old, her potential and ceiling are things that front offices only dream of acquiring.

Sundell led the nation in assists this past season for Kansas State with 262. Many were shocked to see the 6'2" point guard fall into the third round, but the Storm immediately pounced on the opportunity. Sundell's skill, versatile size, IQ to go along with her defensive abilities makes a top contender for the steal of the draft.

Then they added Madison Conner, an elite shot-maker and perimeter threat for TCU this season. Conner led the country in three-pointers made this season with 128.

There are a potential two to three roster spots up for grabs in Seattle between its draft picks and four current training camp contracts.

No. 3 Sonia Citron: A

No. 4 Kiki Iriafen: A

No. 6 Georgia Amoore: A

No. 23 Lucy Olsen: B

No. 32 Zaay Green: B-

Washington Mystics went from an organization plagued with questions and uncertainty to one of the biggest winners of draft night.

And the best news yet? The opportunity to build around these rookies makes this a prospect's dream to be able to compete and secure a spot in year one. The additions of Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore beef up their backcourt and give the Mystics poised, pro-ready guards with high IQs who will complement each other exceptionally well.

Kiki Iriafen has one of the highest ceilings in the class and will only continue to get better. At 6'3", the USC forward adds an athletic post player who is impactful on the glass and can continue to develop her offensive arsenal from back-to-the-basket to an extended face-up game. Iriafen's potential is as exciting as anyone's in this class.

Olson's stock rose exponentially this season for Iowa as a scoring machine and playmaker, and Alabama's Zaay Green is a great get as a late-round option with 6'2" size, athleticism and versatile scoring and passing ability.

With five or six roster spots up for grabs, not only do any of these drafted rookies have an opportunity, but the Mystics will need anywhere from two to four of them to impact right away.