[KDIES]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

[KDIES]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

[WBB fan]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

That rating for picking Lexie must have come from someone other than the person who compiled the list of top 8 fantasy rookies -- also on ESPN -- which included Lexie as one of the 8!

[WBB fan]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

That rating for picking Lexie must have come from someone other than the person who compiled the list of top 8 fantasy rookies -- also on ESPN -- which included Lexie as one of the 8!

[WildCard]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

Lexi is the same height as Engstler and I would say a better athlete. Maybe they could have gotten her at 10 or later, but she will make it. The WNBA Draft is evolving.  It was great to see some movement on picks prior to and even during the draft. They might have been able to snag her later, but I think by drafting her at 6 it shows how highly the regard her and they didn't want to mess around and roll the dice on her being available.

Slightly random thought, why do they not make the roster size 15 like the NBA?  I know finances are always an issue with the WNBA, but I think they should invest in those 3 extra roster spots before they even address issues like mode of travel, charter flights vs. commercial, etc. You want to grow the sport, the first place to do it is to make it more attainable.  You could have max salaries on those last 3 designated spots to make it more fiscally viable. If the teams are being subsidized by their owners in most markets anyway I think it would be money well spent on growing the game overall.

[WildCard]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

Lexi is the same height as Engstler and I would say a better athlete. Maybe they could have gotten her at 10 or later, but she will make it. The WNBA Draft is evolving.  It was great to see some movement on picks prior to and even during the draft. They might have been able to snag her later, but I think by drafting her at 6 it shows how highly the regard her and they didn't want to mess around and roll the dice on her being available.

Slightly random thought, why do they not make the roster size 15 like the NBA?  I know finances are always an issue with the WNBA, but I think they should invest in those 3 extra roster spots before they even address issues like mode of travel, charter flights vs. commercial, etc. You want to grow the sport, the first place to do it is to make it more attainable.  You could have max salaries on those last 3 designated spots to make it more fiscally viable. If the teams are being subsidized by their owners in most markets anyway I think it would be money well spent on growing the game overall.

[bl82]

While the official maximum roster size is 12, apparently many teams opt for an 11-person roster to help them with salary cap issues.

https://herhoopstats.com/salary-cap-shee...mary/2022/

[bl82]

While the official maximum roster size is 12, apparently many teams opt for an 11-person roster to help them with salary cap issues.

https://herhoopstats.com/salary-cap-shee...mary/2022/

[magnus]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

That rating for picking Lexie must have come from someone other than the person who compiled the list of top 8 fantasy rookies -- also on ESPN -- which included Lexie as one of the 8!

Being top 8 in fantasy doesn't necessarily mean being one of the top 8 players. I haven't read the article but much of one's fantasy value is usually dependent on opportunity, which Indiana offers better than other teams due to their wide open roster. 

And if no other team was planning on drafting Lexie until round 2, then using pick #6 on her could be considered suboptimal.   

That said,  if we assume some competence in the GM, then likely there was some other team with a high grade on Lexie.

[magnus]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

That rating for picking Lexie must have come from someone other than the person who compiled the list of top 8 fantasy rookies -- also on ESPN -- which included Lexie as one of the 8!

Being top 8 in fantasy doesn't necessarily mean being one of the top 8 players. I haven't read the article but much of one's fantasy value is usually dependent on opportunity, which Indiana offers better than other teams due to their wide open roster. 

And if no other team was planning on drafting Lexie until round 2, then using pick #6 on her could be considered suboptimal.   

That said,  if we assume some competence in the GM, then likely there was some other team with a high grade on Lexie.

[2006alum]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

We must be reading different ESPN articles grading the drafts...  Here's what I found.

Indiana Fever: A

General manager Lin Dunn said she wanted energetic, young players who could bring defense, and she appears to have gotten it. Hull was a surprise as the third of the Fever's four first-round picks, but Dunn clearly believes in her motor. Hull led the Cardinals in steals (78) this season. Smith and Egbo have been teammates at Baylor for four seasons, so they bring chemistry. The always-moving Engstler is a defensive force and plays like she was made to compete for Dunn.

Even after a superb Final Four performance, Henderson went in the second round. But if she can make the roster, Henderson also plays the kind of defense the Fever are looking for. It will be hard for Williams-Holliday to nab a roster spot, but her selection is a boost to HBCUs everywhere.

[2006alum]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

We must be reading different ESPN articles grading the drafts...  Here's what I found.

Indiana Fever: A

General manager Lin Dunn said she wanted energetic, young players who could bring defense, and she appears to have gotten it. Hull was a surprise as the third of the Fever's four first-round picks, but Dunn clearly believes in her motor. Hull led the Cardinals in steals (78) this season. Smith and Egbo have been teammates at Baylor for four seasons, so they bring chemistry. The always-moving Engstler is a defensive force and plays like she was made to compete for Dunn.

Even after a superb Final Four performance, Henderson went in the second round. But if she can make the roster, Henderson also plays the kind of defense the Fever are looking for. It will be hard for Williams-Holliday to nab a roster spot, but her selection is a boost to HBCUs everywhere.

[BACardinal]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

Can you link the article? The only article I found is from ESPNW and they handed Indiana an A for their draft class but no individual grades for the draftees.

I would have to agree that Lexie is not the most athletic in terms of fluidity. Often times she will brick a layup because she is very stiff and her movements are not what a basketball scout would call "athletic"

I think her length, shooting, and basketball IQ will help her get a roster spot and make an impact in the league. Stanford's system really helps players in the pros because it is a lot of reading plays happening in the moment instead of predetermined cuts and movements.

[BACardinal]

On ESPN they rated all the teams and each individual draftee. They gave Indiana a C for picking Lexie when they did and figured she should have gone later in the draft. They said Lexus was a good outside shooter and was a good defensive player but they questioned her athleticism. I guess who ever rated her never saw her play. What a bunch of BS.

Can you link the article? The only article I found is from ESPNW and they handed Indiana an A for their draft class but no individual grades for the draftees.

I would have to agree that Lexie is not the most athletic in terms of fluidity. Often times she will brick a layup because she is very stiff and her movements are not what a basketball scout would call "athletic"

I think her length, shooting, and basketball IQ will help her get a roster spot and make an impact in the league. Stanford's system really helps players in the pros because it is a lot of reading plays happening in the moment instead of predetermined cuts and movements.

[mbdude]

Lexie gets phone call from Indiana

[tweet]https://twitter.com/i/status/1514253157831958530[/tweet]

[mbdude]

Lexie gets phone call from Indiana

[tweet]https://twitter.com/i/status/1514253157831958530[/tweet]

[martyup]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

[martyup]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

[2006alum]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

[2006alum]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

[martyup]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

I wasn't aware that WNBA draftees' salaries were fixed.  I assumed that she would still need to negotiate a contract with the team.

[martyup]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

I wasn't aware that WNBA draftees' salaries were fixed.  I assumed that she would still need to negotiate a contract with the team.

[crackpot]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

I wasn't aware that WNBA draftees' salaries were fixed.  I assumed that she would still need to negotiate a contract with the team.

I don't think there's a ton of wiggle room there, unless you're the #1 pick. I have some sort of recollection of each of the Ogwumike's getting graduation day off.

[crackpot]

Lexie needs to work on her negotiating skills.  :•)

Not much to negotiate when you're picked in a draft. Until they drop you or you become a free agent, you're stuck. ;) (Ask Ben Simmons, Liz Cambage, Elena Delle Donne, and Chiney Ogwumike, among others, each of whom famously asked to be traded or else would sit the season out.)

I wasn't aware that WNBA draftees' salaries were fixed.  I assumed that she would still need to negotiate a contract with the team.

I don't think there's a ton of wiggle room there, unless you're the #1 pick. I have some sort of recollection of each of the Ogwumike's getting graduation day off.

[martyup]

Oh boy, I just looked it up.  These women have to love to play basketball because, unless they rake-in substantial endorsement money, they don't make much money.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba/new...j4cghmigfl

[martyup]

Oh boy, I just looked it up.  These women have to love to play basketball because, unless they rake-in substantial endorsement money, they don't make much money.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba/new...j4cghmigfl

[WBB fan]

Oh boy, I just looked it up.  These women have to love to play basketball because, unless they rake-in substantial endorsement money, they don't make much money.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba/new...j4cghmigfl

And that's why they have to go overseas outside the WNBA season -- where they make much more money playing. That's why Griner is playing in Russia, and now is incarcerated.

[WBB fan]

Oh boy, I just looked it up.  These women have to love to play basketball because, unless they rake-in substantial endorsement money, they don't make much money.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/wnba/new...j4cghmigfl

And that's why they have to go overseas outside the WNBA season -- where they make much more money playing. That's why Griner is playing in Russia, and now is incarcerated.

[mbdude]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

[mbdude]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

[joemontes]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

Wow!  21 players (not including one injured) in Fever training camp:
[/url][url=https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/status/1515050538827751438/photo/1](1) Kiana Williams on Twitter: "Mannn I was hot? but gots to see it thruuu ? ?" / Twitter


It's going to be one hell of a competition to secure a spot in the official roster.

Good luck Lexie!


ADDENDUM:
**********

Competition at PG:  (possibly 3 - 4 spots)
**************
Lindsey ALLEN  5'8
Bria HARTLEY  5'9
Destanni HENDERSON  5'7
Micaela KELLY  5'7
Kelsey MITCHELL  5'8
Danielle ROBINSON  5'9

Competition at SF/SG:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)  
*****************
Haley GORECKI  6'0
Lexie HULL  6'1
Jazmine JONES  6'0
Tiffany MITCHELL  5'10
Ali PATBERG  5'11
Jaime NARED  6'2
Victoria VIVIANS  6'1
Erin WHALEN  6'1

Competition at PF/C:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)
****************
Alaina COATES  6'4
Queen EGBO  6'4
Emily ENGSTLER  6'1
Bernadett HATAR  6'10
Alanna SMITH  6'4
Nalyssa SMITH  6'4
Ameshya WILLIAMS-HOLLIDAY  6'2

[joemontes]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

Wow!  21 players (not including one injured) in Fever training camp:
[/url][url=https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/status/1515050538827751438/photo/1](1) Kiana Williams on Twitter: "Mannn I was hot? but gots to see it thruuu ? ?" / Twitter


It's going to be one hell of a competition to secure a spot in the official roster.

Good luck Lexie!


ADDENDUM:
**********

Competition at PG:  (possibly 3 - 4 spots)
**************
Lindsey ALLEN  5'8
Bria HARTLEY  5'9
Destanni HENDERSON  5'7
Micaela KELLY  5'7
Kelsey MITCHELL  5'8
Danielle ROBINSON  5'9

Competition at SF/SG:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)  
*****************
Haley GORECKI  6'0
Lexie HULL  6'1
Jazmine JONES  6'0
Tiffany MITCHELL  5'10
Ali PATBERG  5'11
Jaime NARED  6'2
Victoria VIVIANS  6'1
Erin WHALEN  6'1

Competition at PF/C:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)
****************
Alaina COATES  6'4
Queen EGBO  6'4
Emily ENGSTLER  6'1
Bernadett HATAR  6'10
Alanna SMITH  6'4
Nalyssa SMITH  6'4
Ameshya WILLIAMS-HOLLIDAY  6'2

[jonnyss]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

Wow!  21 players (not including one injured) in Fever training camp:
[/url][url=https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/status/1515050538827751438/photo/1](1) Kiana Williams on Twitter: "Mannn I was hot? but gots to see it thruuu ? ?" / Twitter


It's going to be one hell of a competition to secure a spot in the official roster.

Good luck Lexie!


ADDENDUM:
**********

Competition at PG:  (possibly 3 - 4 spots)
**************
Lindsey ALLEN  5'8
Bria HARTLEY  5'9
Destanni HENDERSON  5'7
Micaela KELLY  5'7
Kelsey MITCHELL  5'8
Danielle ROBINSON  5'9

Competition at SF/SG:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)  
*****************
Haley GORECKI  6'0
Lexie HULL  6'1
Jazmine JONES  6'0
Tiffany MITCHELL  5'10
Ali PATBERG  5'11
Jaime NARED  6'2
Victoria VIVIANS  6'1
Erin WHALEN  6'1

Competition at PF/C:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)
****************
Alaina COATES  6'4
Queen EGBO  6'4
Emily ENGSTLER  6'1
Bernadett HATAR  6'10
Alanna SMITH  6'4
Nalyssa SMITH  6'4
Ameshya WILLIAMS-HOLLIDAY  6'2

hmmm..think lexie has the best chance at sg wing, ie where she is.

[jonnyss]

Spokane's Lexie Hull ready to start WNBA career with Fever | krem.com

Wow!  21 players (not including one injured) in Fever training camp:
[/url][url=https://twitter.com/IndianaFever/status/1515050538827751438/photo/1](1) Kiana Williams on Twitter: "Mannn I was hot? but gots to see it thruuu ? ?" / Twitter


It's going to be one hell of a competition to secure a spot in the official roster.

Good luck Lexie!


ADDENDUM:
**********

Competition at PG:  (possibly 3 - 4 spots)
**************
Lindsey ALLEN  5'8
Bria HARTLEY  5'9
Destanni HENDERSON  5'7
Micaela KELLY  5'7
Kelsey MITCHELL  5'8
Danielle ROBINSON  5'9

Competition at SF/SG:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)  
*****************
Haley GORECKI  6'0
Lexie HULL  6'1
Jazmine JONES  6'0
Tiffany MITCHELL  5'10
Ali PATBERG  5'11
Jaime NARED  6'2
Victoria VIVIANS  6'1
Erin WHALEN  6'1

Competition at PF/C:  (possibly 4 - 5 spots)
****************
Alaina COATES  6'4
Queen EGBO  6'4
Emily ENGSTLER  6'1
Bernadett HATAR  6'10
Alanna SMITH  6'4
Nalyssa SMITH  6'4
Ameshya WILLIAMS-HOLLIDAY  6'2

hmmm..think lexie has the best chance at sg wing, ie where she is.

[Hurlburt88]

And does anyone have a sense of Alanna Smith's odds?   My assumption is  good, but with so much competition I wonder.

[Hurlburt88]

And does anyone have a sense of Alanna Smith's odds?   My assumption is  good, but with so much competition I wonder.

[BACardinal]

And does anyone have a sense of Alanna Smith's odds?   My assumption is  good, but with so much competition I wonder.

Hatar (if she isn't injured) is a lock as well as the top pick NaLyssa Smith. I watched all of the Adelaide Lightning WNBL games because Kianna and Alanna are on the team together and I just don't see Alanna being a factor in the WNBA. I'm not so sure if she will make the roster but on the other hand she has a good chance because she is the veteran in the f/c group and they might need that leadership. If she does make the cut I imagine she will have the same roll as she did in Phoenix.

[BACardinal]

And does anyone have a sense of Alanna Smith's odds?   My assumption is  good, but with so much competition I wonder.

Hatar (if she isn't injured) is a lock as well as the top pick NaLyssa Smith. I watched all of the Adelaide Lightning WNBL games because Kianna and Alanna are on the team together and I just don't see Alanna being a factor in the WNBA. I'm not so sure if she will make the roster but on the other hand she has a good chance because she is the veteran in the f/c group and they might need that leadership. If she does make the cut I imagine she will have the same roll as she did in Phoenix.

[BACardinal]

Well as I predicted Bernadett Hatar is injured again and out for 10 months so I would say Alanna Smith has a good shot of making the roster now. 
Perry out for the season for personal reasons and Patberg was waived. Good news for Lexie

Hatar is a promising young star but seems to always be injured.

[BACardinal]

Well as I predicted Bernadett Hatar is injured again and out for 10 months so I would say Alanna Smith has a good shot of making the roster now. 
Perry out for the season for personal reasons and Patberg was waived. Good news for Lexie

Hatar is a promising young star but seems to always be injured.