- COURT QUEENS: Top Draft Picks Who Are Now Shaping the WNBA
Each WNBA season brings a fresh wave of talent, but some players stand out from the moment they’re drafted. These top picks arrive with high expectations—and many waste no time turning potential into performance. Today, several former first-round draft picks are not just living up to the hype. They’re reshaping the league.
Rookies Turned Leaders. In recent years, players like Aliyah Boston, Rhyne Howard, and Sabrina Ionescu have gone from draft night stars to cornerstones of their franchises. Boston, selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2023, made an immediate impact. Her presence in the paint changed the team’s defensive identity, while her offensive efficiency made her one of the most promising post players in the league.
Similarly, Howard, the 2022 top pick for the Atlanta Dream, showed early on that she could score, defend, and lead. Her versatility helped elevate the Dream’s competitiveness, and she continues to grow into a complete two-way player.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Rise. Sabrina Ionescu, drafted first overall by the New York Liberty in 2020, entered the league with enormous expectations. After battling injuries early in her career, she has blossomed into one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. Her playmaking, shooting range, and leadership helped propel the Liberty into championship contention.
Ionescu’s ability to shift between scoring and distributing the ball makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She now plays a central role in a superteam lineup alongside Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones—two former MVPs.
Transforming Franchises. These top picks aren’t just producing big stats. They’re redefining what success looks like for their franchises. Indiana, Atlanta, and New York all struggled before these players arrived. With their additions, the tone has changed. Fans are excited. Expectations are higher. And the teams are climbing the standings.
That’s the power of a successful first-round pick. One player can change everything.
Beyond the Court. Off the court, these athletes are also stepping into leadership roles. They use their platforms to speak on social justice issues, promote women’s sports, and engage their communities. As the WNBA continues to grow, these young stars are helping push the league forward, both on and off the hardwood.
The Future is Now. The impact of top draft picks isn’t just a promise for the future—it’s happening now. These women are proving that youth and leadership aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re showing that with the right talent and mindset, a first-round pick can quickly become a franchise cornerstone—and a face of the league.
The WNBA’s future looks bright, and much of that is thanks to the top draft picks who are already shaping its present.