The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Four players for Dream to consider in today’s WNBA draft
scouting process for coach Nicki Collen and the Dream hasn’t looked the same in this pandemic-riddled offseason.
Collen and her staff didn’t attend many games, other than nearby trips to Stegeman Coliseum for Georgia games and appearances at the SEC and ACC tournaments. The franchise didn’t have full representation in San Antonio for the NCAA Tournament in March, other than assistant coach Darius Taylor making the trip to watch his wife, Georgia coach Joni Taylor, lead her tournament run and watch a few games that followed.
The Dream didn’t have the chance to watch players at practices. Collen enjoys the process of watching a prospect’s mannerisms, her leadership qualities and how she executes a development session.
WNBA rules barred all 12 organizations from having that opportunity.
The Dream have made the most of the hand they were dealt. Zoom has become a way of life. Collen and her staff have watched plenty of video in an effort to narrow their list ahead of the third, 15th and 27th selections in tonight’s WNBA draft.
The Dream find themselves in an interesting situation with their first pick. The franchise is taking a longterm approach with a slew of free agents looming after the 2021 season. The Dream have the luxury of selecting a prospect at any position or exploring a trade, although that seems less likely as the selection nears.
Collen’s list has narrowed, and the Dream want to lock in a series of plans — contingent upon Dallas’ picks at No. 1 and 2 overall — by noon today.
Here’s a look, according to people with knowledge of the situation, mock drafts and team needs, at who the Dream could select once the draft begins:
Aari Mcdonald, guard, Arizona
After scoring 26 points and beating powerhouse Connecticut to advance to the NCAA national title game, Mcdonald cemented her place as the tournament’s darling. She placed her hands on the podium and put her mouth toward the microphone. Mcdonald needed the people to know something.
“My name is Air-e,” Mcdonald said. “Not Aree. Sorry. That’s all I wanted to say. Thank you.”
Everyone knew the pronunciation of her name at that moment. They all fell in love with the 5-foot-6 guard who averaged 28 points over her last four games in San Antonio. Mcdonald caught the eye of WNBA teams across the league and surged up the draft boards.
She’s an option for Collen and the Dream at No. 3 overall. She would be the shortterm option to play alongside or behind Chennedy Carter and Courtney Williams
in 2021. For what Collen called a “security blanket,” Mcdonald provides a long-term answer if Odyssey Sims or Tiffany Hayes were to leave as free agents.
Collen mentioned Mcdonald in a Monday conversation with The Atlanta Journal-constitution, and had some questions to answer — whether Mcdonald could be a consistent shooter and overcome the size deficiency.
There’s plenty that the Dream like, however. “Aari is a creative guard who is going to touch the paint and make plays,” Collen said. “She’s got a little bit of that killer instinct.”
Awak Kuier, forward, Finland
Kuier is a 6-foot-5 dominant big who would bring international flair to the WNBA. She was born in Egypt, played for the Finnish national team, and now plays in Italy’s Serie A.
Kuier could be the second overall selection by the Dallas
Wings, especially since she played alongside Dallas forward Isabelle Harrison in Italy. If Kuier falls to the third selection, however, it could be tough for the Dream to pass her up. In Italy this season, the post finished with 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Rennia Davis, wing, Tennessee
At 6-foot-2, Davis fills a nearly concrete need for the Dream. The team doesn’t have much size on the wing, aside from Shekinna Stricklen (also at 6-foot-2).
Davis was a do-it-all player over four seasons and emerged as the Lady Vols’ go-to option against upper-echelon competition. She averaged 17.3 points per game through the 2020-21 season and scored a season-high 33 points against Ole Miss.
Davis’ shooting numbers, however, were a bit inconsistent, and the Dream are in search of bolstering their 3-point percentages. Davis could be a top-five selection in the draft, and a consideration for the Dream.
“I think the world of Rennia Davis because she’s an incredible athlete when you look at her size and wingspan,” ESPN’S Lachina Robinson said. “She looked like a pro with all of the skill sets to be a difference-maker.”
Arella Guirantes, guard, Rutgers
For a prolonged amount of time, many mock drafts have pointed to the Dream selecting Guirantes, a 5-foot11 guard who provides versatility to play multiple positions.
Guirantes averaged 21.3 points per game on the season and had 20- and 30-point showings over two NCAA tournament games. A smaller body of work with a brief tournament run, however, could have hurt Guirantes’ draft stock. She should still be in consideration as a topfive selection.