Can Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston help the Indiana Fever return to the WNBA playoffs? Today, WNBA analyst Hunter Cruse takes a deep dive into his preseason power rankings.
CORRECTION: Add Candace Parker to Vegas’ bench
INSTRUMENTAL
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:29 Las Vegas
1:27 New York
2:14 Seattle
2:57 Phoenix
3:53 Connecticut
4:43 Atlanta
6:08 Dallas
6:48 Indiana
7:27 Minnesota
8:18 Washington
9:17 Los Angeles
10:03 Chicago
11:07 Outro
OTHER WORK
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➖Locked On Women’s Basketball Podcast: • 2024 WNBA Draft
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TAGS
➖ WNBA Highlights, WNBA Season Preview, A'ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks
I stumbled across your channel today because I'm brand new to following the league this year, and there's a dearth of current WNBA content available on KZhead. Your stuff is comprehensive, articulate, and intelligent. I can tell that you know the sport and you know these players. I'm particularly struck by your excellent basketball vocabulary. Needless to say, I instantly subscribed to your channel. Thank you for the primer on the current WNBA landscape!
Appreciate the kind works, Dustin! If you have any questions on the W don't hesitate to ask!
I think rhe Liberty took a massive hit with depth, losing Dolson and Johannes, who killed the Aces last season...And they still haven't addressed their perimeter defense...
I think u going to be surprised with the sky
I hope so! Very fun collection of players
@@HunterCruse14 I like your list. I think the Mercury should be at 8 though because of their age and those Cunningham and Taurasi injury issues. I think the Fever will have 20 wins and i have the sky higher than the Mercury because of Mabrey, Williams Cardoso and Reese. The Washington Mystics are another great team they have studs in Shakira Austin, Ariel Atkins and Sykes i have them at 7. The lynx haven't been the same since Moore, Brunson and Augustus Left Lynx for me are a 10. you are spot on correct on everything you said about the Sparks even Sparks are young though with Brink, Jackson and McDonlad they are a 12. Chicago should be a 6 honestly even though they lost Copper. EDIT: I forgot to mention that the Sun is a 11 for me. Hayes retired and Brionna Jones still has to ease herself into game shape Carrington can be inconsistent at times also. I think ROTY will be Clark and the runner up will be Brink even though runner up should be Cardoso because she will be on a team who will have a better win-loss record imo.
i feel the same way i didn't notice how many gems they had picked up until i took a deep look at their roster
Phoenix is not gonna be a top 5 team this year lol, they're going to finish 8th or 9th. and Minnesota is going to finish in the top 5.
Phoenix time is 8up, they need a rebuild.
You’re a hater and wrong and don’t know what you’re talking about.
Nah, With Cooper and Cloud coming in, Phoenix has definitely upgraded
Casual
Bro lol you must be one of those people who just started watching WNBA basketball a year ago
Phoenix too high and Minnesota too low
Fair, thanks for watching! Minnesota probably makes me look dumb
I don't understand your graphic at the end: You have Caitlin Clark at No. 7 but the Indiana Fever (with Clark) ranked eighth. So what is the ranking? 7th or 8th?
Sorry for the confusion. 8th
Aerial Powers doesn't shoot??? What games are you watching??
All of last season? Idk what happened to her after she got really hot at the end of 2022, but her play fell off a fucking cliff last year, and it isn't like the Lynx were so loaded with talent last year that she couldn't have been impactful.
@@venusrose9890 her game did not fall off. Reeves had her benched despite her being one of the key reasons they were almost a playoff team the year prior, and whenever she did put Powers in, she would get quick buckets off the bench easily.
Lies you tell. Y’all don’t know what y’all talking about.
I think the Storm will have easily form chemistry. For some reason, I think the Liberty will have some chemistry issues with Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney wanting a larger role in the offense.
I doubt it. Laney and JJ already have big roles.
I feel the same way about the Storm. They're going to be fun to watch. As for the Liberty, they will definitely live or die by their chemistry but now that they've had some time together, I think things might start clicking.
I think it's brave of you to make predictions beyond the first 3 hahaha. The top 3 are logical to me. That said, I also think it's going to be a wildcard year and the pro level will probably mimic the collegiate level in the number of close games. Some of the seemingly negligible rookies (based on performance) from the past few years might break out now that we're further from that weird post-COVID period and they're where they probably should've been a year ago. That's not to say they'll show up as stars but maybe change the outlook on key bench players/6th man. It'll be fun to see how your predictions play out.
Consider expanding to 16 teams asap. Toronto? Milwaukee?
Jacy is not the only new piece to the Wings this season. Stephanie Soares and Lou Sanchez-Senachal were drafted last year and could not play due to injuries. Both are big additions to the team and reasons that dropping us from #4 to #7 due to Satou’s health question seems excessive. We’ll see 😏
It’ll be interesting to return to this video at the end of the season. Thanks for the video! Newer fan and new subscriber.
Thanks for watching!
Minnesota at 9 is absolutely criminal 🥴🥴🥴
Not even a shout out to Napheesa who is a top 10 maybe top5 player. She is a star!
Why isn’t Candace Parker in the Aces’ starting lineup? Having her there would make the Aces’ bench much deeper, especially with Megan as A’ja’s backup. I’m interested in the guards they will add from training camp, even though they’ll most likely play garbage minutes.
For sure! See my pinned comment
Aw stop it with Parker she could barely stay on the floor as a starter last year she just holding up a roster spot they need to re sign ing her
Candace just announced she is retiring
Candace Parker has retired.
Candace retired hon!
The sky at 12 is one of your worse takes and they were in the playoffs last year. Yes they lost a few pieces but also added more pieces and a much better coach. All the rankings I've seen from people having the sky at 12 are Angel Reese haters. Saying Izzy can't shoot was also pretty moronic. You obviously didn't watch any of the UA basketball recently. She's hitting from everywhere.
They didn’t just lose a few “pieces”, they traded away by far their best player. Also, it’s not hating on Angel Reese to question how effective she’ll be in the league. Lastly, you calling him “moronic” for saying Izzy can’t shoot is ridiculous considering she hasn’t scored at all from the outside in her WNBA career. The team clearly has a lack of shooting and scorers in general and will be near the bottom of the league. Maybe they’ll be better than the Sparks, but I wouldn’t even count on that.
That's certainly understandable. Kah was definitely their best player. But she get them 18 wins by herself. Saying no one on the roster can shoot is a bad take "imo" and I see them as at least a 7 seed. Mystics Sparks even the Dream I feel are in just as bad if not worse shape
Last year is completely irrelevant they have a significant new team and coach
They lost talented players all off-season and have just begun a rebuild. 12 is accurate.
@@venusrose9890 It's not
Thanks for the analysis.
You talked trash about kamilla and angel reese
I really like Kamilla and Angel
@@HunterCruse14 all you did was say no one on the team can shoot.
@@voguehaven5154 Mabrey and Maxwell only true perimeter shooters they have. 3pt% Evans 29.4 Mabrey 39.0 Allen 20.6 Carter 20.6 % at LA DeShields 23.6% at Phx Maxwell 44% at Zaga They have 2 shooters and a bunch of mid range and layup players. Better get a lot of rebounds
@@voguehaven5154He ain't wrong
you for got about candance parker for aces? or will she not return I got her jersey XD
Oh yeah, good call, she’s back - yes. I meant to add her alongside Gustafson
Welp she retired now
The Sparks ahead of the Sky is diabolical
is Brionna Jones fully healthy, and have there been any coaching changes in the league? thanks, and I really enjoy your analysis
Thanks for the kind words! She should be back by the start of the season. She got cleared for workouts about a month ago. And as far as new coaches -- only Phoenix and Chicago
Top vegas odds makers have the Fever at 5th/6 position . Offense beats defense usually nowadays. I could even see the Fever in 4th or 3d.
I feel like they're a fringe top 5 team this season.
Yeah and he has them in tier 3/4 which is as high as 4th. And 3rd? You see them being higher than LV NY and SEA?
offense NEVER beats defense in the playoffs lol what you smoking
@christophergooding9820 If they do, I need some of what they smoking on
Not even close. How many games have you watched?
Lexi Hull and Kristy Wallace are pretty solid perimeter defenders
Oh for sure, but as far as the starting lineup (Clark/Mitchell likely play 30+ min) -- it's not great
Go Aces!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Lets 3-peat!!! ❤❤❤❤
Candace Parker will star for Las Vegas. Connecticut brought in Tiffany Mitchell as the replacement for Tiffany Hayes. Bridget Carleton is a key player for Minnesota. Washington is planning to run Atkins & Sykes as the PG, they paid Samuelson to start. In no world does Elizabeth Williams & Cardoso start together, also Izzy has an above average 15 foot jumper.
Harrison shot 31% on 15-19 ft. jumpers with Dallas in 2022
Dude stop it with Parker she could barely stay on the floor as a starter last year shes just holding up a roster spot
@@anthonytaylor7928 speaking of she officially retired. Great opportunity for kate to make the final roster
Sky just dominated Liberty, might be a surprise this year...
I agree with #1 & #2 and nothing else.
Im just laughing at everyone putting the sky at 12... Kamila out 4-5 more weeks hurts a bit but they at least a mid team at 6....how they played last presrason..really great teamwork...thats what wins....the aces still a 1......liberty not clicking and out if shape..so i would put tge storm and wings above them..
Hot take - the Fever won’t lose a home game this year
I like this
I'll take that bet
NY, Vegas, Conn, Seattle, Dallas, PHO, ATL, IND,MINN, LA, Washington, CHI. Dallas gets Paige. Will LA tank like last year? Skyler bad chemistry. Taurasi/Griner way past prime.
Fair ranking!
This will be my very first year as a fan of the WNBA, I'm excited. The Sky will be my favorite team as i think Reese and Cardoso will be tough to deal with.
Awesome! The league is a blast. If you have any questions about players/teams/strategy whatever let me know!
your really putting indiana and CC that low??? they top 5 easy...you say you like this team but you put them so low..
No, they're not, easily? They will compete for a playoff spot, but it's not all like that
pretty accurate power rankings for the start of the season....but like u said it can be full of surprises....atlanta definitely got my attention
No doubt! Thanks for watching
All I can say looking at this is that the WNBA needs to be expanded. There’s too much talent concentrated in just a couple of teams… more teams are needed for more parity. … and the fact that Philly doesn’t have a WNBA team is positively criminal.
They will be. Y’all say some stupid stuff.
Praying for my Storm girls😅
If Sparks don’t tank to get PB then they will move up to 9 or 8 in the list
That would be the smart move. Can you imagine that squad with PB and R. Jackson?! Buckets!
@@Insertwittypunchlinehere midrange buckets and that's about it
I hope Maddy Siegirst can have a breakout year due to the health of Sabally. She was great in college and haven’t had the chance to show what she has
This will motivate the sky
Phoenix and Dallas are too high. Chicago is better than Phoenix and Dallas. LA is a complete unknown because of all the new players. They could be top 5 or bottom 2.
Lol I don't think LA is tanking for Paige, they may end up with them, but if nobody tanked for Caitlin I don't see them tanking for a worse version of her. If perimeter defense is an issue for Indiana it'll be the same thing wherever Paige ends up. And LA did not seem too happy to get the #2 pick this year, before Paige said she was coming back
Paige most likely will be drafted to Golden State they team will join next season
The Chicago Sky will not be 12 and you forgot to mention is that Chennedy carter is also on the Chicago Sky and she a walking bucket period..
Appeciated your Picks Hunter. Thanks for the video and Input. Respect to you, and everyone here, realistically were all not going to agree, if we did, that wouldnt be fun, and would just be strange. Im not wanting to argue with anyones picks or Faves. Everyone is entitled. Im just a New Fan of Both Women’s College BB and WNBA and Im learning. I just enjoy your Videos and Input. 👍 Thanks Hunter
Appreciate it!
@@HunterCruse14 👍
Atlanta before us...ok Hunter, ok....awhight, keep that same energy 😎😎😎
You'll see
No way they rank at #7
I think diamond miller takes a leap.
Disagree with Sky being in last place! Aces will be #1 again.
Harrison CAN shoot. Sky are 5-7 for me. I have Atlanta at 12. Rae Burrell was on of LA's best players the second half of the season last year so let's not leave her off depth charts along with Zia Cooke. I think LA is going to be better than what people expect.
Atlanta at 12 is you smoking rocks?
@@rmathis268 Nah. Almost every team improved in the offseason while I think Atlanta just kind of stayed the same. They could finish top 8 or they could finish 12... Same way I feel about LA with their youth and losing Nneka. They could surprise everyone or could sit at the bottom.
@tennparker1 So Jordin Canada isn't an upgrade at PG than what they had, Tina Charles doesn't give them added help rebounding? Aerial Powers isn't a nice depth off the bench? A now healthy Coffey is back, Haley Jones second season improvements, and this is from a roster that made the playoffs last year. Atlanta improved, and you said everyone else? Sorry, but the Sky is worse, Washington is worse. LA is worse or the same. Dallas is the same, Minnesota is marginally better, maybe. I just don't see what you see
@@rmathis268 I said the other ten teams, meaning LA and Atlanta are, IN MY OPINION, the teams that did not improve their rosters. Although, LA killed it in the draft, something Atlanta did not do. Canada is a marginal upgrade from Robinson, Charles is at the end of her career and is a solid role player and Powers is hit or miss with her effectiveness and consistency. Sky got better with all they added and the return of Harrison. They have way more depth too. Dallas losing Satou hurts for now but I think adding Sheldon and Brown is exactly was they needed for their guard depth, assuming both make the team. They are both solid in their preseason game so far. I'm just not that impressed with Atlanta, sorry. I will amend that Washington may have lost more than what they gained but Edwards is going to be a great rookie for them and I believe their coaching is a hell of a lot better in DC.
@@tennparker1 LA had to kill it in the draft, Atlanta didn't have to. Canada is a bit more of an upgrade than Robinson in my opinion. Charles is a wildcard, if she is any good then that emphatically changes the outlook. Also this is year 2 of the chemistry with Gray and Howard, that is a luxury. Powers is actually on a team that has a good role carved out for her. Not to mention Chyeene Parker can slot to her natural power forward position. I think the Dream can finish as high as 3rd or 4th at best and at worst 8th or 9th
Where are the rookies
Not many rookies will be 15-20+ minute-getters besides Clark, Brink, Cardoso, Reese, Sheldon, Edwards, maybe Mühl, maybe Osborne
@@HunterCruse14 oh
awesome video, hunter! keep it up!
Indiana fever at number 8L O L Chicago sky at 12 lol
Dallas is still a top 4 team.
Completely fair! That fourth spot is tough
NOTE: Candace Parker just announced her retirement - Hunter
Zia cooke getting cut?
Aw stop it with Candice Parker she's just holding up a roster spot
I guess you, unintentionally, foreshadowed Candace Parker cuz she announced her retirement today...sob!
Sadly :(
Dude what have you been drinking this is the worst list I have ever witnessed power rankings looks more like you are trying to gain fans then tell the truth this is terrible you put 6 WNBA teams ahead of Chicago that didn't even make the playoffs last year wow
You obviously have not seen CC play live or realize a good offensive team can make u for weaker defense. See her in person dude. Her competitiveness, smattnes and energy are top shelf and with their shooters, watch ut!!!
It for sure can, that’s why I’ve got them in the playoffs
Yea I’d say Fever are a top 4 team actually. All offense, run and gun team. 3 shooters and an all star finisher in the post.
@@TaiyouArtno they aren’t lmao. Be serious
@@TaiyouArt Run and gun? Did you even watch the Fever play last year, lol? Ranked among the lowest when it came to amount of possessions per game.
@@JaeRell That was before Clark was on the team
Cardoso is a better player than Cameron lol
This mock draft is so bias bros not even a wnba fan you just started doing videos on them and got the nerve to make a power rankings you just like every casual putting Sky at last because you don’t like Reese 🤡
Mhm Reese was actually my favorite collegiate prospect in the 2024 draft
@@HunterCruse14Your absolutely spot on about the Sky, I'll say it for you
Old bags phoenix need to go
This guy doesn't know what he talking about
And you do?
This man just started watching the W last year but talking like he knows the league lol quit clout chasing for views
i’m biased but i’d put fever in 3-5.. closer to 3
Aerial Powers doesn't shoot??? What games are you watching??
Well, she shoots for sure, but it doesn’t often go in is the thing - at least from 3, she’s dynamic as a pull-up mid-range shooter
@@HunterCruse14 Yeah, that's more what I was referring to. I wouldn't consider her a 3 point threat, but her ability in the middle isn't insignificant.