Interesting article! I was coming more to the conclusion that the Storm were in a tougher position, between Bueckers playing herself out of reach of a trade deal, Miles and others not declaring, and the bulk of eligibles from college kind of fading over the course of the tournament (or at least not rising up to #2 overall pedigree).
But if the pick was always going to be Malonga, then I can see how they’re in a good spot between this year and 2026. Obviously they should still be knocking on the door for Paige. But that really seems like a long shot now doesn’t it?
I'm almost surprised that I've seen multiple people reply on social media that says taking Malonga is a bad idea because the Storm already have Ezi and Nneka. With that said, I put up a poll and nearly 80% have voted that the Storm should draft Malonga so I'm guessing it is a vocal minority that oppose.
That makes sense and I agree. From a market standpoint Paige will put people in seats and sell jerseys. But from a basketball standpoint I think the healthy 19 year old makes more sense for the future. You really can't do wrong either way. Storm definitely are sitting pretty. Kudos to the GM.
They definitely should draft Malonga. How many 19 year old 6-6 players are out there dunking with ease? She is a generational talent and being called the female Wembanyama.
You, and many others, seem to believe Paige Bruckers is a generational talent. I’ll have to see it to believe it. So there’s no way I’d be unloading any of those 2026 picks. Can’t really speak to Malonga because I’ve never seen her play., but if she’s potentially as good or better than Ezie, by the time she turns 21, that would be something. And finally, if the Storm don’t pick Malonga, I hope they snag Te-Hina Paopao.
Just curious, what don't you like about Paige Bueckers? Or is it that you just don't feel she will have as large of an impact as Caitlin Clark? Bueckers is a highly efficient player, nearly finished the season 50/40/90, and shot above 50% in every season of her college career, which is very rare for guards. Paige has also been a great leader.
I agree that if Malonga ends up being better than Ezi then that would be something. I think the Storm will go with Malonga because she has the highest upside, arguably even more than Bueckers. Building a frontcourt around Ezi, Dominique, and Nneka Ogwumike should give the Storm one of the strongest groups in the league.
I think if the Storm still had their #9 overall pick, then Te-Hina Paopao would be a consideration with that pick. But I don't see them selecting her at #2. And unfortunately, the Storm don't have a 2nd round pick in the rare moment that she falls to the mid-to-late 2nd round.
I think the thing with Paige is not only is she a very talented player, an efficient scorer, a pretty good defender, a leader, etc. but she's always incredibly popular. And I wouldn't be shocked if her marketability sells a lot of tickets. It may not be quite the same as Caitlin Clark but I wouldn't be surprised if Bueckers has a big impact on the franchise's bottom dollar. I have a hard time imaging Dallas doesn't draft Paige unless she does pull an Eli Manning and let's it be known that she absolutely does not want to play for the Wings franchise. If that happens, that's when I could see Seattle or the Washington Mystics making a trade with Dallas for the #1 pick.
This is why I wrote that the Storm are in a strong position though. If Dallas takes Paige as most analysts expect, then they can draft Dominique Malonga. They can build a strong frontcourt around Magbegor, Malonga, and Ogwumike (plus Li Yueru). Seattle then has 3 first-round picks in 2026 to draft more guards or wings.
If the unexpected happens and Dallas takes Malonga #1 overall. Then the Storm draft Paige at #2.
Interesting article! I was coming more to the conclusion that the Storm were in a tougher position, between Bueckers playing herself out of reach of a trade deal, Miles and others not declaring, and the bulk of eligibles from college kind of fading over the course of the tournament (or at least not rising up to #2 overall pedigree).
But if the pick was always going to be Malonga, then I can see how they’re in a good spot between this year and 2026. Obviously they should still be knocking on the door for Paige. But that really seems like a long shot now doesn’t it?
Stay put! Take Malonga!
I'm almost surprised that I've seen multiple people reply on social media that says taking Malonga is a bad idea because the Storm already have Ezi and Nneka. With that said, I put up a poll and nearly 80% have voted that the Storm should draft Malonga so I'm guessing it is a vocal minority that oppose.
That makes sense and I agree. From a market standpoint Paige will put people in seats and sell jerseys. But from a basketball standpoint I think the healthy 19 year old makes more sense for the future. You really can't do wrong either way. Storm definitely are sitting pretty. Kudos to the GM.
They definitely should draft Malonga. How many 19 year old 6-6 players are out there dunking with ease? She is a generational talent and being called the female Wembanyama.
You, and many others, seem to believe Paige Bruckers is a generational talent. I’ll have to see it to believe it. So there’s no way I’d be unloading any of those 2026 picks. Can’t really speak to Malonga because I’ve never seen her play., but if she’s potentially as good or better than Ezie, by the time she turns 21, that would be something. And finally, if the Storm don’t pick Malonga, I hope they snag Te-Hina Paopao.
Just curious, what don't you like about Paige Bueckers? Or is it that you just don't feel she will have as large of an impact as Caitlin Clark? Bueckers is a highly efficient player, nearly finished the season 50/40/90, and shot above 50% in every season of her college career, which is very rare for guards. Paige has also been a great leader.
I agree that if Malonga ends up being better than Ezi then that would be something. I think the Storm will go with Malonga because she has the highest upside, arguably even more than Bueckers. Building a frontcourt around Ezi, Dominique, and Nneka Ogwumike should give the Storm one of the strongest groups in the league.
I think if the Storm still had their #9 overall pick, then Te-Hina Paopao would be a consideration with that pick. But I don't see them selecting her at #2. And unfortunately, the Storm don't have a 2nd round pick in the rare moment that she falls to the mid-to-late 2nd round.
I bet there's a chance Dallas drafts her instead of Paige because of Paiges injury history.
I think the thing with Paige is not only is she a very talented player, an efficient scorer, a pretty good defender, a leader, etc. but she's always incredibly popular. And I wouldn't be shocked if her marketability sells a lot of tickets. It may not be quite the same as Caitlin Clark but I wouldn't be surprised if Bueckers has a big impact on the franchise's bottom dollar. I have a hard time imaging Dallas doesn't draft Paige unless she does pull an Eli Manning and let's it be known that she absolutely does not want to play for the Wings franchise. If that happens, that's when I could see Seattle or the Washington Mystics making a trade with Dallas for the #1 pick.
This is why I wrote that the Storm are in a strong position though. If Dallas takes Paige as most analysts expect, then they can draft Dominique Malonga. They can build a strong frontcourt around Magbegor, Malonga, and Ogwumike (plus Li Yueru). Seattle then has 3 first-round picks in 2026 to draft more guards or wings.
If the unexpected happens and Dallas takes Malonga #1 overall. Then the Storm draft Paige at #2.