GSV Expansion Draft Prediction: Atlanta Dream
We have a dream
The primary index for the whole Expansion Draft Series is here.
SI.com: Nia Coffey
This is where it became tougher to predict which players teams will protect; if only because the rosters are less talented. But because Nia Coffey received the 7th-most minutes per game on Atlanta this season and this Valkyries roster needs a wing player who plays good defense, Coffey fits like a glove.
Fansided: Haley Jones
Jones has yet to turn her draft pedigree into star-level production, but she's proven to be a capable all-around player at the WNBA level, with high basketball IQ, a versatile offensive skill set and excellent rebounding and defense for her position. Atlanta boasts enviable backcourt depth, which means Jones could be left unprotected after averaging 3.9 points over 40 games last season. Add in a team-friendly contract and the fact that Jones is a San Jose native and Stanford alum, and there's a lot to like here.
Valhalla.Basketball (very detailed analysis at site): Haley Jones
A lot of the decision will come down to who Atlanta ultimately protects with their last few spots, but the Valkyries are going to have a lot of younger players to choose from with Nia Coffey being the lone veteran who is likely be left available. Haley Jones is a popular choice as a local player from Santa Cruz and she and Laeticia Amihere may be ready for changes in scenery after a couple of years in the league. The Dream are also going to leave other young players unprotected who might be good choices even if they do not immediately contribute, including from their recent international draft selections. There is no obvious trade potential from this team, but depending on how many players that they want to make sure are protected from selection, they could make an offer to influence the choice.
Just saw Coffey’s bro last night against the W’s :)
Haley Jones is interesting an probably worth a flier. Problem is, she can’t shoot and needs the ball— player type without much margin for weakness elsewhere. Sort of feels like she is to Alyssa Thomas as a lot of those “next-Draymond-Green” types were to Dray.
One deeper cut I’m a little intrigued by is Laeticia Amihere. Weird case because she didn’t start at South Carolina, and hasn’t really played at all in ATL, so there’s definitely reason to think she might just not be that good. On the other hand, she really, really looks the part of a rangy, switchable 4. (Went #8 overall a couple years ago, mostly on that potential.) In theory, I think that’s the type of player who could remain useful even as the team adds better talent.