1. Rhyne Howard, wing, Atlanta Dream

The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft is a 6’2 wing with stellar ball-handling and shooting abilities. She averaged 20.5 points per game on 38.5% 3-point shooting in her senior season at Kentucky, and if her game translates to the pros like we think it can, you could be watching a future MVP. 

Howard will have a successful season if… she can show flashes of greatness. The Dream are looking for a franchise cornerstone, and any signals that Howard is the one will be encouraging.

2. Chennedy Carter, guard, Los Angeles Sparks

Carter sat most of the season in Atlanta last year disgruntled with teammates and the front office. She was sorely missed by fans. The third-year player who averages 16.1 points per game could be a superstar with the Sparks. 

Carter will have a successful season if… she can be a top scorer AND facilitator for a team stacked with Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, Liz Cambage, Kristi Toliver, and Brittney Sykes.

3. Gabby Williams, wing, Seattle Storm

Williams hasn’t played since the 2020 season after her contract was suspended by the Sky due to her commitment with the French national team. She was traded to the Sparks a year ago, and then once more to the Storm this offseason. The 25-year-old is coming off a EuroLeague title with Sopron where she earned MVP honors.

Williams will have a successful season if… she can fill in the gaps of Seattle’s offense and defense. She’s a two-way player capable of play-making and defending multiple positions, and could be the key to another Storm ring.