Stephanie Soares: The Dallas Wings' most exciting 2023 WNBA Draft mystery

Stephanie Soares is one of the 2023 WNBA Draft’s biggest mysteries, but the Wings took the gamble with the No. 4 pick (via trade for a future first-round and second-round pick to the Mystics). Having played just 13 games in Division 1 basketball (the prior three seasons in NAIA), knowing how her skills will translate is a tough tell. Her two major ACL injuries in four years are also of concern, especially since her most recent came in January. She will almost assuredly sit the full WNBA season out.

For some teams, the year of rehabilitation could be seen as a plus, though, given roster restrictions. And her 13 games for Iowa State were eye-opening, especially for a 6-foot-6 center who showed she’s capable of shooting. Soares is a wait-and-see draft selection who could be worth it in the long run.

Where mock drafts have Stephanie Soares

Stephanie Soares’s WNBA player comp: Less impactful and smaller Liz Cambage

Stephanie Soares’s ceiling: All-Star

Stephanie Soares’s final season by the numbers: 14.4 points per game, 54.4 % FG, 9.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.0 blocks, 2.8 turnovers, 30.6 3-point %, 66.7 FT%

Stephanie Soares’s highlights:

Why Wings fans should be excited Stephanie Soares is on their team

Ever dream of a 6-foot-6 big who can fire 3-pointers? That’s Soares if she can stay healthy and improve her shooting form. She has the confidence and the range already.

It stinks to not be able to see a first-round draft pick on day one, but the wait could be worth it in a league where first-round picks are often cut for lack of roster space anyway.