WNBA Rookie Report: 1 Month In
A month into the WNBA season, the 2025 rookie class is starting to shape the league—with some living up to the hype, others exceeding expectations, and a few still adjusting to the pace.
From franchise-changing talents to quiet contributors, let’s break down how each team’s draft picks are performing so far.
Atlanta Dream
🔗 Read the Atlanta Dream Draft Tracker here
Te-Hina Paopao has exceeded early expectations, showing impressive poise and command while stepping in for injured starter Jordin Canada.
Her playmaking has been sharp, and she’s continued to shoot the ball with confidence and efficiency—proving she can handle pressure at the pro level.
Meanwhile, Taylor Thierry is still finding her footing in limited minutes. Her defensive energy flashes at times, but her role remains a work in progress as she adjusts to the WNBA pace and system. Overall, Atlanta’s draft class is trending upward thanks to Paopao’s strong start.
Chicago Sky
🔗 Read the Chicago Sky Draft Tracker here
Ajša Sivka’s status remains uncertain as she competes with Slovenia’s national team at EuroBasket, which runs until late June. Given the timing, the Sky may defer her rookie season to 2026. Aicha Coulibaly was waived, bringing an early end to her time in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith has seen steady growth, and with Courtney Vandersloot’s season-ending injury, her minutes and production are expected to increase as she continues to develop as an offensive creator. Maddy Westbeld remains on the fringes of the rotation, though her shooting could prove useful in the right matchups.
With Van Lith stepping up and Sivka’s future still unclear, Chicago’s rookies are still finding their roles—but there’s clear upside as the season continues to evolve.
Connecticut Sun
🔗 Read the Connecticut Sun Draft Tracker here
Aneesah Morrow‘s transition has been slowed by an early-season injury. Her energy and rebounding instincts are still there, but she’s working her way back into form.
Saniya Rivers, on the other hand, has made an immediate impression. Her versatility, defensive activity, and ability to contribute across the board have earned her a steady role in the rotation. She’s showing real promise as a do-everything guard with long-term upside.
Rayah Marshall has played limited minutes and appears to be more of a long-term development project. While she hasn’t had a significant role yet, her athleticism and upside could make her a valuable piece down the line.
Golden State Valkyries
🔗 Read the Golden State Valkyries Draft Tracker here
Justė Jocytė, their first-round pick, may not join the team this year as she continues to develop overseas—leaving a key piece of their future still on hold.
Shyanne Sellers was waived during training camp, and Kaitlyn Chen was also initially cut but later re-signed.
While this class hasn’t made a major impact yet, Jocytė’s long-term development might shift the narrative. For now, the Valkyries are leaning on veterans to be their foundational pieces.
Dallas Wings
🔗 Read the Dallas Wings Draft Tracker here
Paige Bueckers has quickly asserted herself as Dallas’ primary playmaker, leading the team in scoring and assists. Meanwhile, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly have played limited minutes but have shown promise with their ability to create shots.
With Madison Scott and Aaronette Vonleh waived, Dallas recently traded for Li Yueru, raising questions on whether they should have drafted more frontcourt depth.
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Indiana Fever
🔗 Read the Indiana Fever Draft Tracker here
Indiana’s rookie class hasn’t made a major impact yet, but there are still positives to build on. Yvonne Ejim was waived before the regular season, leaving Timpson and Hall as the remaining rookies.
Makayla Timpson and Bree Hall have both seen limited minutes so far, but their energy and effort have shown in short spurts. Timpson continues to flash her athleticism and shot-blocking instincts, while Hall has provided solid defensive effort when called upon.
With a crowded and competitive rotation, opportunities have been scarce—but the Fever still have long-term depth potential in this group as the season unfolds.
Las Vegas Aces
🔗 Read the Las Vegas Aces Draft Tracker here
The Aces’ rookie class has seen some early changes. Harmoni Turner was waived before the season tipped off, trimming the backcourt depth chart.
Aaliyah Nye has been gradually getting acclimated, showing flashes of her shooting potential and is beginning to carve out a role in the rotation. It’s been a slow build, but her skill set still makes her a natural fit within Las Vegas’ offensive system. While her minutes remain modest, her floor spacing and confidence are encouraging signs.
Los Angeles Sparks
🔗 Read the Los Angeles Sparks Draft Tracker here
Sarah Ashlee Barker has been a steady contributor early on, showing maturity and defensive ability. She’s started a handful of games, especially while the Sparks dealt with early-season injuries.
Liatu King was initially waived but was recently re-signed and has made an impact in limited minutes, bringing grit and hustle off the bench.
Meanwhile, Sania Feagin has yet to see the floor as she continues to develop behind a crowded frontcourt rotation.
The class still offers promise, and Barker’s early production suggests the Sparks may have found real value—but questions remain about how the rest of the group will factor in over time.
Minnesota Lynx
🔗 Read the Minnesota Lynx Draft Tracker here
The Lynx’s draft class remains largely a work in progress. Anastasiia Olairi Kosu is viewed as a long-term development project, showing raw tools but needing time to adjust to the pace and physicality of the WNBA.
Dalayah Daniels was waived before the season began, and forward Aubrey Griffin is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery—delaying any immediate impact.
Minnesota’s approach focused on potential, and while the early returns have been limited, the long-term outlook for Kosu will be key in evaluating this class.
New York Liberty
🔗 Read the New York Liberty Draft Tracker here
With the final pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Liberty selected French center Adja Kane, who won’t join the team this season. New York is treating her as a long-term development project, allowing her to continue playing overseas while retaining her rights.
Kane is averaging 4.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game with Landerneau in France’s top league, showing flashes of rim protection and rebounding potential. Her impact in New York remains a future storyline.
Phoenix Mercury
🔗 Read the Phoenix Mercury Draft Tracker here
Phoenix entered the 2025 season without a draft pick but brought in six rookies through undrafted signings and training camp invites. Despite the unconventional path, several are already making their mark. Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa, Monique Akoa Makani and Kathryn Westbeld have all contributed early on—offering scoring, floor spacing, energy, and smart team play.
With Kahleah Copper sidelined to start the year and Alyssa Thomas also missing time, Phoenix’s rookie class has helped keep the team afloat, contributing to an early winning record and proving that value can be found outside the draft.
Seattle Storm
🔗 Read the Seattle Storm Draft Tracker here
Seattle entered the season with one of the most promising draft classes on paper, but just one month in, only Dominique Malonga remains on the roster.
The 6’6″ center is the youngest player in the WNBA and still very raw, but she’s gradually adjusting. Her elite athleticism and size are clear, and she’s begun to flash the upside that made her such an exciting pick. While there’s still a long development curve ahead, Malonga is gaining valuable reps and showing signs she can be a long-term piece in Seattle’s frontcourt.
Washington Mystics
🔗 Read the Washington Mystics Draft Tracker here
Washington’s draft class is already paying dividends, with two rookies making an immediate impact.
Kiki Iriafen has been a force in the frontcourt, averaging 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds on 50% shooting en route to being named Rookie of the Month. Sonia Citron has proven to be one of the steadiest first-year contributors across the league, posting 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while playing poised, all-around basketball.
Lucy Olsen is still adjusting to the WNBA pace, Georgia Amoore remains sidelined with injuries, and Zaay Green was waived during camp. Still, with Iriafen and Citron leading the way, this group is already shaping up to be one of the most impactful rookie classes in the league.
Final Thoughts
One month in, the rookie class has had its share of standouts and surprises. While stars like Bueckers, Citron and Iriafen are already making major impacts, others are still adjusting or waiting for their chance.
📲 Want the full breakdown for each team? Check out the individual team pages!
Helpful Links
- Early Look: 2027 WNBA Draft
- Full 3 Round 2026 WNBA Mock Draft
- Re-Drafting the 2024 WNBA Draft
- Kiki Iriafen WNBA Rookie of the Month
- WNBA Rookie of the Year Rankings
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