As the excitement of the 2024 WNBA Draft fades and the season approaches, expectations are high for the league’s newest crop of talent. However, not every top pick is guaranteed to shine. According to expert predictions, here are five players from the 2024 WNBA Draft who might be overrated and could struggle to live up to the hype:

 

1. Taylor Johnson – Guard, Stanford

Taylor Johnson entered the draft with a lot of fanfare, largely due to her college pedigree and strong performances in the NCAA tournament. However, concerns about her consistency and ability to translate her game to the professional level have emerged. Her shooting can be streaky, and there are questions about how she’ll handle the speed and physicality of the WNBA. While her potential is undeniable, experts caution that she might not be the instant impact player some expect.

 

2. Jada Williams – Forward, Kentucky

Jada Williams impressed scouts with her versatility and athleticism, but there are doubts about whether her game will be as effective in the WNBA. Despite her impressive college stats, some analysts believe she lacks the elite skill set needed to excel against stronger and more experienced competition. Her size and physicality, which worked well at the college level, may not be enough to dominate in the pros.

3. Maya Green – Center, Baylor

Maya Green was one of the most dominant centers in college basketball, but her transition to the WNBA could be challenging. While she’s a force in the paint, her limited range and struggles with conditioning raise concerns about her ability to keep up with the faster pace of the WNBA. Additionally, the league’s increasing emphasis on versatile bigs who can stretch the floor might expose Green’s weaknesses.

 

4. Alyssa Turner – Guard, UConn

Alyssa Turner is a well-rounded player with solid fundamentals, but she may not have the star power to justify her high draft position. Though she was a standout at UConn, her game lacks the explosiveness and creativity that typically defines top-tier WNBA guards. Turner’s ability to create her own shot and defend against the league’s elite guards will be closely watched, and experts suggest she may struggle to make the leap.

5. Kiara Thompson – Forward, Texas A&M

Kiara Thompson’s draft stock soared after a breakout senior season, but some scouts worry that she may have peaked in college. Her game relies heavily on her athleticism and hustle, which could be neutralized by the more skilled and experienced forwards in the WNBA. Thompson’s offensive game, particularly her outside shooting, remains inconsistent, and experts have doubts about whether she can develop into the reliable scorer her draft position suggests.