When the 2024 WNBA season continues on August 15, there are several teams that will have significant implications on the WNBA draft, with the Los Angeles Sparks being one of them. In the realm of professional sports, the strategy of ‘tanking’ has emerged as a method for teams to acquire top talent to expedite a rebuilding phase.
Looking ahead to the future, the standout prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft is presumed to be UConn guard Paige Bueckers. Currently, the teams with the highest lottery odds are the Sparks, the Washington Mystics, the Dallas Wings, and the Atlanta Dream. However, these standings could shift post-Olympic break.
The Dream is not a team that was designed to intentionally lose games. The Wings are anticipated to have a healthy Satou Sabally back in action. Both teams possess the potential to make a strong push in the latter half of the season to bolster their chances of making it to the playoffs. They currently trail by approximately 3-5 games for the final playoff spot.
It is imperative to acknowledge that tanking is predominantly a decision made by the front office. No coach or player with integrity would willingly choose to purposely lose games. Nevertheless, the ideal scenario for the Sparks in the latter part of the 2024 WNBA season would be to focus on preparing for the draft.
Sparks may opt for another exceptional talent in the WNBA Draft
In the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Sparks entered with two lottery picks, securing the No. 2 overall pick and acquiring the No. 4 overall pick through a trade with the Seattle Storm, which involved their 2026 first-round pick and the addition of Kia Nurse to the Sparks’ roster.
Before delving into the specifics of the 2025 draft, the absence of a first-round pick in 2026 for the Sparks underscores the importance of their strategic approach. They would not have the opportunity to infuse their team with top talent through the draft until 2027.
Observing the Sparks’ performance this season reveals a significant need for improvement at the point guard position. They have rotated several players in this role, from Layshia Clarendon to Lexie Brown, and have settled for Aari McDonald.
While McDonald has performed adequately as a starter, on a competitive playoff team, she would likely thrive as a valuable asset coming off the bench. The Sparks are in dire need of a proficient starting point guard, which is where the draft becomes crucial.
Paige Bueckers is widely regarded as the top pick in the draft, being arguably the premier point guard in the nation. She has displayed an impressive resurgence following a series of injury setbacks and possesses the potential to shine as a standout player in the WNBA.
With Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson already solidifying the center and wing positions for the future, and Dearica Hamby extending her contract, the addition of Bueckers as a starting point guard could significantly elevate the Sparks’ core lineup. Bueckers has showcased her playmaking skills by averaging 4.5 assists over three seasons at UConn, with her best season being as a freshman when she averaged 5.8 assists per game.
In essence, acquiring Bueckers would be pivotal for the Sparks’ roster. Once again, it must be reiterated that no coach or player aspires to deliberately lose games. The objective is to win as many games as possible. However, considering the current talent level of the Sparks’ roster, it is evident that they lack the necessary depth compared to other teams in the league. Hence, positioning themselves to secure the top pick could be advantageous for the Sparks, paving the way for a formidable trio of Bueckers, Brink, and Jackson.
Rickea Jackson’s progression with the Sparks
Securing the highest odds for the No. 1 pick is not the sole ideal scenario for the Sparks in the latter half of the 2024 WNBA season. Internal development holds equal significance and plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of success within the team. As the Sparks continue to scout for free agents, creating an established team culture will attract high-caliber players.
Rickea Jackson has emerged as a dark horse contender for Rookie of the Year. Despite being in the shadow of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, she has demonstrated why many believed she was the most NBA-ready player from her draft class.
Throughout the initial phase of the season, Jackson has been averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with shooting splits of 45% from the field, 31.7% from beyond the arc, and 76.6% from the free-throw line. She ranks third among all rookies in scoring, standing alongside Clark and Reese as one of the few averaging double-digit points.
Continuing to provide Jackson with playing time in the latter half of the season and nurturing her development are crucial aspects alongside securing a top draft selection. Despite being involved in several closely contested games this season, the Sparks have struggled to close them out. Such experiences are invaluable for Jackson’s growth and development.
Jackson (9.2) is currently tied with Azurá Stevens (9.7) as the second-highest shot attempter on the team. Further enhancing Jackson’s skills and solidifying her status as a cornerstone player for the franchise would contribute significantly to the Sparks’ dream scenario for the latter part of the season.
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