Sparks miss out on Paige Bueckers, fall to No. 2 pick in 2025 WNBA Draft
Despite having the best odds at the top pick and Paige Bueckers in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Sparks ended up with the No. 2 pick
In a year filled with disappointment, you can add one more moment of despair to the Los Angeles Sparks’ 2024 campaign.
The Sparks entered Sunday’s draft lottery with the top odds at the No. 1 pick. However, the ping pong balls did not bounce their way as they exited the lottery with the No. 2 pick.
Our No. 2 pick worked out well last year!
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) November 17, 2024
The Sparks have secured the No. 2 pick in the 2025 @WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/zdVpY5yy58
Sparks get the 2nd pick pic.twitter.com/IkwFBGURUZ
— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) November 17, 2024
The Sparks learn that they will get the SECOND pick of the WNBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/Q4hYfsy4cm
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) November 17, 2024
In a twist of irony, Curt Miller, who served as Sparks head coach the last two seasons to position them with the No. 1 pick, landed in Dallas as the Wings’ new general manager after Los Angeles parted ways with him at season’s end.
And if you wondered whether Miller was thinking about that on Sunday, a quick glance at his Twitter made his feelings clear.
Let’s Go! pic.twitter.com/IJETDLKDQh
— Curt Miller (@CurtMillerWBB) November 17, 2024
Los Angeles had the highest odds at the No. 1 pick at 44.2% and could not drop lower than the No. 3 pick. They had a 31.6% chance at No. 2 and just over a 24% chance of dropping to third.
It’s a tough blow for a Sparks team that, like the rest of those in the lottery, had an eye on UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who is the presumptive No. 1 pick.
Most experts consider her the top prospect in this draft. As a junior, she averaged 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. She is expected to declare for the WNBA Draft once her senior season is completed.
Given that she’s an elite guard and the Sparks have been struggling to fill that position since the departure of Chelsea Gray after the 2020 season, the fact Bueckers will likely be off the draft board when the Sparks pick is a bitter pill to swallow.
Still, this draft is expected to be another deep one with plenty of talent at the top to choose from.
Former All-Pac-12 player Kiki Iriafen from USC will be high on draft boards should she declare for the draft and LSU’s Aneesah Morrow is a guard who averaged 16.4 points last season and could provide the consistency and reliability the Sparks are desperately looking for in their backcourt.
There is no spin on this one, though. Losing out on the top pick and Bueckers is devastating.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.