The Draft Dilemma: Diamond or Haley?
Navigating the Talents of Maryland’s Diamond Miller and Stanford’s Haley Jones in the Race for the Minnesota Lynx's Second Overall Pick.
As the Minnesota Lynx prepare for the upcoming WNBA Draft, Aliyah Boston, a center from South Carolina, as we all know is a lock for the Indiana Fever first pick, leaving the Lynx to decide between two prospects who stand out as the best options for the team's second overall pick: Diamond Miller and Haley Jones. While both players have had successful college careers and have unique skillsets, they also have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Miller and Jones and try to determine who would be the best fit for the Lynx.
Diamond Miller, a forward from Maryland, is a physical specimen standing at 6'3 with a wingspan of nearly 7 feet. Her length and athleticism allow her to be a force on the offensive end, often getting to the rim in a rushed, frenetic fashion. Miller's ability to score in close is impressive and she is a consistent outside shooter, hitting 34% of her three-pointers. On the defensive end, Miller is versatile and can guard positions 1-5. She uses her length and athleticism to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. However, one of her weaknesses is her tendency to be too aggressive on defense, leading to foul trouble.
Haley Jones, a guard/forward from Stanford, also stands at 6'1 and has a unique ability to get to the rim, whether it be through driving with the ball, receiving backdoor cuts, or posting up. Her shot-making is more deliberate and planned. Jones is also a versatile defender and above-average ball-handler for her size. On the other hand, one of her weaknesses is her lack of consistency from beyond the arc, shooting just 15% from 3-point range. Despite this, she has a high basketball IQ and is a gifted passer. She is a smart player who can make plays for herself and her teammates.
When it comes to the Lynx, Miller's scoring ability and physicality could be a valuable asset for a team that struggled to score points last season. On the other hand, Jones has the potential to be a solid point guard and her passing ability could be a great asset for a team that is in need of a true point guard. It ultimately comes down to what the Lynx value more: scoring or ball handling.
In conclusion, Diamond Miller and Haley Jones are both highly talented prospects that have the ability to make an immediate impact in the WNBA. While both players have strengths and weaknesses, the Lynx will have to weigh these and determine which player's skill set aligns more with the team's needs. Whether they choose Miller's scoring ability or Jones' ball handling and passing ability, the Lynx can't go wrong with either player.
The question for the readers is, who would you pick for the Lynx second overall? Diamond Miller for her scoring ability and physicality or Haley Jones for her versatility and passing ability? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below.