It didn’t take long for the 2025 WNBA Draft class to shake things up. From household names like Paige Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith to rising international stars like Dominique Malonga and Justė Jocytė, this year’s group is stacked with talent that’s ready to contribute on Day 1.
But which of these new rookies are most prepared to make an impact in the league right now? Let’s break down the most WNBA-ready players from this year’s class and what makes them so special.
Top 20 Players Ready to Shine in WNBA
1. Paige Bueckers – Dallas Wings
No surprise here—Bueckers is the total package. She’s smart and composed, with a résumé that screams pro-ready – a national title, three-time All-American honors, and averages of 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 boards.
More importantly, she’s been battle-tested, returning from injury to dominate and lead UConn to glory. She’s not just walking into the league—she’s strutting in as a future face of the WNBA. Dallas just landed a superstar.
2. Dominique Malonga – Seattle Storm
Malonga is just 19, but don’t let the age fool you—her game is mature beyond her years. She’s a 6’6” force with guard-like agility, a reliable mid-range shot, and elite rebounding instincts. Averaging a double-double in France’s top league ( 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game) proves she’s already held her own against grown pros. In Seattle, she could become the next big international sensation if developed right.
3. Sonia Citron – Washington Mystics
Citron’s game doesn’t scream highlight reel, but it screams reliability. She scores, defends, and knocks down threes when it counts. At 6’1” with a strong frame, she can guard multiple spots and fit into any system. Don’t be surprised if she quietly becomes a coach’s favorite in Washington.
4. Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics
A double-double threat every night, Iriafen brings physicality and energy to the Mystics’ frontcourt. She doesn’t need the ball to be effective and will crash the boards relentlessly. Her game might need polish offensively, but her effort and rebounding (8.4 per game) will translate right away.
5. Justė Jocytė – Golden State Valkyries
Jocytė is one of those players who does everything right. Her IQ is elite, and at 19, she’s already played pro ball in Europe. She averaged nearly 12 points with solid shooting splits and could blossom in Golden State’s fresh, developmental environment. She’s not flashy, but she’s solid.
6. Georgia Amoore – Washington Mystics
Amoore is the ultimate floor general. Her high-IQ decision-making and deep shooting range make her an instant fit for a Mystics team looking to reshape its identity. She averaged over 19.6 points and 6.9 assists in the 2024-25 season, showcasing a lethal pick-and-roll game. Expect her to log big minutes off the bench or even crack the starting lineup if the Mystics go small.
7. Aneesah Morrow – Connecticut Sun
Morrow is a rebounding machine. She led the nation in boards and posted 30 double-doubles, which is no small feat. At 6’1”, she plays bigger than her size and could thrive in the Sun’s rugged system. If she can stretch the floor a bit more, she’s going to be a gem.
8. Saniya Rivers – Connecticut Sun
Rivers brings defense and size at the guard position—a dream combo in today’s W. Her all-around stat line (11.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG) shows she impacts every inch of the floor. Her two-way play and winning mentality make her a plug-and-play rookie.
9. Sarah Ashlee Barker – Los Angeles Sparks
Barker’s draft rise came from a jaw-dropping 45-point performance in the NCAA tourney, but that wasn’t a one-off. She’s a capable scorer (18.2 points per game) with good shooting percentages across the board. LA needs instant offense, and Barker looks ready to deliver buckets off the bench right away.
10. Ajsa Sivka – Chicago Sky
One of the youngest international prospects in the top 20, Sivka brings size, length, and defensive versatility. At 6’4’’ with guard skills, she’s a long-term investment for the Sky. But don’t sleep on her immediate impact—her rebounding instincts and midrange touch could earn her minutes early, especially if Chicago wants to stretch the floor. She’s raw but full of upside.
11. Hailey Van Lith – Chicago Sky
It’s been a rollercoaster, but Van Lith ended her college career on a high at TCU, racking up 17.9 points and 5.4 assists per game. She’s proven she can carry a team and break records. Now paired with Angel Reese in Chicago, she’ll thrive in a more natural role. With her shot falling and confidence restored, she could be a sleeper hit this season.
12. Aziaha James – Dallas Wings
James is one of the most athletic guards in this class. She’s a strong shot creator who excels at changing pace and getting buckets in bunches. Her speed and slashing ability make her a threat in transition, while her growing confidence as a scorer (17.9 PPG this season) adds depth to the Wings’ guard rotation.
13. Aaliyah Nye – Las Vegas Aces
Nye is a sniper from deep with her 45.5% average, making her an ideal floor spacer for the Aces’ high-powered offense. Her quick release and catch-and-shoot ability could allow her to thrive in a limited role early. While she’s not a primary option, her shooting could earn her meaningful minutes off the bench, especially in playoff scenarios where spacing is key.
14. Madison Scott – Dallas Wings
Scott is a long, versatile defender who brings rebounding and energy to every play. While her offensive game is still developing, her length and motor make her a valuable asset on defense. She’s the kind of player who can guard multiple positions, and if her scoring improves, she could become a reliable two-way option for Dallas.
15. Anastasiia Olairi Kosu – Minnesota Lynx
Kosu is raw, but there’s plenty of upside. She represented Russia in the 2019 FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship and the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
With experience in international competitions and a growing skill set, she offers long-term potential. The Lynx can afford to be patient as she develops her offensive game and adjusts to WNBA physicality.
16. Maddy Westbeld – Chicago Sky
Westbeld is a skilled forward who does a little bit of everything. She’s not an ace scorer, but she’s smart, steady, and knows how to impact games in multiple ways. With her passing ability and high basketball IQ, she fits the mold of a glue player who can keep the offense flowing and help on the glass.
17. Shyanne Sellers – Golden State Valkyries
Sellers is a tough, two-way guard who plays with fire. She defends with intensity, pushes the pace, and has solid size for a lead guard. Her leadership and edge will make her a fan favorite in Golden State. She needs to improve her shooting consistency, but the foundation is strong.
18. Te-Hina Paopao – Atlanta Dream
Paopao brings a steady hand and excellent three-point shooting to the Dream’s backcourt. Her ability to play both on and off the ball makes her a versatile piece. She’s not the flashiest guard, but her feel for the game and ability to hit shots under pressure give Atlanta valuable depth. In 2024, she averaged 9.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. While not exceptional, it shows she has potential to grow.
19. Makayla Timpson – Indiana Fever
Timpson is a strong rebounder and scorer with 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season to her name. She’s physical and doesn’t shy away from contact. Her defensive instincts and elite scoring ability will help Indiana build a frontcourt identity. When it comes to long shots, she’s limited, but her energy and grit will earn her a role quickly.
20. Bree Hall – Indiana Fever
Hall is a defensive-minded guard who thrives in a team setting. She has played more games than any other four-year player in South Carolina history, so she is experienced. Besides, Hall is unselfish and committed to making the right play. During her time with the Gamecocks, she helped the team win two national championships and reach the ‘Final Four’ four times.
While her offense is still coming along, her defensive tenacity and willingness to do the tough work give Indina a reliable depth piece as they continue to build.