The WNBA season is a little more than two months away and it’s already been a hectic free agency period. In addition to free agency franchises still have an awesome draft class to look forward to. Here are the three WNBA players that people should watch out for this season.
After all of the marquee key trades and signings, teams are starting to structure the rest of their roster. Granted some teams will be adding talent via the draft. But for the most part, teams will have the full nucleus of their rosters ready.
Needless to say, some franchises have traded away their franchise player or lost a key component to their team. As the 2020 season approaches, there are three players that will take the next step and ascend to the superstar ranks.
WNBA Up and Coming Stars:
Here are the three WNBA players that people should watch out for this season:
Natasha Cloud
First off, Natasha Cloud is a once and a lifetime player because she adds so much to the game of basketball. Last season the Washington Mystics won the 2019 WNBA title and Cloud was a huge part of their success.
After the departure of Kristi Toliver, it is very apparent that the ball will be in Cloud’s hands a lot more. Not to mention she will be the secondary scoring option. Clearly there is an argument that can be made that Emma Meesseman could be the second option but normally she comes off the bench.
Join @T_Cloud4 this Sunday for an #InternationalWomenDay panel prior to the @WashWizards game.
Get ?️ >> https://t.co/QEowgw0T0O pic.twitter.com/u3xfaHMpd9
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 6, 2020
Last season, Cloud averaged 9 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Obviously, her stat line may not jump out at you but it’s her leadership, passion, and intensity that make her special, not to mention she is a team player.
Cloud can impact the game no matter what her role is and she commits to both sides of the ball. This season she will have the ball in her hands a lot more. She will be a key focal point in the Mystics’ game plan. Cloud will most likely live on running the pick-and-roll with Elena Delle Donne and Meesseman.
Diamond DeShields
Diamond DeShields of the Chicago Sky is arguably the most athletic player in the W. Every time she takes off to the rim viewers gasp for air as they expect her to flush it down one time. She also has a strong one on one game that can help her get to anywhere on the floor.
At the end of last season, she averaged 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game while shooting 83.6 percent from the charity stripe. In addition to her stat line, it’s important to note that she recorded these numbers while being the third option behind Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley.
Who else is reminiscing on the 2019 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge? ⛹️♀️@diamonddoesit1 pic.twitter.com/vUcqDGtsCm
— Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) February 16, 2020
DeShields has an all-around game and has been averaging double figures since entering the league in 2018. Also, she played a few years overseas before entering the W which has helped her tremendously. The 6-foot-1 guard can score at all three phases of the floor and she can guard positions one through four.
Lastly, her length helps her on both ends of the floor and she still aspires to get better every year. Vandersloot and Quigley have excellent court vision and will look to include DeShields in more of the action.
Courtney Williams
Yes, Courtney Williams is going to become a superstar. Before you drop your soda on your laptop consider the fact that she was one game away from a WNBA title. Williams has the ability to get her teammates involved while being an assassin on the floor.
ICYMI (how could you?): We received @CourtMWilliams in a trade earlier today.
? » https://t.co/wdKWFqeM5L pic.twitter.com/plE6x1rnuS
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) February 19, 2020
Throughout the season it was obvious how she challenged Jonquel Jones to be more aggressive along with the rest of her teammates. Williams has an uncanny jumper that she can reel off at any moment. She has lightning-quick speed, timeless handless and the ability to take over the game at any moment.
After being traded to the Atlanta Dream she will be able to prove that she is an elite combo guard. During the offseason, the Dream has added a plethora of shooters in Elina Babkina, Alexis Jones, Shekinna Stricklen, and Glory Johnson.
Last season Williams averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Playing in front of her home crowd in Atlanta will motivate her to take over and lead this team.
Follow me on Twitter @ZackeryRogers13 and check out other Belly Up WNBA articles.
