The anticipation is building as the WNBA Draft Lottery approaches this Sunday, November 23rd. Teams are poised to learn their fate – their positioning in the 2026 WNBA Draft order. Currently, the Dallas Wings hold the best odds to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick, marking a potential repeat of their top selection opportunity. This echoes a recent trend, reminiscent of the Indiana Fever’s back-to-back No. 1 picks in 2023 (Aliyah Boston) and 2024 (Caitlin Clark).
While the allure of the No. 1 pick is undeniable, the WNBA Draft consistently delivers impactful players throughout the top five selections. For fans eager to understand the potential talent pool available to their team, regardless of lottery outcome, we’ve compiled a look at some of the most successful players ever chosen within those top five spots.
A’ja Wilson: The Gold Standard of No. 1 Picks
Honorable mentions: Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird
The WNBA has seen a remarkable lineage of first overall picks, each leaving an indelible mark on the league. Legends like Sue Bird, with her four WNBA championships, and Diana Taurasi, boasting three titles and a record six Olympic gold medals, set a high bar. Candace Parker redefined the power forward position, establishing numerous records that are now being challenged – and often broken – by A’ja Wilson.
When the Las Vegas Aces selected A’ja Wilson out of the University of South Carolina in 2018, it signaled more than just a new player joining the league. It marked a turning point for the franchise, recently relocated from San Antonio to Las Vegas, and the beginning of a dynasty.
Since entering the WNBA, Wilson has amassed an extraordinary list of accolades: three WNBA championships, four WNBA MVP Awards, two WNBA Finals MVP Awards, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and seven All-Star Game appearances – all while proudly representing the Las Vegas Aces. She currently holds the WNBA record for most points scored in a single season, achieving 1021 points in 2024, and boasts the highest points-per-game average, averaging an impressive 26.87 points per contest that same year.
At just 29 years old, A’ja Wilson remains firmly in her prime, poised to continue her dominance for years to come. Her accomplishments already cement her legacy as one of the greatest basketball players in the world, and a future Hall of Famer without question.
Sylvia Fowles: Dominance in the Paint
Honorable mentions: Elena Delle Donne, Kelsey Mitchell
The No. 2 overall pick has consistently yielded exceptional talent, from recent standouts like Dominique Malonga to established stars like Elena Delle Donne. In 2008, Sylvia Fowles was selected second overall by the Chicago Sky. The Los Angeles Sparks opted for Candace Parker with the first pick that year, a decision that ultimately allowed Fowles to flourish.
Fowles’ career was defined by her unwavering dominance. She secured two WNBA Championships, earned two Finals MVP awards, captured one WNBA MVP award, made eight All-Star Game appearances, and was recognized four times as the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year before retiring after the 2022 season.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Fowles was a formidable presence in the post, presenting a defensive challenge few opponents could overcome. Her impact on the game was recognized with her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Skylar Diggins: A Dynamic Force
Honorable mention: Courtney Vandersloot
Chosen third overall by the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings) in 2013, Skylar Diggins continues to be a standout performer in the WNBA. Her game is a captivating blend of speed, strength, agility, efficiency, and a signature rainbow-arching jump shot.
Diggins is a seven-time WNBA All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and a four-time All-WNBA First Team selection. Her career has taken her through Tulsa, Dallas, Phoenix, and now Seattle. While a WNBA championship remains elusive, she came close in 2021 while playing for the Phoenix Mercury, reaching the WNBA Finals.
Allisha Gray: Rising Star
Honorable mention: Gabby Williams
Another product of the Dallas Wings’ draft success, Allisha Gray has consistently elevated her game throughout her WNBA career. Currently playing for the Atlanta Dream, Gray enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, achieving career highs in minutes played and scoring. She averaged a career-best 34.5 minutes per game, scoring 18.4 points on 45.1% shooting and 38.4% from three-point range.
Gray has earned three WNBA All-Star selections, received her first All-WNBA First Team nod in 2025, and showcased her all-around skills by winning both the Skills Challenge and the Three-Point Contest at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game.
Arike Ogunbowale: Clutch Performer
Honorable mentions: Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner
The Dallas Wings added another promising talent when they selected Arike Ogunbowale No. 5 overall out of Notre Dame in 2019. Ogunbowale has proven her ability to perform under pressure, a trait she demonstrated by winning a National Championship in college and consistently delivering clutch performances in the WNBA.
Ogunbowale boasts a career average of 19.9 points per game, shooting 34.6% from three-point range over seven WNBA seasons. She has spent her entire professional career with the Wings, earning four WNBA All-Star appearances and an All-WNBA First Team selection.
The WNBA Draft represents more than just acquiring talent; it’s about building a future. The players highlighted here demonstrate the potential impact a well-placed draft pick can have on a franchise’s trajectory. What qualities do you believe are most crucial for a successful WNBA draft pick – scoring prowess, defensive versatility, or leadership?
Looking ahead, which player currently in the college ranks do you believe has the highest ceiling and could replicate the success of these WNBA stars?
Frequently Asked Questions About the WNBA Draft
What makes the No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick so valuable?
The No. 1 pick provides a team with the opportunity to select a potentially franchise-altering player, often a player projected to have immediate and significant impact on the court.
Beyond A’ja Wilson, who are some other recent No. 1 picks who have lived up to expectations?
Caitlin Clark, drafted No. 1 in 2024, has quickly become a dominant force in the WNBA, demonstrating the potential of a top overall pick to elevate a franchise.
How important is team fit when evaluating WNBA draft prospects?
Team fit is crucial. A player’s skills and style of play must complement the existing roster and the coach’s system to maximize their effectiveness.
Can a player drafted outside the top five still become a WNBA star?
Absolutely. While the top five picks receive significant attention, many successful WNBA players have been drafted later and developed into All-Stars through hard work and opportunity.
What role does the WNBA Draft Lottery play in shaping the league’s competitive landscape?
The WNBA Draft Lottery introduces an element of chance, allowing struggling teams to potentially acquire top talent and accelerate their rebuilding process, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and competitive league.
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Share this article with your fellow WNBA fans and join the conversation in the comments below. Let us know who you think will be the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft!
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the WNBA Draft and its history. It is not intended to provide professional sports analysis or investment advice.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
