As we’re seeing this season with Caitlin Clark, drafting the right player can change the trajectory of a WNBA franchise forever. However, not every top pick fulfills the expectations set by their draft status. Whether it’s injuries, underperformance, or simply being outshined by their peers, here are the 10 worst draft picks in WNBA history.
Jacki Gemelos – Connecticut Sun (2012)
Jacki Gemelos’ journey to the WNBA was derailed by a series of devastating knee injuries that kept her from ever playing for the Connecticut Sun. Sadly, her number-one pick status turned into a what-if story about unfulfilled potential and highlighted how injuries can drastically impact a player’s career.
LaToya Thomas – Cleveland Rockers (2003)
There’s no question LaToya Thomas was a star at Mississippi State, but she struggled to make a similar impact in the WNBA. Although she had a solid career, her performance was underwhelming for the number one overall pick.
Penny Toler – Miami Sol (2001)
Known for her college scoring prowess at Long Beach State, Penny Toler never managed to translate her skills to the WNBA level. Unfortunately, Toler’s professional career was short-lived.
Megan Compain – Washington Mystics (2000)
Drafted with high hopes out of Stanford, Megan Compain found herself overwhelmed by the league’s physicality. Not to mention, her struggles with injuries and overall performance led her to leave the WNBA just a few years after her debut.
Dena Head – New York Liberty (1999)
Dena Head’s collegiate success at Tennessee didn’t transfer to the WNBA, where she struggled with consistency. While she did have a few bright moments, her overall impact fell short of what the Liberty needed from a top pick.
Val Whiting – Phoenix Mercury (1997)
Val Whiting entered the WNBA with high expectations, but her professional career was brief and underwhelming. Lacking the presence that defined her college days at Stanford, she could not make a significant mark in the league.
Kara Braxton – Detroit Shock (2005)
Kara Braxton showed great potential, but off-the-court issues and an inability to stay focused on development left her unable to fulfill the expectations of a first-overall pick.
Read More: The Best Draft Picks in the History of the MLB
Ann Wauters – Cleveland Rockers (2000)
The first international player to go number one, Ann Wauters never quite adjusted to the WNBA’s physicality or style of play. Despite a successful career overseas, she never reached her potential in the league.
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Janel McCarville – Charlotte Sting (2005)
Janel McCarville struggled to find her rhythm in the WNBA, as injuries plagued her early years. Though she did eventually find success as a role player, her impact was not what Charlotte envisioned from their top pick.
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Charli Collier – Dallas Wings (2021)
Charli Collier was drafted with high hopes as a versatile big, but her professional career did not go as planned. In fact, she was waived by the Dallas Wings after just her second season in the WNBA.
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