Great video and breakdowns. If Indian cannot get Satou Natasha Howard is a great consolation prize. She really showed a lot this season. I like the fact that she brings energy each and every game. Keep putting out the great videos!
Nice work. Good insight on Natasha Howard - i don’t like her as an Indiana option either. She has bounced around many teams and can’t seem to find a fit. I doubt it would be different on Indiana.
Salaun to the Sky would be a great pickup. If they get her to come over , they can focus on getting SG depth depending on what happens with Chennedy Carter or a PG to build up for the future.
If the Sun is smart I would build around DiJonai, Marina and Bri Jones. I think Bri Jones is one of the most consistent players in the league. DiJonai is an elite defender and Marina is a great shooter. They could build off that.
Totally agree with everything you said about Natasha Howard, her defense is nowhere near what it used to be and not much of a passer. Still a good role player for a team though 💯
In my opinion Satou play more like 3 than 4. She play open in backcourt shotting all the time. In Dallas Maddy Siegrist and Natasha Howard play 4. In Germany Team Nyara and Marie Gülich play 4. In Indiana i see Satou playing more in Lexi place than in NaLyssa place…
Maybe but I'd miss Lexie's defense and hussle in that starting lineup. If it's possible to have her at the 4 CC , KM , LH , SS , and AB is a scary lineup with so much youth and upside too.
@@PauloRoberto-uk7le I agree with Satou at the wing. We still need a low post secondary rim protector. I’d be ok with Fagbenle but we need more young depth such as Saladin or best of all Molonga. Hull as 6th player allows her to come in and give us the spark she always brings.
Internationals were a real positive factor for Liberty and Lynx. Fiebich "the Rookie" and Sabally played amazing. The same for Smith and Carleton for the Lynx. Who other internationals (or even American players or players out of the W-ENVY-A who are playing elsewhere) could come to the league and (mainly the Fever)?
100% agree with you , Valk n eed exp PG its really hard to get pg in this league, and rookie 'instant impact only 2 players since 2013 have done it, SDS and CC, therefore they will probably go for sloot/vnloo/Natisha Hiedeman if not protected. PG is the most key position in WNBA, and you want experience there. Selaun, on cheap contract shooting the 3, could fit a playoff team for sure hopefully its like Leonie Fiebich and given a chance/minutes. Ideal for Seattle/Fever/Sky etc
It's crazy how much ESPN analysts get paid and don't come close to the information provided on this channel. I'm never disappointed with this great content.
lol… every time I watched the Hornets, I would always think how Tidjane Salaün is such a great addition to their roster, not even realizing that his sister is Janelle
Absolutely love the international player profiles Hunter! Do you think Monique would fit in the Liberty’s rotation? How does she compare to other draft prospect guards outside of Paige?
Thank you! It’s tough to completely compare, but she’s probably someone I’d draft in the late first ish depending on the team if she was draft eligible. Also for sure someone that fits with NY
@@HunterCruse14- Agreed! She fits the guard archetype the Libs like - big for the position, good shooter and good D. Her ability to get downhill would add to our offense. How intense is the competition for Janelle going to be? I literally can see every team in the W going after her!
For me the best free agent players of the WNBA are Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Elena Dellle Done, Natasha Howard, Dewanna Bonner, Marine Johannes, Kelsey Mitchell
Do you think current and 2025 Draft and Stash players will get picked through even more so in the 2026 Expansion draft with two teams picking through the players
Been watching a lot of European Women's Basketball. I have notice US players stats translate well to Europe. Does not work the same the other way around. Their stats are less in the states. One reason could be because it is a wide open game without all the hand checking which is suppose to be illegal in the WNBA.
I think AT should leave for the Mystics. They're one of the few teams in the league rn with a floor spacing big (Stef Dolson). It also works for the Mystics cause they need a star and someone to provide consistent point guard play. Also i know a lot of Fever fans wants Satou, but I'm worried about her defense. Can she hold her own against the Phees and the Breanna Stewarts
AT and Bonner are married with a child. Rumor is if they leave the Mercury is the destination. Pretty sure they are a package deal. Satou was injured first part of the year. She was out of shape during the Olympics. Satou is as good or better than most of the Fever players on defense. Hopefully Defensive Specialist Assistant Coach Breann January comes with Stephanie White to Indiana. She may get the Sun job. Sun are cash poor and I do not see them spending a lot of money on a coach. White was getting paid 400k. Sun's are owned by the Mohegan Tribe. They do not seem to throw their money around like NBA owners.
Why didn’t u add more detail on Kelsey Mitchell? She’s a RFA just like satou both will be cored but both can demand a trade out their current teams. The trick is trade them now for a return of players or let them walk the following year for nothing in both respective situations . Kelsey Mitchell for sure as she’s stated she given 7 years and wants to test free agency and decide based on her family ❤
Bri Jones might be a good fit in Indiana. With her Achilles injury behind her she could be in for a great year. Plus Stephanie White would know how best to use her skills given their time together on the Sun.
Stewie is going nowhere. Satou may look to go to NY or Indiana. She'd be a good get for either team. If Indiana could get Satou and/or janelle Salaun and move off Nalyssa Smith and (unlikely) Katie lous that would be great for them.
Can't believe Katie Lou make 175K$ 🐌 Slow and No Defense!! Coach SIDES finally Bench Her and Put Lexie Hull in the starting Line Up!!! Thanks!!! We have Coach White back in Indiana Fever!! She been watching Caitlin Clark Game for Years!!! 8th. GRADE!!!! Talking about Someone knowing Your Blueprint!! Strong points and Weak points!!!
On Twitter & in other WBB spaces fans r talking abt Satou going to Indy. Is this fan wishful thinking or have I missed something? Why would someone of her ability go to Indy to be a 3rd option? Sometimes a 4th if K Mitchell returns. CC dominates the ball. Satou is also best w/the ball in her hands. She's not a stand in the corner or pick & roll specialist.
she made a tiktok saying how excited she is at the opportunity to change her shoe brand as well as change her team, then liked a few comments about going to the fever 👀 so she def fueled that fire lol
Other destination most talked about for Satou is NY. What option would she be there?? I personally think Fiebich should shoot more next season for the Liberty and there is only one ball to go around.
Cored twice, 3 seasons under a cored contract I mean. For example, Skylar Diggins-Smith was cored by Dallas, signed a 4-year deal afterwards, which’s why she can’t be cored again. I probably should’ve explained that better. You’re right though based on what I said in the video! Thank you
I think Indiana should look at Heideman or Vandersloot as a backup point guard. Wheeler was a great teammate, but the offense stalled when she played the point, or CC went to the bench.
Actually the offense stalled under Christy Sides when she slowed them down and put EW at point. EW has played for Stephanie White before and later in the year looked very different playing the CC way.
The Suns have their Core Guards so they will be perfectly fine. Should not be that hard to pair them with a couple of free agents if Bonner and Thomas both leave. Folk all over the WEB think it's over for the Suns just because a Coach just left and 2 declining players might do the same. They will be fine. But they don't have a first round Draft Pick this year due to the Marina Trade.
Emma will be 32 before next season and Elena is 35. Emma's last 5 straight years her points per game has gone down from 15 ppg down to 12. I see Emma play every week on Europe Women's League on YT Live. Very good player. I do think she will make it to the next Olympics and then hang her shoes up. She is very good at pick n roll and getting to the basket. She does not miss layups. Elena 35, she may be through.
I’m so confused on how the population believes every player wants to go to Indiana when the insiders of the wnba knows nobody is wanting to deal with the nonsense of the media and the fans in that city 😂
Satou is going to the Sky, you can only have 1 Cored player on your roster, so how will Indiana have Mitchell and Satou? That’s unless they trade Mitchell for Satou after they’re cored.
If Satou wants to play in Indiana it is very easy to pull off. Tell your agent to get me traded to the Fever. Do not core her and offer her less than a Supermax deal. Or core her and pay KM a near Supermax deal. The Core is who the team sticks that tag on. Boston and CC are still on the rookie deal for 2 and 3 years respectively.
@ stop. Enough with the racism bogeyman. Are you new to the Internet? There will always be a percentage of trolls on all sides that act horrible. Get over it they aren’t fans.
I think I have you pegged now, Mr. Cruse. You're a Fever fan & you hate the Chicago Sky. I can tell, because you always pick out the best players for Indiana, & the worse possible players for the Sky. Satou Sabally or Nneka Ohwumike would fit in with the Sky very nicely. The Fever can have M. Hines-Allen and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Well its because Satou & Nneka can play the 4 and the Sky already have Angel & Kamilla, while Indiana has a hole at the 4. I’m not a fan of any team tbf
This is a better analysis than what I see on espn.
🥹🥹🥹
I agree! 🖤
Espn doesn't even cover this lol
Facts.
espn doesn't do analysis, THEY DO YELLING, hyperbole, and sketchy betting tips
Great list. I like hearing about the international players.
Thank you! That’s the goal I love talking intls
That’s really my favorite part about this channel , it actually got me to start watching the euro league lol
Basketball talk without the drama. Subbed
❤️
Facts. Great channel.
Great video and breakdowns. If Indian cannot get Satou Natasha Howard is a great consolation prize. She really showed a lot this season. I like the fact that she brings energy each and every game. Keep putting out the great videos!
Thanks for the international update. Good to know who's out there and the background you provided.
You got it! I’m always happy to talk about some intls 😁
@@HunterCruse14 Status of Meeseman?
Nice work. Good insight on Natasha Howard - i don’t like her as an Indiana option either. She has bounced around many teams and can’t seem to find a fit. I doubt it would be different on Indiana.
bro i am so glad your channel exists. great analysis. deserves more views for sure
Salaun to the Sky would be a great pickup. If they get her to come over , they can focus on getting SG depth depending on what happens with Chennedy Carter or a PG to build up for the future.
Agreed!
Great video. I’m a Fever fan so I’d love Salaun in Indiana!
If the Sun is smart I would build around DiJonai, Marina and Bri Jones. I think Bri Jones is one of the most consistent players in the league. DiJonai is an elite defender and Marina is a great shooter. They could build off that.
I agree and still be able to compete
Yep let the married couple go it’s time to revamp that squad!!
Totally agree with everything you said about Natasha Howard, her defense is nowhere near what it used to be and not much of a passer. Still a good role player for a team though 💯
In my opinion Satou play more like 3 than 4. She play open in backcourt shotting all the time. In Dallas Maddy Siegrist and Natasha Howard play 4. In Germany Team Nyara and Marie Gülich play 4. In Indiana i see Satou playing more in Lexi place than in NaLyssa place…
Maybe but I'd miss Lexie's defense and hussle in that starting lineup. If it's possible to have her at the 4 CC , KM , LH , SS , and AB is a scary lineup with so much youth and upside too.
@ Lexi will be the next six player of the year.
@@PauloRoberto-uk7le what’s your dream starting lineup for next year?
@
PG: Caitlin
SG: KM
SF: Satou (or Gabby or EDD or Salaun)
PF: Emma (or Nneka or Howard)
C: Aliyah Boston
@@PauloRoberto-uk7le I agree with Satou at the wing. We still need a low post secondary rim protector. I’d be ok with Fagbenle but we need more young depth such as Saladin or best of all Molonga. Hull as 6th player allows her to come in and give us the spark she always brings.
Internationals were a real positive factor for Liberty and Lynx. Fiebich "the Rookie" and Sabally played amazing. The same for Smith and Carleton for the Lynx. Who other internationals (or even American players or players out of the W-ENVY-A who are playing elsewhere) could come to the league and (mainly the Fever)?
I loved this video. It seems that there are not many options for the Fever to choose. 😢
great analysis and great job here.. Hunter. I like your free agent list and ranking.
As always great analysis. I thought Jessica Shepherd was available as a FA. Is that not true?
Oh yeah she is. I probably should’ve added her as an HM, but not sure if she wants to play in the W
Love the video!
When does this free agency signing period start? Thanks!
mid/late Jan is when it starts to heat up
@ thank you!! I am looking forward to it
100% agree with you , Valk n eed exp PG its really hard to get pg in this league, and rookie 'instant impact only 2 players since 2013 have done it, SDS and CC, therefore they will probably go for sloot/vnloo/Natisha Hiedeman if not protected.
PG is the most key position in WNBA, and you want experience there.
Selaun, on cheap contract shooting the 3, could fit a playoff team for sure hopefully its like Leonie Fiebich and given a chance/minutes.
Ideal for Seattle/Fever/Sky etc
It's crazy how much ESPN analysts get paid and don't come close to the information provided on this channel. I'm never disappointed with this great content.
I think Izzy probably stays in Chicago but Dana Evans is definitely gone in my opinion.
What has happened with Ellene Delle Done?
You rock, I love these :)
Thank you! ❤️❤️
lol… every time I watched the Hornets, I would always think how Tidjane Salaün is such a great addition to their roster, not even realizing that his sister is Janelle
Bro I’m all in keep them coming
@@Rich-m5f 🫡🫡
This is phenomenal wnba coverage
Thank you!
This is not the first video in which I've heard some down sides to Howard. I hope the Fever pass on her. Great video.
Absolutely love the international player profiles Hunter! Do you think Monique would fit in the Liberty’s rotation? How does she compare to other draft prospect guards outside of Paige?
Thank you! It’s tough to completely compare, but she’s probably someone I’d draft in the late first ish depending on the team if she was draft eligible. Also for sure someone that fits with NY
@@HunterCruse14- Agreed! She fits the guard archetype the Libs like - big for the position, good shooter and good D. Her ability to get downhill would add to our offense. How intense is the competition for Janelle going to be? I literally can see every team in the W going after her!
For me the best free agent players of the WNBA are Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Elena Dellle Done, Natasha Howard, Dewanna Bonner, Marine Johannes, Kelsey Mitchell
Hunter do you see any moves before the expansion draft?
Do you think current and 2025 Draft and Stash players will get picked through even more so in the 2026 Expansion draft with two teams picking through the players
There is probably a 0.0001% of Nneka to Fever happening but it really would be my dream free agent for the team
How long is free agency? (Like can a free agent be signed after the draft?)
Yes they can! Usually top players sign within the first couple weeks/month
Been watching a lot of European Women's Basketball. I have notice US players stats translate well to Europe. Does not work the same the other way around. Their stats are less in the states. One reason could be because it is a wide open game without all the hand checking which is suppose to be illegal in the WNBA.
you've also missed Marine Johannes, she has said she will play in the W next year
i'd love Pauline Astier in the Lynx, i think she fits their style of play
Smith for Bri Jones would make sense for Indiana
I think AT should leave for the Mystics. They're one of the few teams in the league rn with a floor spacing big (Stef Dolson). It also works for the Mystics cause they need a star and someone to provide consistent point guard play.
Also i know a lot of Fever fans wants Satou, but I'm worried about her defense. Can she hold her own against the Phees and the Breanna Stewarts
I feel like Washington wants to blow it up and rebuild from the ground up instead of compete or they would’ve kept Mike T
AT and Bonner are married with a child. Rumor is if they leave the Mercury is the destination. Pretty sure they are a package deal. Satou was injured first part of the year. She was out of shape during the Olympics. Satou is as good or better than most of the Fever players on defense. Hopefully Defensive Specialist Assistant Coach Breann January comes with Stephanie White to Indiana. She may get the Sun job. Sun are cash poor and I do not see them spending a lot of money on a coach. White was getting paid 400k. Sun's are owned by the Mohegan Tribe. They do not seem to throw their money around like NBA owners.
Why didn’t u add more detail on Kelsey Mitchell? She’s a RFA just like satou both will be cored but both can demand a trade out their current teams. The trick is trade them now for a return of players or let them walk the following year for nothing in both respective situations . Kelsey Mitchell for sure as she’s stated she given 7 years and wants to test free agency and decide based on her family ❤
Bri Jones might be a good fit in Indiana. With her Achilles injury behind her she could be in for a great year. Plus Stephanie White would know how best to use her skills given their time together on the Sun.
Probably too much of an overlap with her and Aliyah. Very similar archetype wise imo
Stewie is going nowhere. Satou may look to go to NY or Indiana. She'd be a good get for either team. If Indiana could get Satou and/or janelle Salaun and move off Nalyssa Smith and (unlikely) Katie lous that would be great for them.
Can't believe Katie Lou make 175K$
🐌 Slow and No Defense!!
Coach SIDES finally Bench Her and Put Lexie Hull in the starting Line Up!!!
Thanks!!! We have Coach White back in Indiana Fever!! She been watching Caitlin Clark Game for Years!!! 8th. GRADE!!!!
Talking about Someone knowing Your Blueprint!! Strong points and Weak points!!!
Isn't Messeman a free agent?
EuroBasket in 2025
On Twitter & in other WBB spaces fans r talking abt Satou going to Indy. Is this fan wishful thinking or have I missed something? Why would someone of her ability go to Indy to be a 3rd option? Sometimes a 4th if K Mitchell returns. CC dominates the ball. Satou is also best w/the ball in her hands. She's not a stand in the corner or pick & roll specialist.
she made a tiktok saying how excited she is at the opportunity to change her shoe brand as well as change her team, then liked a few comments about going to the fever 👀 so she def fueled that fire lol
Other destination most talked about for Satou is NY. What option would she be there?? I personally think Fiebich should shoot more next season for the Liberty and there is only one ball to go around.
Are you sure a player can be cored three times? As I understand it, currently a player can only be cored twice.
Cored twice, 3 seasons under a cored contract I mean. For example, Skylar Diggins-Smith was cored by Dallas, signed a 4-year deal afterwards, which’s why she can’t be cored again. I probably should’ve explained that better. You’re right though based on what I said in the video! Thank you
All of them are going to Indiana!
We need either Saluan or Sabally in a Fever uniform next season
I think Indiana should look at Heideman or Vandersloot as a backup point guard. Wheeler was a great teammate, but the offense stalled when she played the point, or CC went to the bench.
Actually the offense stalled under Christy Sides when she slowed them down and put EW at point. EW has played for Stephanie White before and later in the year looked very different playing the CC way.
When does FA start for the WNBA?
mid/late January
The Suns have their Core Guards so they will be perfectly fine. Should not be that hard to pair them with a couple of free agents if Bonner and Thomas both leave. Folk all over the WEB think it's over for the Suns just because a Coach just left and 2 declining players might do the same. They will be fine. But they don't have a first round Draft Pick this year due to the Marina Trade.
I got a feeling that Elena Delle Donne will be going to Indiana. That's if she's come back.
If EDD accepted a bench role I don't mind that, but they really really need more plus-defenders on the wing & PF spot that can also space the floor
Aces most likely. That’s where she wanted to go
Despite being a little more complex deal, don't can sleeping on Emma Meesseman and Elena Delle Donne. Bouth WNBA MVPs.
Doesn’t Chicago have rights to Emma right now if she decides to come over?
@@Randomrazer She’s UFA.
@ yeah you’re right sorry for the confusion , I forgot that it was a one year we signed with her last.
Emma will be 32 before next season and Elena is 35. Emma's last 5 straight years her points per game has gone down from 15 ppg down to 12. I see Emma play every week on Europe Women's League on YT Live. Very good player. I do think she will make it to the next Olympics and then hang her shoes up. She is very good at pick n roll and getting to the basket. She does not miss layups. Elena 35, she may be through.
I read EDD can be cored by Washington again. If she were available for trade the Fever should add her.
Watching France at the Olympics they have a lot of players ready for the WNBA.
I’m so confused on how the population believes every player wants to go to Indiana when the insiders of the wnba knows nobody is wanting to deal with the nonsense of the media and the fans in that city 😂
Are you concerned about Satou's injury history?
Yes a bit, but I am wishing for the best for my own enjoyment of getting to watch her hoop 🤞🏼🤞🏼
@HunterCruse14 Me too 🙏
100th percent better than ESPN
They just assume everybody want to go to indiana sky and other teams have more cap space than them
Satou to the Fever 👀
she said she's resigning
@@ShaolinPrince718When?
@@ShaolinPrince718She is not resigning🤣🤣🤣🤣. She was just a part of a parade. She is not going back to that organization
Why should the Fever trade for her now, when she will be a free agent again in 2026?
@ Valid point. But I think the Fever actually want to be serious IMMEDIATELY
If things don’t work out with Satou Sabally, Indiana should sign Salaun.
Also cut NaLyssa.
Clearly your vision is everyone is going to Indiana 😂 that’s crazy lol
100% Free when the WNBA existence resides in the history of Basketball 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Satou is going to the Sky, you can only have 1 Cored player on your roster, so how will Indiana have Mitchell and Satou? That’s unless they trade Mitchell for Satou after they’re cored.
What makes u think Kelsey wouldn’t return without being cored. She just had her best season
KM could re-sign without being cored.
You probably just re-sign KMitch if Satou is traded to IND yeah
If Satou wants to play in Indiana it is very easy to pull off. Tell your agent to get me traded to the Fever. Do not core her and offer her less than a Supermax deal. Or core her and pay KM a near Supermax deal. The Core is who the team sticks that tag on. Boston and CC are still on the rookie deal for 2 and 3 years respectively.
@ I doubt that happens, Satou will be with her bestie Reese on the Sky, they’ve already been see together and have been in constant communication.
Nneka to Fever.
She hates Fever fans, so no thanks.
She said she doesn't like y'all.💀
@@angelas4681 ahh lol the fiction of the bad fever fan. Yet another narrative.
@@ChuckD-e4zNot a narrative. Many fever fans have been racist to these players both online and in person.
@ stop. Enough with the racism bogeyman. Are you new to the Internet? There will always be a percentage of trolls on all sides that act horrible. Get over it they aren’t fans.
I think I have you pegged now, Mr. Cruse.
You're a Fever fan & you hate the Chicago Sky.
I can tell, because you always pick out the best players for Indiana, & the worse possible players for the Sky.
Satou Sabally or Nneka Ohwumike would fit in with the Sky very nicely.
The Fever can have
M. Hines-Allen and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Well its because Satou & Nneka can play the 4 and the Sky already have Angel & Kamilla, while Indiana has a hole at the 4. I’m not a fan of any team tbf
A bunch of bigs
All those Beautiful young Ladies can't play in Indiana, there are other teams they could play for. 🏀🙄😅🤣🙌