Successful fantasy women's basketball drafts require thorough preparation, as the circumstances of each league — including the number of teams, draft position, and the tendencies of other managers — significantly influence drafting strategy. While luck plays a role, it is truly where preparation meets opportunity. Most participants approach their drafts without a clear plan, providing a substantial advantage to those who understand the talent landscape at various points in the draft. This article provides insights into players to target at different draft locations, utilizing Average Draft Pick (ADP) data to identify potential value throughout the draft.

In early rounds, particularly in six-team leagues, draft slot heavily dictates player availability, leading to crucial either-or choices. At the very top, the choice between A'ja Wilson (C, Aces, ADP 1.5) and Caitlin Clark (G, Fever, ADP 2.5) leans towards Wilson, who has consistently been the premier player in both the WNBA and fantasy basketball for years. Following this, the decision between Alyssa Thomas (F, Mercury, ADP 4.4) and Paige Bueckers (G, Wings, ADP 4.7) is challenging. While Thomas is a veteran MVP candidate, Bueckers, an up-and-coming talent, is more likely to routinely deliver larger box score numbers, especially in scoring, despite Thomas's triple-double prowess. Towards the end of the first round, the recommendation is to favor Angel Reese (F, Dream, ADP 6.2) over former MVP Breanna Stewart (F, Liberty, ADP 5.0). Reese offers more box score upside as a dominant big on her team, whereas Stewart shares offensive responsibility with multiple All-Stars.

The second round often presents an unusual opportunity to target situational value rather than solely individual players. Many players with second-round ADP grades come from teams where positional and production overlap with teammates can limit their fantasy upside. For instance, Dearica Hamby (F, Sparks, ADP 9.9) shares a frontcourt with Nneka Ogwumike and Cameron Brink. Instead, it is advisable to target players like Aliyah Boston (C, Fever, ADP 7.8) or Kelsey Plum (G, Sparks, ADP 8.7), who, despite having high-volume teammates, do not face similar positional competition.

Moving into the late second and early third rounds, Skylar Diggins (G, Sky, ADP 14.5) emerges as a strong target. After a bounce-back season, she joins a Chicago Sky team in dire need of backcourt production, offering top-10 fantasy upside at a mid-third-round ADP. For the late third and early fourth rounds, Rhyne Howard (G, Dream, ADP 21.1), the 2022 No. 1 pick, is a compelling option. Despite playing with other All-Stars, her diverse game benefits from talented teammates, as evidenced by her strong offensive averages in a 14-game stretch last season.

The middle rounds (fifth and sixth) offer promising upside plays. Dominique Malonga (C, Storm, ADP 33.2) has significant potential as a sophomore, expected to see an increased role due to offseason player departures and a potential injury to Ezi Magbegor. Kahleah Copper (G, Mercury, ADP 34.7), who was slowed by injury last season and shared the court with a surplus of perimeter talent, is poised for a major bounce-back to a top-15 caliber producer with former teammate Satou Sabally's departure. Rickea Jackson (F, Sky, ADP 36.9) also has strong upside, having moved to a Sky squad in desperate need of production, potentially leading to her best season yet.

In the late rounds, the focus shifts to players projected to outperform their draft status or those considered lottery ticket fliers. Cameron Brink (F, Sparks, ADP 45.5), healthy after an ACL tear, possesses Defensive Player of the Year potential and untapped fantasy upside, even within a stacked frontcourt. Brittney Griner (C, Sun, ADP 46.0), a former MVP-caliber player, moved to the Connecticut Sun for more opportunity after a production drop last season, making her a strong bounce-back candidate. Brittney Sykes (G, Tempo, ADP 47.0), now with the expansion Toronto Tempo, should have a greater green light to produce after dealing with injury and limited opportunities in 2024. Finally, Aneesah Morrow (F, Sun, ADP 51.4) is poised for a stronger sophomore season, showing strong preseason form and the potential to deliver fantasy impact numbers.