Lin Dunn returned to the Indiana Fever as general manager in 2022 with a three-year plan to get the franchise back on its feet. The Fever’s coach for the organization’s zenith — winning the 2012 WNBA championship — Dunn said Indiana had to be rebuilt with youth and defense. She added to those qualities with the Fever’s five picks in Monday’s 2023 WNBA draft.
Indiana drafted South Carolina‘s Aliyah Boston, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time Lisa Leslie Award winner as the top college center, with the No. 1 overall pick. Boston can play the power forward or center positions, and she will have a chance to expand her already strong offensive skills in the WNBA.
ESPN’s annual WNBA draft grades reflect the hopes of franchises looking to turn things around (Indiana has not been to the playoffs since 2016), trying to get to the next level (the Dallas Wings hope to become contenders) or reloading after past success (Minnesota Lynx). Those teams were the most active in this draft: the Wing had six picks (one via trade), and Indiana and Minnesota had five…
