In the heart of the city that never sleeps, the New York Liberty’s hopes for the 2024 WNBA draft are as towering as the skyline. With a legacy steeped in resilience and a commitment to excellence, the Liberty enter the draft with a clear vision—to fortify their roster with players who embody the tenacity and skill required to compete at the highest level.
New York, a city known for its hustle and grit, seeks athletes who can seamlessly integrate into the fast-paced rhythm of the game. The Liberty’s draft aspirations are not just about adding talent—it is about finding players who embrace the challenge of donning the iconic Liberty jersey and understand that they embody a spirit, legacy of fierce competition and commitment to pushing boundaries.
The Liberty’s hopes for the 2024 WNBA draft extend beyond individual prowess. The team yearns for players who can contribute to chemistry, creating a dynamic unit that transcends the sum of its parts. The draft isn’t just a selection process—it’s a strategic dance, a careful choreography to build a team that resonates with the passionate New York fanbase.
With that in mind, these picks would fit the New York Liberty’s identity in the 2024 WNBA draft.
New York holds four total draft picks at Nos. 11, 17, 23 and 35.
11. Celeste Taylor, Guard/Forward, Ohio State
This mock draft will not fit the mold of traditional ones. The New York Liberty need to think outside the box and spruce their perimeter defense with length and athleticism. Taylor of Ohio State is a great draft choice at No. 11. Charlisse Leger-Walker would also be a great selection as a potential backup point guard to help Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu in the backcourt, though she will miss some time due to a knee injury.
Celeste Taylor has great size, incredible IQ and, though her shooting will need to improve, she can step into a role quickly as a fifth-year grad transfer. Taylor’s length was incredibly tough for opponents this year, holding them to an approximate average of sub-25% shooting in one-on-one coverage.
17. Isobel Borlase, Guard, Australia, Adelaide Lightning
Coach Sandy Brondello would likely be a fan of this pick. Borlase is an electric shooter—think of a bigger Sami Whitcomb with the driving ability of Alyssa Thomas. Borlase controls her body on drives while absorbing contact, something the Liberty lacked—other than Betnijah Laney—when they needed to play with more physicality. Borlase is another good wing to add to the Liberty roster who can play the two when Ionescu plays one.
23. Deja Kelly, Guard, North Carolina
Though Kelly is a dynamic scorer, she is a tweener who does not have the means to be a point guard and may be too small to be a shooting guard. The league is looking for platinum point guards and big shooting guards nowadays, and as the New York Liberty are looking for another guard to help Vandersloot and Ionescu, Kelly could find herself in an interesting spot if she can make the roster. New York is in championship mode, and Kelly’s scoring ability and willingness to play defense could help the team.
As the Liberty’s front office evaluates prospects and contemplates their picks, anticipation grows, echoing the city’s constant buzz. The hope is palpable for a draft class that can not only compete but leave an indelible mark on the league, carrying the torch of the Liberty’s storied history into a new era. The concrete jungle awaits its new warriors, ready to see which players will step up and etch their names into the vibrant tapestry of New York basketball lore.