The Indiana Fever came out with some big time picks, arguably winning the 2018 WNBA draft.
2018 WNBA Draft: Complete Results
In a trade for the No. 8 overall pick, the Fever traded Briann January to the Phoenix Mercury. This opened up the opportunity to bring in a couple of guards who could provide some longevity and improve the franchise for years to come. They needed guards, scoring and an inside presence from a rebounding standpoint.
Let's break down the Fever's big night:
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Kelsey Mitchell, G — Ohio State
A highly anticipated No. 2 pick, Mitchell is a dynamic combo guard who gives the Fever the offense they need and who can play on or off the ball. This year, she was the nation's third-leading scorer averaging 24.3 points per game, shooting nearly 45 percent from the field. She's explosive, can get it to the rim, is great in the pick in roll and is a serious threat beyond the arc as she shoots it over 40 percent.
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Victoria Vivians, G — Mississippi State
To add to the Fever's offensive output, Indiana acquired the Mississippi State standout at the No. 8 overall pick. Vivians is pro-ready as a 6-foot-1, versatile guard with a scoring mentality and the ability to defend. She averaged just under 20 points per game a senior and also shot the ball over 40 percent from the three point line.
She fits in well with Pokey Chapman's style of play as someone who can play both sides of the floor. To me, acquiring Vivians is just as exciting as Mitchell for the Fever from a production standpoint.
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Stephanie Mavunga, F – Ohio State
For this Brownsburg, IN native and 2013 Miss Basketball in Indiana, it is a welcome home party with plenty of familiar faces. In fact, her sister-in-law Jeanette Pohlen-Mavunga plays for the Fever and Ohio State teammate Kelsey Mitchell was drafted at No. 2. The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 16.6 points and 11 rebounds as a senior. She brings a rebounding presence that the Fever needed along with high efficiency around the rim.
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After going 9-25 in 2017, there is no doubt the Indiana Fever got better, at least offensively. They've got a nice mix of veteran talent and rookies who can come in and make an immediate impact playing extended minutes.
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