The
Minnesota Lynx
entered the 2025
WNBA Draft
With some objectives, but they generally didn’t have significant room for improvement as a unit that came close to winning the WNBA championship last year. After
trading away from the first round
at the very end
adding a veteran
When it came to perimeter shooters, the Lynx had more flexibility with their draft selections this year.
The group generally had an unimpressive evening but did make several intriguing maneuvers that might offer potential benefits down the line. It will be interesting to find out whether their unconventional approach proved wise for the Lynx.
No. 15 – F Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Russia
When the Lynx picked Anastasiia Olairi Kosu high up in the second round, it caused some ripples since several well-known NCAA players remained available. However, considering her potential as a highly promising draft-and-stash candidate, selecting Kosu was a logical choice for the Minnesota team.
Since the age of 15, this young player, who is now 19 years old, has competed at high levels both domestically and internationally, similar to many of her fellow international draft picks. Her experience has honed her into an exceptional rebounder. In the 2019 U16 European Championship, where she guided her nation to victory and secured a gold medal, she demonstrated remarkable prowess by achieving averages of 17 points and 14.1 rebounds across seven matches.
Kosu not only brings years of professional experience, but she also provides rim protection, switchability, and elite defending. She’s averaging 9.5 points, 5.1 boards, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 block per game on 54.3% shooting currently with her Russian club. Kosu is agile enough to step out on pick-and-rolls and recover quickly, plus she’s a bucket in the paint. There’s still room for her to grow offensively, but Kosu’s ceiling is high, and choosing her may pay off down the line.
Grade: B-
No. 24 – F Dalayah Daniels, from Washington
In the second pick for Round 2, the Lynx selected Dalayah Daniels, who is a graduate student from Washington. Daniels brings resilience, rebounding skills, and versatile defense to Minnesota—a combination that fits perfectly with the team’s style. Her capability to defend various positions allows her to perform crucial tasks that aren’t always reflected in statistics.
Daniels quietly had an impressive final college season, averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 boards, 1.6 blocks, and 1.6 steals on 57.5% shooting while helping her squad reach its first NCAA Tournament since 2017. She finished her tenure at Washington with 160 blocked shots, landing her second in the program history books.
The 6-foot-4 forward’s game appears modest, but she’s one of the hardest-working players on the court. Daniels presents as a potential WNBA-ready asset that could surprise the coaching staff in training camp and end up getting rotated in for steady minutes.
Grade: C+
No. 37 – G/F Aubrey Griffin, UConn
The Lynx selected Aubrey Griffin as their penultimate pick in the draft, which turns out to be quite a stealthy move. Having recently won the NCAA Tournament, Griffin brings extensive experience, a history of success, and significant promise. Additionally, she exhibits remarkable physical abilities and makes notable contributions on defense.
Griffin concluded her tenure at Storrs with averages of 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting an impressive 53.3%. As a multifaceted player, she excels in defending, grabbing rebounds, scoring effectively, and pushing the pace. Additionally, having been part of Coach Geno Auriemma’s esteemed team for half a decade makes Griffin a fairly secure pick for the Lynx.
The small forward, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch, needs to enhance his shooting skills, and there are some worries surrounding this.
her injury history
However, she shines at generating confusion among opposing offenses. Should Griffin manage to remain fit and enhance her scoring abilities, she has the potential to be an integral member of the Lynx’s dependable team depth.
Grade: C+
Minnesota’s draft wasn’t particularly flashy, but the team made decisive moves with an eye toward future growth rather than instant results. By the time training camp wraps up, roster positions will likely be at a premium, yet the Lynx possess a flexible array of options with Kosu, Daniels, and Griffin competing for those limited chances.
This season, the Minnesota Lynx didn’t have to push too hard, yet they managed to position themselves well for future growth by nurturing potential talents behind their established roster. They selected a batch of newcomers who seem like good fits within their current team structure, setting them up advantageously for the 2026 draft. With a formidable lineup, Minnesota aims for another championship bid while also having solid long-term strategies ready to go.
This season, the Minnesota Lynx didn’t face significant challenges, yet they managed to position themselves well for future growth by developing potential talent beneath their established roster. They selected a batch of newcomers who could seamlessly integrate into their current team setup, thereby improving their standing heading toward the 2026 draft. With a formidable lineup, Minnesota aims for another championship push while also having a solid long-term strategy ready to go.
Like WARNEWS’ content?
Make sure to follow us.
Related:
The Lynx have acquired Karlie Samuelson following a trade where they gave up their 2025 WNBA Draft pick.
Related:
Perfect Fits for the Minnesota Lynx in the 2025 WNBA Draft
The post
Grading the Lynx’s 2025 WNBA Draft
appeared first on
WARNEWS
.
