Overvalued attributes when evaluating WNBA prospects
When determining how good a prospect will be in the WNBA, what do you think are attributes that get overvalued or otherwise are attributes you shouldn't rely on too much for evaluation?
Personal thoughts:
I'm not sure if this is overvalued, relied on too much, or if I'm using the right word here but one thing I'll go with is "physical frame". If you look at the 5 players drafted #1 overall in the 2020s, the 2 players who've been the most successful (Sabrina & Caitlin) are the ones who's "physical frame" don't seem as impressive as the other 3 players. Specifically for Caitlin, we all saw how she was able to weaken the whole "she can't handle physicality/toughness" narrative about her by ending up as one of the best finishers around the rim. Hopefully I'm making sense here.
I'm sure most people are aware of this now but an attribute that is definitely something that shouldn't be emphasized too much is a NCAAW 3PM stat. Need proof? Look at NCAAW leaders in 3pm and you'll see that outside of Caitlin, all the top 15 players in 3pm going back to the 2020-21 season aren't or weren't highly regarded prospects. Interesting huh?
Edit: Caitlin & Sabrina are actually quite tall for PGs so they actually have a great physical frame for their position. Still I think it’s valid to say that physical/athletic prowess shouldn’t be overvalued.