JuJu Watkins, even after sitting out an entire season with a torn ACL, is the undisputed No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2027 WNBA Draft according to the latest mock. The Houston Comets, embarking on a whole new era, are projected to snag the USC phenom, giving them a monumental piece to build around. Watkins, a 6-foot-2 wing, brings a unique offensive skillset and high-level defense, making her an obvious franchise-transforming choice.
The Lottery Shake-Up Is Already Wild
The 2026 WNBA playoffs just kicked off, but for seven teams, it’s already offseason mode, and all eyes are on the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery. This thing is shaping up to be wild! With two new expansion squads, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, in the mix, we’re looking at seven teams in the lottery now, up from five. That means the lottery odds have to change, right? But the league’s stayed tight-lipped on the details so far. What we *do* know is that the Comets, formerly the Connecticut Sun, are splitting the best odds with the Tempo after beating them on the final day of the regular season. The Comets even get an extra lottery combination on a tiebreaker, so yeah, they’re in prime position. The actual lottery show? Probably late November or early December.
Who Else Made the Early Cut?
So who’s next in line in this early 2027 mock? The Toronto Tempo are pegged for No. 2, and they’re looking at Madison Booker, a versatile forward from Texas. The Tempo needs frontcourt help badly, and Booker brings that size and physicality on defense, not to mention she’s an elite mid-range shooter who excels in transition. Their defensive rating was the worst in WNBA history this season, so she’d be a huge get. Then at No. 3, the Washington Mystics, via Chicago, grab S’Mya Nichols from Kansas. The Mystics clearly need more perimeter scoring after their Game 1 playoff loss to the Dream, and Nichols is an elite high-volume pick-and-roll threat who draws fouls at an unprecedented rate and can drain a spot-up three.
This early look gives us a taste of what’s coming. With the college season right around the corner and those lottery odds still a mystery, there’s a ton to watch for. The Comets have to be pumped, knowing a talent like Watkins is potentially headed their way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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