Aziaha James WNBA Draft: Top 5 landing spots for NC State standout ft. LA Sparks

Scoring guard Aziaha James appears to have a bright WNBA future after an excellent college career at NC State. The question is where. James and fellow NC State standout Saniya Rivers are both in the conversation as possible first-round picks. It’s a matter of style as to which of the two is preferable, but in both cases, there’s reason for WNBA optimism.

James was a two-year starter at NC State who showed significant improvement in her final two seasons. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 16.8 points per game as a junior and 17.9 as a senior. A career 33% 3-point shooter, she never topped 34% in any individual season. She also averaged 4.6 and 4.9 rebounds in her last two seasons, respectively, but made her mark as a scorer.

There's no shortage of WNBA teams that could be interested in James. Her ability to get downhill and her potential to become a more efficient perimeter shooter make her a valuable prospect. Here are five WNBA squads that might elect to select her in the upcoming draft.

Top 5 WNBA Draft landing spots for Aziaha James

James could team up with Rhyne Howard on the Atlanta Dream via the upcoming WNBA Draft. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

5. Atlanta Dream

Atlanta is an up-and-coming young team. James could be paired with Kentucky standout Rhyne Howard in a backcourt for the future. On a team looking to build a young nucleus of talent, James seems like a strong candidate for draft selection.

One major issue: the Dream don’t have a pick until No. 16. It’s entirely plausible that James will be off the board by the time Atlanta makes a selection. But if she’s still available, the Dream could snap her up. That said, most projections indicate she’ll be gone before that slot.

4. Dallas Wings

The best thing about guessing Dallas as James’ WNBA landing spot is the double chance of accuracy. Aside from the No. 1 pick, the Wings hold the final pick of the first round (No. 12) and also the second pick of the second round (No. 14). Either could make sense for James.

Dallas has standout guard Arike Ogunbowale and is projected to select UConn guard Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 pick, but the team could certainly use more backcourt help. The Wings have a young roster, with no players boasting more than seven seasons of WNBA experience. An athletic scorer who can attack the rim could be a great addition — James fits that mold.

3. Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx are nearly the opposite of the Wings. They own the No. 11 pick, which could align well with James. Minnesota already has two experienced guards in Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride, entering their 10th and 11th seasons, respectively. The Lynx could use an infusion of youth.

The Lynx reached the Finals a year ago. They're building around star Napheesa Collier, and for a team that's closing in on a possible title, adding a guard who could help rest some veteran standouts could be a big deal. James would make a lot of sense for the Lynx as a draft option.

2. Chicago Sky

The Sky are a front-court heavy group. They’re led by incoming sophomores Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, and they could use scoring from the guard position.

James could be a seamless fit. The Sky would look on her as a complementary option while she looks to refine her all-around game, particularly her inconsistent perimeter shooting. Given time to develop, rather than being the focus of the offense, as she often was at NC State, James could pay significant dividends.

1. LA Sparks

The most likely choice is the Sparks, picking at the No. 9 slot in the draft. Some mock drafts project James to go here, while others have Rivers as the choice. Veterans Kelsey Plum and Odyssey Sims headline the backcourt, but some depth would be helpful.

James would add youthful energy, especially important considering Sims is entering her 11th WNBA season. The Sparks are an intriguing team, with Plum seen as a potential boom-or-bust player. James would be a useful player to pick up in the draft.

What do you think of Azaiah James' WNBA Draft spot? Share your take on the NC State standout below in our comments section!