Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo pick 11 players each in WNBA expansion draft on April 3rd

Two new teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, have picked 11 players each in the WNBA expansion draft held on April 3rd. They will start playing in May.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The nascent Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have finalized their initial player lists via the WNBA expansion draft, a process that saw 11 players selected by each franchise. This move marks the official entry of two new entities into the league's competitive landscape, setting the stage for the upcoming season.

The draft saw Portland snag Bridget Carleton, an unrestricted free agent from the Minnesota Lynx, with their first pick, signaling an immediate intention to secure key talent and exclusive negotiation rights. Toronto, conversely, appears to be building towards future scoring potential, with mentions of Marina Mabrey’s ability to "go off for 30 points on any given night" despite noted inconsistency.

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Portland's roster composition includes Carla Leite, a promising rookie from the Golden State Valkyries, and Haley Jones, a former top-10 pick noted for her untapped potential. The Fire's approach seems geared towards building depth, with an influx of talent intended to compete at a high level from the outset.

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The Toronto Tempo's selections also reveal a strategic build. While aiming for scoring, the team has secured players like Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks and acknowledged the potential impact of Kristy Wallace, should she return to play. The team's stated goal is to acquire players who bring "leadership, defensive edge, and scoring across the floor."

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A notable aspect of the draft is the significant international presence among the selected players. Fourteen international athletes were chosen, spanning countries such as Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Latvia, Russia, and Spain. This diversity underscores the global reach of professional women's basketball and hints at varied playing styles entering the league.

Both Portland and Toronto will commence their inaugural seasons in May. The Portland Fire are slated to play their first game on May 8, hosting the Chicago Sky. The Toronto Tempo will also begin their season on May 8, welcoming the Washington Mystics. The expansion draft itself took place on April 3rd, with ESPN providing coverage. The league's structure dictates that expansion teams are allowed to select one player from each of the existing thirteen teams, with specific protocols for unrestricted free agents.

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The acquisition of players like Nyara Sabally, a former No. 5 overall pick, is seen as a calculated move for Toronto. Meanwhile, Portland's decision to prioritize Bridget Carleton, an unrestricted free agent, with their first pick, indicates a strong intent to solidify their core lineup. Each expansion team was permitted to select only one unrestricted free agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in the WNBA expansion draft on April 3rd?
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, two new teams, picked 11 players each from other WNBA teams. This is to build their teams for the new season.
Q: Who did Portland Fire pick in the expansion draft?
Portland Fire picked 11 players, including Bridget Carleton, Carla Leite, and Haley Jones. They want to build a strong team from the start.
Q: Who did Toronto Tempo pick in the expansion draft?
Toronto Tempo also picked 11 players, such as Marina Mabrey, Julie Allemand, and Kristy Wallace. They are looking for scoring and leadership.
Q: How many international players were chosen in the draft?
Fourteen international players from different countries were selected in the draft. This shows that women's basketball is popular around the world.
Q: When do the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo start playing?
Both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will play their first games on May 8th. Portland will play at home against the Chicago Sky, and Toronto will play at home against the Washington Mystics.