The sad reality of the WNBA Draft

Trinity Baptiste was drafted by the Indiana Fever at the 2021 WNBA Draft. She was waived two weeks later. On Her Turf spoke to three draft picks from 2021 about their rookie experience in the league. In the last five years, an average of 13 rookies were waived prior to the first game of the W NBA season. Last year, 16 of 36 draftees were drafted before the season began. Six players were released after the start of season, and another six were waiving or released shortly after. The draft takes place on Monday. It is the culmination of a lifelong dream.

Chelsey Perry was drafted by the Indiana Fever in the 2021 WNBA Draft. She was in training camp and scored 16 points in her team's opener against the Chicago Sky. Kionna Jeter was selected by Las Vegas Aces as the 36th and final pick in 2021. Jater was cut after a week. She returned to Tennessee-Martin's campus and stayed in shape. The Fever waived Lauren Cox a month later. Perry got a call asking her to re-sign with the team. It was her dream to play in WNBA. Her college coach supported her. He also helped her stay motivated.

The WNBA's 2020 CBA has resulted in some roster spots going unused. Roster size is limited to 12 players. Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault would like to expand the roster. Female players can't play in the G-League and they can only play on practice squads. Some players who are cut have to go abroad to keep their WNA hopes alive. Baptiste signed a contract in Russia after being waived by the Fever. Jeter took the season off to focus on her mental health.