I said earlier, the 2022 draft was just about straight garbage, especially compared to the 2024 draft. The #2 overall pick in Smith is going to be struggling to keep a starting spot on a team that may only squeak into the playoffs with a first round exit by the end of her 3rd season. The 2021 draft may be even worse than the 2022 draft.
Here's what Indiana has pulled in on draft night for 1st round players over the last several years, which shows as the big problem with their roster.
2024 1st overall - Caitlin Clark (starter and all star)
2023 1st overall - Aliyah Boston (starter and all star)
2023 7th overall - Grace Berger (never plays)
2022 2nd overall - NaLyssa Smith (starter, for now)
2022 4th overall - Emily Engstler (waived after 35 games)
2022 6th overall - Lexie Hull (spot starter but mostly a backup)
2022 10th overall - Queen Egbo (traded after 49 games)
2021 4th overall - Kysre Gondrezick (waived after 19 games)
2020 3rd overall - Lauren Cox (waived after 25 games)
2019 3rd overall - Teaira McCowan (traded after 88 games)
2018 2nd overall - Kelsey Mitchell (starter and all star)
2018 8th overall - Victoria Vivians (waived after 144 games)
There were eight top 4 draft picks in the past seven years. Only four of those are still there as starters. Only half of the twelve picks are even on still on the roster. Crazy how little long-term value they've managed to get out of all of that draft capital.
Hell Nylssa Smith is an overwhelming success story comparatively. Many of those women aren’t even in the league anymore.