The 2026 WNBA Draft is shaping up to be a game-changer, but here’s the twist: with ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, the season’s start date remains a mystery. Yet, for die-hard women’s basketball fans, the draft speculation is already in full swing. The Portland Fire, set to pick seventh, are in a unique position—fresh off the expansion draft, their roster needs are still evolving, making every prediction a thrilling gamble. But here’s where it gets controversial: could a rapper-turned-hoops star or a Spanish prodigy be the key to their success? Let’s dive into the players WNBA experts believe could be the Fire’s next big move.
Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss
Standing at 6 feet tall, this small forward has been turning heads. After a stellar three-year run at Ohio State, where she earned two first-team All-Big Ten selections, McMahon is now leading Ole Miss to a 19-5 record and a No. 14 national ranking. Averaging 19.8 points per game (No. 4 in the SEC), she’s a scoring machine. ESPN even pegged her as a potential No. 7 pick—but is she the right fit for Portland’s evolving roster?
Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
Here’s where it gets interesting: Johnson isn’t just a 5-foot-10 senior guard dominating the court; she’s also a rapper with two albums under her belt. Portland has a history of embracing basketball stars with musical talents (remember Damian Lillard?), and Johnson’s dual identity could make her a hometown hero. With 13.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game this season, she’s a reliable scorer and defender. But here’s the question: Can her off-court persona elevate the Fire’s brand, or is it just a fun bonus?
Gianna Kneepkens, UCLA
Once a Utah Ute, Kneepkens has seen her stock soar over the past year. Named to the All-Pac-12 Team in 2022 and 2023, and an All-Big 12 first-team selection in 2025, she’s now averaging 12.1 points and 2.6 assists per game for UCLA, one of the nation’s top teams. Mock drafts from Winsidr and Tankathon have her going to the Fire—but is she the missing piece they need?
Madina Okot, South Carolina
At 6-foot-6, this Kenyan-born center is a force to be reckoned with. With only two years of college basketball under her belt, Okot has already proven herself as a strong interior defender. Averaging 13.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for South Carolina, she’s a double-double threat. But here’s the debate: Is her limited experience a risk, or is she a ‘diamond in the rough’ worth betting on?
Kiki Rice, UCLA
Rice, a 5-foot-11 senior point guard, has been instrumental in UCLA’s success this season. Averaging 15.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, she’s a versatile playmaker with a 39.1% three-point percentage. Swish Appeal has her going to the Fire at No. 7, but here’s the counterpoint: With UCLA’s deep roster, is her impact truly as significant as it seems?
Yarden Garzon, Maryland
This 6-foot-3 guard from Israel brings length and elite three-point shooting to the table. Averaging 13 points and three assists per game while shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc, she’s a sniper. Her record-breaking career at Indiana makes her a proven commodity, but here’s the question: Can she replicate her college success in the WNBA?
Iyana Martín Carrión, Perfumerías Avenida Baloncesto
At just 20 years old, Martín Carrión is already a EuroLeague Young Player of the Year and a FIBA U19 World Cup MVP. Averaging 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, she’s a seasoned pro despite her age. But here’s the controversy: Is drafting a player with limited NCAA exposure a smart move, or should the Fire prioritize college-tested talent?
As the draft approaches, one thing is clear: the Portland Fire have a wealth of options, each with their own unique story and potential. What do you think? Is Flau’jae Johnson’s dual career a game-changer, or should the Fire focus on proven college stars? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
