Grading the Tempo’s WNBA expansion draft picks

The Toronto Tempo entered the 2026 WNBA expansion draft with the difficult task of constructing a roster from the league’s unprotected pool, which is a process that prioritizes creativity, long-term thinking, and careful risk management over immediate star acquisition. Expansion drafts rarely produce instant contenders, but they can lay the groundwork for identity and cohesion.

Toronto’s selections reflect a deliberate approach. It revealed that the franchise is emphasizing playmaking, international experience, and positional balance while accepting the reality that elite, franchise-altering talent is rarely available in this setting. Each pick combines to present a roster that may not dominate early but has the potential to grow into a competitive unit. Before the Tempo welcome a new class of rookies in the WNBA Draft in just a few days, let’s evaluate the decisions Toronto made in the expansion draft.

The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have selected their rosters in the WNBA expansion draft pic.twitter.com/0v80URwr1b

— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) April 3, 2026

Julie Allemand — Grade: A-

Julie Allemand stands out as a foundational choice and a clear signal of Toronto’s intended style of play. As a pass-first guard with exceptional court vision, she brings organization and tempo (no pun intended) control to a team that will otherwise be learning on the fly. Her ability to create opportunities for teammates is especially valuable on an expansion roster, where offensive chemistry is not yet established.

Allemand’s experience in both the WNBA and international competitions, as a member of the Belgian national team, gives her a level of composure that should translate immediately. She is not a high-volume scorer, which slightly limits her ceiling as a centerpiece, but her efficiency and decision-making more than compensate. For a team prioritizing structure and cohesion, this was a smart and stabilizing first selection.

Nyara Sabally — Grade: B+

Nyara Sabally offers one of the more intriguing blends of upside and uncertainty. Defensively, she has already demonstrated the ability to guard multiple positions, rebound effectively, and impact the game without needing the ball. Those traits are invaluable for a roster still defining offensive roles.

However, her career has been interrupted by injuries, making durability the real concern. If she remains healthy, Sabally could emerge as one of the most impactful players on the roster, particularly on the defensive end. The pick signals a willingness to take a calculated risk in exchange for meaningful upside, which is often necessary in expansion scenarios.

Marina Mabrey — Grade: A

Marina Mabrey represents Toronto’s most significant offensive weapon. Unlike many expansion picks, she has a proven track record as a scorer capable of creating her own shot under pressure, and Mabrey doubled down on that ability as the leading scorer of Unrivaled’s 2026 season. That skill is critical for a team that may struggle to generate consistent offensive chemistry at first.

Mabrey’s confidence and aggressiveness give the Tempo a focal point late in possessions, and her experience positions her as a likely leader in the locker room. While her efficiency has fluctuated at times throughout her career, the ability to shoulder offensive responsibility earns this pick a high grade. She is not just a contributor — she is essential to Toronto’s immediate competitiveness.

Aaliyah Nye — Grade: B+

Aaliyah Nye represents a forward-looking selection rooted in potential rather than established production. As a young perimeter player, she brings a proven shooting ability and developmental upside that align with a rebuilding timeline.

The challenge is that her WNBA resume is still limited, making it difficult to project her role with certainty. She could evolve into a valuable rotation shooter, or she could struggle to secure consistent minutes. For an expansion team, however, investing in youth and growth is a sensible strategy, making this a non-splashy but solid choice.

Lexi Held — Grade: B

Lexi Held adds depth to the backcourt, offering scoring instincts, energy, and playoff experience from her year with the Phoenix Mercury. However, she might end up being a player fighting for a consistent role rather than a guaranteed contributor.

This type of pick is common in expansion drafts since teams have to fill out rosters with players who can compete for minutes. Held does bring some versatility as an underrated two-way player, but her ceiling appears to be more limited than others available in the pool, which lowers the grade slightly. Still, she’ll provide insurance and internal competition at the guard position.

Maria Conde — Grade: C-

Maria Conde is one of the more interesting international additions. With strong experience in European competition as a Spanish national playing in Italy, she provides versatility, size on the wing, and a well-rounded skill set. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas like scoring, rebounding, and facilitating could make her a valuable connector piece.

The most important question, though, is whether she adapts to the WNBA at all, let alone its physicality and pace. Conde was drafted in 2019 but has never actually played in the league. If she does transition over, this could become one of the better value picks in Toronto’s class. Her potential upside and versatility may justify the Tempo’s risk, but not by much.

Maria Kliundikova — Grade: B-

Maria Kliundikova fills a necessary role as a physical presence in the frontcourt. Expansion teams often struggle with interior depth, and her size and defensive ability help address that issue.

While she is a skilled shooter, her contributions do not need to extend beyond defense, rebounding, and interior stability. This is a more practical selection that prioritizes roster balance over upside, and the Tempo earn a respectable grade as a result.

Adja Kane — Grade: C-

Adja Kane is a developmental prospect whose value probably lies more in long-term potential than immediate impact. Her physical abilities and athletic profile are intriguing, but she remains unproven in the W since she never made her debut.

For Toronto, this pick reflects a willingness to invest in future growth rather than present production. While that approach is understandable, it also adds more uncertainty to the roster. Until Kane demonstrates she can contribute consistently in the WNBA, this selection remains a bit of a mystery.

Nikolina Milić — Grade: C+

Nikolina Milić at least offers some WNBA experience, having last played for the Minnesota Lynx in 2023. Despite her limited opportunities, she has shown the ability to produce, and her skill set complements more perimeter-oriented teammates.

Milić’s ceiling may not be particularly high, but expansion teams also benefit from players who can deliver steady, predictable minutes. She fits that description, earning Toronto a solid-enough mark for choosing potential reliability.

Kitija Laksa — Grade: B+

Kitija Laksa addresses one of the most important needs for any modern roster: Shooting. As a proven perimeter threat with the Mercury, she can stretch defenses and create space for playmakers like Allemand and other scorers like Mabrey.

Shooting also tends to translate well, which increases confidence in her potential impact. If she establishes consistency from beyond the arc, she could become a key offensive piece. This selection stands out for being both practical and potentially high value.

Kristy Wallace — Grade: C

Kristy Wallace is capable of providing shots from beyond the arc in the backcourt, but her WNBA career’s been slightly derailed by injuries and the choice to go play in her native Australia.  She’s yet another player the Tempo picked who didn’t play in the W last season, so it’s difficult to tell how she’ll fit in with the rest of this lineup.

Wallace will be more of a steady presence than a standout performer if she does return to North America, making her a useful but not transformative addition. For a roster still taking shape, players like Wallace help bridge gaps and maintain structure. But the limited upside compared to younger options keeps the grade on the lower end.

Toronto’s expansion draft class reflects a measured and thoughtful approach rather than an aggressive swing for immediate contention. The team prioritized playmaking, shooting, and international experience while assembling a roster that has the possibility to function cohesively from the outset. Players like Mabrey and Allemand provide a clear identity, while others such as Sabally, Nye, and Held offer upside that could elevate the team over time.

The absence of a singular superstar is not surprising given the constraints of an expansion draft, but it does limit the team’s short-term ceiling. As a result, the overall class feels solid and balanced but not yet transformative.

Ultimately, the success of this group will depend on what comes next. The WNBA Draft and free agency will determine whether these selections become the backbone of a competitive franchise or simply the first step in a long building process.

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