Whether it was the 154 sold-out regular season games or the 48% increase in attendance, it is safe to say that this WNBA regular season has been historic. Scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals records broken. Players continue to engrave their names in the history books of this league. Most notably, more eyes wander to the game of women’s basketball. All of the WNBA players contributed to the growth of the organization; but what did they get done this season? This article takes an inside look at the performance of some top WNBA prospects.
- Rookie of The Year: Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark may have had the most anticipated WNBA debut viewers have ever seen. With thousands of eyes watching her, she did not disappoint. Clark finished the season averaging 19 points per game, and a league-leading 8.5 assists per game. She led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in 8 seasons, surpassing the expectations others had for this young Indiana team. During the quest for a playoff spot, Clark shattered multiple records including the most assists in a single game (19) and the WNBA rookie single-season scoring record (769). A phenomenon, better known as the ‘Clark Effect” is one of the driving reasons for increased viewership in the league. Clark’s massive fanbase from her time at Iowa followed her to her professional career, as the Fever averaged a WNBA record of 17,035 fans when playing at home. Her impact on the WNBA in a single season cannot be overstated, and her individual performance further validates her celebrity-like fame.
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): A’ja Wilson
2-time Olympic gold medalist, 3x MVP, and reigning WNBA Finals MVP only scratch the surface of the accolades A’ja Wilson has attained throughout her career. Wilson’s performance in the 2024 WNBA season was undoubtedly one of the most dominant displays of basketball EVER. A’ja had WNBA bests in THREE main statistical categories; scoring (26.6 points), rebounding (11.9 rebounds), and blocks (2.6 blocks). She led the Las Vegas Aces to a #4 ranking and a shot at winning their third consecutive WNBA championship. When her teammates weren’t playing their best, A’ja was there doing her part. Wilson became the only player in WNBA history to surpass 1,000 points in a regular season and broke the record for the most rebounds in a single season (451 and counting). No team had an answer for her, as Wilson could seemingly get through any defense thrown at her. Her impact on the WNBA shines through her playing, but her impact on the city of Las Vegas in terms of female professional athletes is inspiring. A’ja Wilson is truly an MVP on and off the basketball court.
- Defensive Player of The Year (DPOY): Napheesa Collier
When discussing players who can do a little bit of everything, Napheesa Collier embodies this saying. Offensively, Collier stands out, as she averaged 20 points per game while making 49% of her shots. On the subject of defense, Collier had the best individual defensive rating (92.2) and led the Minnesota Lynx in rebounding per game (9.7) and steals per game (1.9). As Napheesa averaged 34 minutes per game, it was evident that Minnesota’s defense wasn’t as strong when she was sitting. As a whole, Minnesota’s defense is strong, but when a team is anchored by a player like Collier who can guard all positions, it allows for a versatile set of players. She led the Minnesota Lynx to the #2 defensive rating and a 30-10 regular season record. She tallied 8 steals in a single game and had multiple games with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. Her presence on both sides of the ball only benefits the players on her team and makes her harder to stop. In the years to come, Napheesa Collier will be a name to look out for, as she is already making strides on the storied Minnesota Lynx.
The 2024 WNBA season was fun and groundbreaking, and these three players were a driving force in the trajectory of the league!
