Ranks 10-6
4 of 9
10. Kahleah Copper, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Starting the countdown, Copper is coming off her most successful season statistically. She achieved new personal bests in scoring (21.1) and setting up teammates (2.3), while also demonstrating a strong argument for being the best player in close games (2nd in scoring while making nearly 58% of her shots) if such recognition existed in the WNBA.
Copper’s defensive intensity over the course of the season lessened somewhat due to her increased offensive role, but her defensive capabilities are still present when needed. With the added talent in Phoenix, we might see more of her defensive contributions—as well as her effective cutting moves on offense.
9. Jackie Young, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
It was a notable year for Young as the Aces strived for cohesion on both sides of the court. Young took on more responsibility with the ball in her hands due to Gray’s early absence. This resulted in development that should serve her well in the future—she became a more adventurous playmaker (career high 5.3 assists) and showed more willingness to attempt shots from beyond the arc (career high 5.6 3s, particularly when defenders gave her space), but the overall results were mixed.
Her shooting efficiency decreased noticeably last year, from a remarkable 65.7 True Shooting percentage to a still-respectable 55.7, as defenses increased their pressure and Young was forced to create more opportunities for herself. Over 44 percent of Young’s made shots were independently created last season, the highest percentage since becoming a regular starter in 2021. Due to her altered offensive role, her defensive impact was less pronounced than in her All-Defense caliber seasons.
(In addition, it was revealed after the season that Young had been playing with an injury since the Gold Medal game.)
A fully healthy Young should perform even better.
8. Jonquel Jones, Center, New York Liberty
Jones completed her WNBA accomplishments last season, securing a championship and Finals MVP award to her already impressive collection that includes an MVP, Sixth Woman of the Year, Most Improved Player, and multiple All-WNBA and All-Defense selections.
She’s an extremely versatile center: a force in the low post (1.13 points per possession, 2nd among high volume post players according to Second Spectrum), a reliable shooter from beyond the arc (38.8% on 3.9 attempts last season), an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, and a defender capable of guarding multiple positions. She has adapted her game as needed during her time in New York; this is not a simple task, but she has managed the changing demands gracefully.
Jones’ handling of double-teams is an area for potential improvement, but she is without a doubt one of the league’s top players.
7. Nneka Ogwumike, Forward, Seattle Storm
In my view, Ogwumike is the most overlooked star in the league. Another player could make a strong argument for this title, and will appear in the rankings shortly. It is an odd label, but true based on my observations of the league and discussions surrounding awards.
Ogwumike played exceptional defense, arguably the best at defending ball screens as part of Seattle’s aggressive defensive strategy. She recorded steals at a high rate (1.9, top three in the league) and disrupted numerous other possessions with her timing and understanding of angles. Offensively, Ogwumike was among the most efficient post players in the league (1.1 points per possession, 3rd among high volume players according to Second Spectrum) and served as a low-volume three-point threat when called upon (40.5% on 2.0 3s).
Her season ended abruptly in the first round of the playoffs, with a combination of unusual missed shots and double teams from the Aces limiting her effectiveness. Still, Ogwumike is capable of performing many roles effectively on both sides of the court.
6. Sabrina Ionescu, Guard, New York Liberty
Similarly to Young’s season, Ionescu displayed significant development and refinement in her game that may be overlooked when simply examining her statistics.
Ionescu’s three-point shooting percentage was not up to her usual standards (33.3% on 8.4 attempts), but this did not significantly alter how opposing defenses guarded her. More importantly, Ionescu used the threat of her shot to enhance her playmaking abilities and become a more dangerous driver to the basket.
She initiated and played through contact more effectively. Crucially, she became more adept at using floaters and short pull-up jumpers, giving her a valuable option when teams forced her away from the three-point line and attempted to block her path to the basket. In addition, Ionescu improved as a defender. She was assigned to guard a variety of opponents last year, primarily to enable Breanna Stewart (and others) in defensive switches, but this strategy would not have been as successful without Ionescu holding her own.
A notable statistic from Second Spectrum: Ionescu was among 60 players to defend at least 100 drives to the basket last season. Ionescu’s points allowed per possession (0.9 PPP) and blow-by rate (24.5) were superior to Napheesa Collier’s (0.91 PPP and 26.1 respectively).
No one would reasonably argue that Ionescu was superior to last year’s Defensive Player of the Year; New York’s ability to protect the paint behind her undoubtedly improved her defensive statistics. However, her performance on that end demonstrates her commitment to fulfilling her role.
