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We’re halfway through the 2022 WNBA season, and it’s time to hand out some hardware. We’ve had enough time to see who’s in the running for the end-of-season awards. Here is who we think is in the lead for each award at the season’s halfway mark.
Most Valuable Player
Tariq: Courtney Vandersloot
You could go in multiple directions with this, and you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. A’ja and Stewie have great cases, but I think everyone is picking them, so I’ll defer. Courtney Vandersloot and Candace Parker have MVP cases, but I would slide towards Sloot since she’s played every game this season.
While this may be the most talented team in the league, the game drastically changes when Sloot isn’t on the floor. She’s second in assists per game, fourth on the team in scoring, and with players that play 20+ minutes, she’s #1 on the team in three-point percentage. She also has two game-winners this year, one at the buzzer. She leads the league in assist percentage and is truly a floor general of the highest regard.
Bryce: A’ja Wilson
For most of the season, the Las Vegas Aces were atop the WNBA standings, and a good part of that had to do with the play of their superstar big A’ja Wilson. This season, she has been an absolute problem for the league, averaging career highs in blocks and rebounds.
A’ja has always been a threat in the paint, but it seems like this year, she has had the freedom to tap into her potential. This season, Wilson has shot from behind the arc more than ever and is hitting close to 40 percent from that range. Overall she has looked like the best and most impactful player in the league this season. If the Aces have a solid second half of the season, it is no question that Wilson will be the league’s MVP.
Rookie of the Year
Both: Rhyne Howard
While rookies like Shakira Austin, NaLyssa Smith, and Rebekah Gardner have been outstanding, Rhyne has been fantastic. Howard ranks 13th in the league in scoring, eighth in threes made per game, and seventh with 50 three-point makes total. She made her first all-star game as a rookie; enough said. From day one, she showed why the Dream did right by trading up to make her the face of their franchise.
Coach of the Year
Tariq: Tanisha Wright
The Dream had a lackluster, tumultuous season last year, so to see this quick turnaround has much to do with coaching. Coach Wright has the Dream third in defensive rating while missing key players throughout the season. Many believed Atlanta would be in the bottom half of the league, and they seem to be a team that is firmly in the playoffs, although their record matches a few others. Tanisha Wright has done a wonderful job building a culture, and it’s not even through year one yet.
Bryce: Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon always had what it took to become a head coach in the WNBA; she has shown that through the first half of the season. Yes, the Aces are loaded with talent, but you have to be able to guide that talent in the right direction to achieve success. Hammon has been utilizing the Aces’ strengths and opened up the offense to get the most out of her players. The Aces’ offense is playing at a higher pace and is looking better as a whole. Currently, the Aces are 15-7 and are second in the league standings. So far, we’ve seen the Aces improve from last season with her at the forefront, but will she be able to finally lead them to a championship?
Sixth Player of the Year
Both: Bri Jones
Bri Jones is now a two-time All-Star and made it this year as the sixth woman. Her numbers are slightly lower than expected, but that doesn’t determine her impact. Her presence inside on both sides of the ball is always felt. The Sun aren’t where they are without Jones.
Defensive Player of the Year
Tariq: Ezi Magbegor
While the advanced stats may say Stewie, I’m going to ride with Ezi. Her athleticism, speed, and instincts are incredible. She’s leading the league in blocks and is consistently guarding the opposing team’s best frontcourt player. And at just 22 years old, she still has more time to grow on that end which is scary.
Bryce: Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart has always been a good defender, but this year has seemed better than others. She currently leads the league in steals with a career-high of 1.9 a game. It’s crazy to see that her teammate Ezi Magbegor is in the running as well; it just goes to show how good Seattle’s defense is.
Most Improved Player
Tariq: Han Xu
Han Xu made her WNBA debut in 2019 and then covid, and the Olympics stopped her from coming over for those seasons. She’s made a hell of an impact off the bench. Watching games, it seems like she doesn’t miss. Her points per game average have jumped from 3.0-10.2, and her field goal percentage increased from 41 to 57 percent. Her free percentage is 75%, and she’s averaging four rebounds in 18 minutes per game off the bench.
Many players could win it; Allisha Gray, Sabrina Ionescu, Azurá Stevens, and Katie Lou Samuelson. I feel that you can see the improvements with Xu in every way, whether it be physicality, numbers, or just the eye test altogether.
Bryce: Jackie Young
Jackie Young took a big leap last year, but it seems like she has taken an even bigger one this season. Young has been hooping for the Las Vegas Aces this season, averaging career-highs across the board. You can see she has been playing with more confidence this season. Young was selected for her first All-Star Game this year and made it as a starter. Seeing her improve her play and people taking notice of it has been good.
Keep in mind that we still have a second half of the season to go. Some of these picks could change, or some of these players could go on to solidify their cases for the awards they are up for. It’ll be something to watch for as we go into the year’s second half.
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
