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Tariq’s WNBA favorite things
Chennedy Carter Redemption, Sky
16.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 51% FG, 23% 3FG, 74% FT
After being out of the league for a year, “Hollywood” Chennedy Carter has put the league on notice. Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon has been known for her mentorship, due to her time in New Orleans, with Zion Williamson. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that Chennedy is thriving under T-Spoon’s tutelage. Carter just needed another opportunity, and she has responded hugely. She started the first 12 games of the season coming off the bench and was the frontrunner for the Sixth Woman of the Year award. Chennedy played her way into the starting lineup, averaging nearly 17 points per game in June, shooting 54% from the field. In her 11 starts, she’s averaging 20 points per game and shooting 50% from the field. I personally thought she should’ve been an All-Star this season, but that doesn’t take away from the season she’s having to this point. She is truly one of the most entertaining players in the league.
Maddy Siegrist, Soaring Sophomore, Wings
14.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 52% FG, 29% 3FG, 79% FT
Before her finger injury, Maddy Siegrist was in the midst of a phenomenal sophomore season. An 11-point increase, a 26-minute increase, and a nine field goal attempt increase have helped. Siegrist still has to capitalize on her opportunity, and she was doing that. Her poise, patience, and understanding of her skillset are beautiful to watch. She doesn’t take unnecessary shots, and excels at getting to her spots, and is efficient once getting to them. Despite her sub-30 three-point percentage, she shoots 58% on two-point shots and has a true shooting percentage of 57.4. She is a talented scorer, in just her second year, so if the three-ball starts to fall at an efficient clip, look out.
Napheesa “MVPHEE” Collier and The Lynx
20.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, 47% FG, 31% 3FG, 79% FT
Not many expected the Lynx to be near the top of the league, or Commissioner’s Cup champions, but some did expect the MVP-caliber season Napheesa Collier is having. She is building off her top-5 MVP finish in 2023 with another “phee-nomenal” season. She’s averaging career-highs in assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals; while anchoring the number one defense in the league to this point, surplanting herself in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Phee is a superstar in this league, and it’s time she started getting the recognition of one.
It’s not just Collier solely leading the way for Minnesota, players up and down the roster have stepped up and had career years. Kayla McBride is averaging nearly 16 points per game on 43% from three, helping her reach her 4th All-Star appearance. Alanna Smith is helping Collier anchor the defense; while averaging nearly 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2 blocks per game on 49/45/76 shooting splits. Courtney Williams has done an exceptional job of running the show with five assists per game, and Bridget Carleton is shooting a lights-out 45% from three. Dorka Juhasz, Natisha Hiedeman, and Cecelia Zandalasini have been the consistent key rotational pieces.
Sabrina Ionescu’s progression, Liberty
19.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 42% FG, 34% 3FG, 90% FT
While her traditional stats may not jump off the screen to show her progression, the eye test and digging deeper into the numbers show you the growth is there. In the regular season and playoffs last year Sabrina shot 38% on two-point shots, this season she’s shooting 50%. Through 20 games, 48% of her shots are two-point shots, a 10% increase from last season. Her ability to generate points for herself off the dribble has much improved in her early seasons. She was already an All-WNBA caliber guard, but she’s separated herself into a new tier, and in MVP conversations. Every season she has elevated her game, and after the playoffs last season it was clear what she needed to work on. She isn’t shooting the three-point shot at the same clip, but still holds the gravity. She’s stronger and more confident and her shot variety is more versatile. Before the season, I wrote about how important she was to the Liberty winning a championship, and with her play thus far, they look much better than last season. Sabrina Ionescu deserves more credit and recognition for the progress she’s made.
Kahleah Copper’s All-WNBA Campaign, Mercury
23.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 45% FG, 34% 3FG, 81% FT
Kahleah Copper has shown her abilities for years, but her play this season has pushed her to the upper echelon of guards in the W. Copper was the building block for the Sky and now she is the pivotal piece for the Phoenix Mercury. Kah’s growth over the past 4-5 seasons earned a spot on the 2024 women’s Olympic basketball team. She’s been their most consistent offensive weapon all season, there’s been a ton put on her shoulder she’s stepped up. She already has seven 30-point games, including a career-high 38. Phoenix has been inconsistent through the first half as a whole, but she’s done her part on both sides of the floor. Playing alongside Britney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Natasha Cloud more was expected as a group but there’s still time to mesh. With the way Copper is playing, I wouldn’t want to see this team play at their best with her at this level.
Ariel Atkins, Mystics
15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 42% FG, 34% 3FG, 80% FT
Last 10 games- 17.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 45/35/77
Ariel Atkins has a legitimate case for being the most underrated player in the league. For years she’s been underappreciated, but what she’s been able to do on a rebuilding team riddled with injuries has been nothing short of incredible. She’s always been known as one of the better two-way players in the league, but it’s been a few years since she’s been able to show her worth on a team that is contending for a championship. Sometimes that causes players like her to fall under the radar. She’s not flashy and doesn’t have a brash personality, but she undoubtedly has the game! Brittany Sykes went down after the first game, Shakira Austin has been out most of the season, and Karlie Samuelson also went down recently. Injuries have hurt the Mystics for the last few years, but the one consistent mainstay? Ariel Atkins.
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