The Race for the 2025 WNBA Awards Begins
Even though the WNBA season is just beginning, with some teams having played only seven games out of the 44 scheduled, anticipation for the end-of-season awards is already underway. The competition is fierce, and several players are emerging as candidates in key categories such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
The voting is already underway, and the Alofoke Deportes panel has issued its first predictions. Below, an analysis of the main awards and the most outstanding contenders.
MVP
The fight for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is intense. Will A’ja Wilson, of the Las Vegas Aces, secure her fourth MVP award, setting a new league record? Or will Napheesa Collier, of the Minnesota Lynx, take home the award for the first time?Napheesa Collier, from the Minnesota Lynx, is the current favorite. Collier has had an outstanding performance, leading the league in points average (25.5) and excelling in rebounds, steals, and blocks. Her impressive performance has made her a serious contender for the MVP.
In the last 12 months, Collier helped the Lynx win the Commissioner’s Cup final, earned her second Olympic gold medal, was the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, played in her first WNBA Finals, and co-founded a 3-on-3 professional league.
Alofoke Deportes
Her main rival is A’ja Wilson, of the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson, already with three MVP awards to her name, seeks to break her own record. Despite a season start with ups and downs for the Aces, Wilson continues to demonstrate her worth with impressive averages in points and rebounds, in addition to improvements in assists and steals.
Rookie of the Year
The competition for the Rookie of the Year award is also in full swing. Will Kiki Iriafen, from the Washington Mystics, take home the prize? Or will another emerging player change the course of the season?
Kiki Iriafen, from Washington Mystics, is the current favorite. Her immediate impact on the league has been notable, excelling in field goals and dominance in the restricted area. Her numbers position her as a strong contender for the award.
Her main competitors are Sonia Citron, also from Washington Mystics, and Paige Bueckers, from Dallas Wings. Citron has proven to be a constant threat on offense, while Bueckers could move up the rankings once she fully recovers from her injuries.
Defensive Player of the Year
Regarding the Defensive Player of the Year, the competition is fierce. Who will stand out for their ability to protect the rim and lead their team in defense?
Natasha Cloud, from the New York Liberty, is the favorite in this category. The Liberty’s defense has shown significant improvement, and Cloud has been fundamental to this achievement. Her defensive ability and tenacity are key elements for the team.
Her main rivals include Jonquel Jones, also from the New York Liberty, and A’ja Wilson, from the Las Vegas Aces. Jones has been essential to the Liberty’s defense, while Wilson continues to stand out despite her team’s defensive challenges.
Player with Most Progress
The Most Improved Player award recognizes those who have elevated their game to a new level. The competition is fierce, and several players have demonstrated remarkable growth.
Allisha Gray, from Atlanta Dream, is the favorite. Gray is having an exceptional season, showing a significant increase in her points and shooting efficiency. She has proven to be a key piece for her team’s success.
Her main competitors include Natasha Cloud, of the New York Liberty, and Aliyah Boston, of the Indiana Fever. Cloud has also made a big impact with her new team, while Boston has shown remarkable growth in her game.
Sixth Player of the Year
The Sixth Player of the Year award recognizes those who excel from the bench. The competition is intense, and several players have proven to be valuable to their teams.
Kennedy Burke, from New York Liberty, is the favorite. Despite the departure of key players, Burke has proven to be a fundamental piece in the team’s offensive production, standing out from the bench.
Her main competitors are Natisha Heideman and Jessica Shepard, both from the Minnesota Lynx. Both players have proven to be valuable to their teams, excelling in different roles.
Coach of the Year
Finally, the Coach of the Year award recognizes the work of those who have guided their teams to success. The competition is fierce, and several coaches have proven their worth.
Nate Tibbetts, from Phoenix Mercury, is the favorite. Despite the challenges, Tibbetts has achieved a good performance with his team, demonstrating his ability to lead and motivate his players.
Their main contenders are Sandy Brondello, from New York Liberty, and Cheryl Reeve, from Minnesota Lynx. Both coaches have achieved great success with their teams, demonstrating their worth in the league.
The WNBA season is just beginning, but the race for the awards is already underway. Alofoke Deportes will continue to update this tracking as the season progresses, providing comprehensive coverage of the contenders and their achievements.
