As the WNBA playoffs continue, the league has announced some of its award winners. Jonathan Kolb, general manager of the New York Liberty, won the WNBA Executive of the Year award.
This win stems from Kolb bringing in talent such as Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot. The Liberty picked up another award as head coach Stephanie White was named WNBA Coach of the Year.
The Sixth Player of the Year was announced on Monday, and Las Vegas Aces Alysha Clark received the honors. The WNBA has a few more awards to give out, and the next one will be announced on Sept. 21.
That award will be the Most Improved Player. The remaining rewards will be interesting, and what better time than now to give some predictions.
Here are four players that could win WNBA awards.
1.) Most Improved Player: Satou Sabally, Dallas Wings The Most Improved Player race is a tight one. This race has a number of players that could take home the award for their incredible play during the season. But one player could edge out the competition. Satou Sabally is a forward for the Dallas Wings. Sabally averaged 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals. Sabally has been a key factor in her team’s success this season, and at 25-years-old, Sabally is young enough to remain a key piece of the Wings for years to come. Sabally’s 2022 season was marred by injury, but this season, she has remained healthy and contributed to her team. However, she did twist her ankle at the end of the season. But overall Sabally’s stats have improved, she had a huge game during the season as she scored 40 points, and she made an impact. Sabally has a strong chance at Most Improved Player, but there are other players like Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor who should receive consideration.
2.) Most Valuable Player: A’Ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces What can be said about A’Ja Wilson? She is having another strong season, and in another tight race, she may be the leading candidate. Wilson averaged 22.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. She can put up big numbers, and in her last game, she did just that. Wilson finished with 38 points and 16 rebounds as the Aces beat the Chicago Sky 92-70. Wilson is the reigning MVP and led her team to a championship last season. Could fans see the same thing this season? It is a strong possibility. However, even with Wilson as the frontrunner, Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas should not be counted out.
3.) Rookie of the Year: Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever Aliyah Boston has a bright future ahead of her. She was the first pick of the 2023 draft and from the start, she made an impact. Boston averaged 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Boston managed to become an All-Star in only her first season, and there will be many more in the future. Boston is a player that can make an impact on both ends of the floor, and with her leading the way (and having a chance at Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese or another talented player), the Fever are making progress. Boston will likely be the consensus Rookie of the Year.
4.) Defensive Player of the Year: A’Ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces On top of the MVP award, Wilson has a good shot at Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson is a strong defender that can disrupt any offense. She averaged 1.4 steals this season and was the league leader in blocks per game with 2.2 blocks. In their last game Wilson had four blocks and three steals. Wilson won Defensive Player of the Year last season, and in the event Stewart or Thomas wins MVP, Wilson still could take home the DPOY. The races are exciting and fans will see who will win very soon.
