WNBA Award Predictions for MVP, Rookie of the Yr, Championship, and extra

The extremely anticipated 2025 WNBA season begins as we speak, with Paige Bueckers slated to make her skilled debut, the Golden State Valkyries able to host their first-ever common season sport, and extra.

The season, which begins on Might 16 and runs by means of September 14, already options numerous intriguing storylines. Can the Minnesota Lynx get redemption after final yr’s heartbreaking Finals defeat? Will the new-look Indiana Fever contend heading into Caitlin Clark’s sophomore season? Can the New York Liberty go back-to-back? How will A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces reply to final yr’s elimination? How will Kelsey Plum regulate to a brand new setting in Los Angeles? The listing goes on and on.

SB Nation has submitted preseason predictions for who will win MVP, Rookie of the Yr, Coach of the Yr, and, in the end, the WNBA championship.

MVP Prediction: Napheesa Collier

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Napheesa Collier was one of many high gamers within the league final season. The 2024 Defensive Participant of the Yr averaged 20.4 factors, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per sport en path to her first profession finals look final yr. And although the Lynx in the end got here up brief in extra time of the deciding Sport 5, Collier was the perfect participant within the sequence towards the Liberty. She adopted that up with a spectacular Unequalled season through which she averaged 25.7 factors, 10.6 rebounds, and a pair of.8 assists per sport. Whereas different contenders loaded up on star expertise, the Lynx are largely working it again with the identical core. That would additional bolster Collier’s case for a career-first MVP if she’s in a position to replicate, or construct upon, final yr’s manufacturing.

Different potential picks: A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)

Rookie of the Yr Prediction: Paige Bueckers

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Paige Bueckers looks like an inevitable Rookie of the Yr choice, although something can occur. The previous UConn star, and no-brainer No. 1 decide, joins a Dallas Wings crew that’s recent off a disappointing season and can be a part of forces with Arike Ogunbowale, DiJonai Carrington, and Maddy Siegrist, amongst others.

Bueckers was one among faculty basketball’s best gamers, which bodes effectively for her WNBA transition. And, whereas she’ll be surrounded by different expertise, she’s poised to have a large

Different potential picks: Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm), Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics)

Coach of the Yr: Stephanie White

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It’s arduous to forecast Coach of the Yr prematurely, however Stephanie White looks like an ideal projection. White is heading into an ideal scenario with a revamped Fever roster that has all the mandatory elements to contend. It’s virtually inevitable they are going to far exceed their .500 report. White was named Coach of the Yr in 2023 and is broadly thought-about probably the greatest coaches within the sport.

Different potential picks: Tyler Marsh (Chicago Sky), Karl Smesko (Atlanta Dream)

Championship Prediction: Indiana Fever

The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx must be the frontrunners to win the 2025 WNBA Championships. Each 2024 Finals groups are confirmed and working it again with largely the identical expertise. The Liberty added Marine Johannes and Natasha Cloud, however misplaced Courtney Vandersloot (free company) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (damage). The Lynx misplaced Cecilia Zandalasini (growth draft), however largely have the identical rotation.

And the Las Vegas Aces can be a worthwhile decide, too. The Aces have gained two of the final three WNBA championships, Chelsea Grey is wholesome and recent off a dominant Unequalled season, and whatever the roster modifications, Las Vegas has three-time MVP A’ja Wilson.

However, not less than on paper, the Indiana Fever makes a case for probably the most full crew. They’ve one among, if not the, greatest guards within the sport in Caitlin Clark. Kelsey Mitchell is recent off of the perfect season of her profession. Aliyah Boston is a two-time All-Star heart. And, Indiana added DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard within the offseason, additional bolstering their depth in any respect positions.

It can take time to see how all of the items come collectively, however below Stephanie White’s management, the Fever seem poised to contend now.

Different picks: New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces