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

The extremely anticipated 2025 WNBA season begins in the present day, with Paige Bueckers slated to make her skilled debut, the Golden State Valkyries able to host their first-ever common season recreation, and extra.

The season, which begins on May 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 surroundings in Los Angeles? The checklist goes on and on.

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

MVP Prediction: Napheesa Collier

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Napheesa Collier was one of many prime gamers within the league final season. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year averaged 20.4 factors, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per recreation en path to her first profession finals look final yr. And although the Lynx finally got here up brief in time beyond regulation of the deciding Game 5, Collier was the most effective participant within the sequence towards the Liberty. She adopted that up with a spectacular Unrivaled season during which she averaged 25.7 factors, 10.6 rebounds, and a couple of.8 assists per recreation. While different contenders loaded up on star expertise, the Lynx are largely working it again with the identical core. That may 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.

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

Rookie of the Year Prediction: Paige Bueckers

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

Bueckers was one in all school basketball’s most effective gamers, which bodes nicely for her WNBA transition. And, whereas she’ll be surrounded by different expertise, she’s poised to have an enormous

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

Coach of the Year: Stephanie White

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It’s onerous to forecast Coach of the Year prematurely, however Stephanie White looks like an amazing projection. White is heading into an amazing state of affairs with a revamped Fever roster that has all the mandatory elements to contend. It’s virtually inevitable they may far exceed their .500 file. White was named Coach of the Year in 2023 and is extensively thought of probably the greatest coaches within the recreation.

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

Championship Prediction: Indiana Fever

The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx needs to be the frontrunners to win the 2025 WNBA Championships. Both 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 (enlargement draft), however largely have the identical rotation.

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

But, not less than on paper, the Indiana Fever makes a case for probably the most full group. They have one in all, if not the, finest guards within the recreation in Caitlin Clark. Kelsey Mitchell is recent off of the most effective season of her profession. Aliyah Boston is a two-time All-Star middle. And, Indiana added DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard within the offseason, additional bolstering their depth in any respect positions.

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

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