A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark Lead WNBA Awards at Olympic Break
Team WNBA defeated Team USA at the All-Star Game, which means we are officially at the Olympic break in the W. Thus, there is no better time than to hand out some awards. Here is how I would vote for the major categories at this juncture, including that oft-debated Rookie of the Year honor.
1. MVP: A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson is A'One of one. The Las Vegas Aces star is the runaway favorite to win Most Valuable Player, and for good reason. Wilson is in the midst of arguably the best season in league history. A'ja leads in scoring, is second in rebounding, first in blocks, and top five in steals. The competition may come down to second place as a result. For that see the Rookie of the Year below.
2. Rookie of the Year: Caitlin Clark
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has had a tremendous season. In any normal year, she would take home the award. Reese's rebounding instincts are phenomenal and she leads the league in that category. However, Clark has distanced herself in this competition. CC has generated more points than any player in the W, while leading the league in assists. Clark ranks top-20 in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
3. Defensive Player of the Year: DiJonai Carrington
The Connecticut Sun are just behind the New York Liberty for best record in the league and Carrington's defense is a big reason why. Carrington has been a menace on the perimeter while consistently taking on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best scorer.
4. Most Improved Player: Chennedy Carter
I'm not sure if the Chicago Sky scorer has improved so much as she has remained focused. Carter bounced around prior to finding her home with the Sky but it was never due to lack of talent. However, now that she has harnessed said talent, it deserves to be recognized in some form, as the other CC has been a near impossible matchup for opponents. Carter is averaging over 20 points a game as a starter after starting the season off the bench.
5. Sixth Player of the Year: Kayla Thornton
Two of the best candidates for this award previously, Chennedy Carter and Myisha Hines-Allen of the Washington Mystics have now started too many games. So in steps Thornton. Kayla has provided consistent defense and shooting for the league's top team. That has especially been needed in the absence of injured Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
6. Coach of the Year: Sandy Brondello
To the winners go the awards. The Liberty are 2.5 games up on second place, so that breaks any ties for Brondello against the other top coaches. As with all awards things could change when the season commences, but as of now, like New York, Brondello is on top.
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!