(Photo : Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 21: Kahleah Copper #2 of the Phoenix Mercury drives in opposition to Jackie Young #0 of the Las Vegas Aces within the second quarter of their recreation at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 21, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mercury defeated the Aces 98-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement.
After near a month of WNBA motion, the league has been on fireplace with a number of gamers stepping up in an effort to make a reputation for themselves.
So far there are a number of standout performers who’ve made a giant soar from the season prior.
Here are some names that must be in consideration for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award this yr.
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Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Copper
2023 Stats: 18.7 factors, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists per recreation
2024 Stats: 24.7 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists per recreation
How might a former finals MVP get higher? By getting extra buckets, that is how!
Copper has been on a tear scoring the basketball since being traded to the Mercury.
She took a large leap in scoring for the 3-4 Phoenix Mercury whereas nonetheless remaining environment friendly, capturing 45.8% from the sphere.
Kahleah Copper has had two 30-point video games thus far, one being in opposition to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, the place she dropped 37 factors.
Scoring-wise, Copper has all the time proven immense potential in flashes, serving as an impressive function participant at each cease. Now we’re seeing her expertise on full show in Phoenix, and it has been a enjoyable experience thus far.
Connecticut Sun: Dijonai Carrington
(Photo : (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images))
2023 Stats: 8.3 factors, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists per recreation
2024 Stats: 13.2 factors, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists per recreation
Dijonai Carrington has absolutely embraced the place to begin guard function and has not disillusioned the Connecticut Sun.
Ever since recreation 1 of the 2024 season, the place she clamped down Caitlin Clark on protection; Carrington has been utterly locked in, taking part in among the greatest basketball of her profession.
She is likely one of the Sun’s prime scorers, and her defensive presence has been a significant factor in shutting down among the greatest abilities within the league.
Last season, Carrington confirmed flashes of being a productive participant, coming off the bench for the Sun initially. Now she might be an X-Factor that places Connecticut over the hump of their quest to win a championship.
Los Angeles Sparks: Dearica Hamby
(Photo : (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images))
2023 Stats: 8.9 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists per recreation
2024 Stats: 20.6 factors, 12.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists per recreation
The speak in Los Angeles has been the play of the dazzling rookie Cameron Brink, however do not sleep on Dearica Hamby, one other huge shiny spot on a younger Sparks workforce.
Hamby has flourished throughout this early season, changing into a double-double machine, enhancing offensively and changing into a greater rebounder.
Hamby has been stable at each cease all through her profession. She was a big-time function participant for the Las Vegas Aces after they gained all of it again in 2023.
And now, in Los Angeles, she is displaying that she has what it takes to be the No.1 one choice for a Sparks workforce that was in a full rebuild mode.
Minnesota Lynx: Alanna Smith
(Photo : (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images))
2023 Stats: 9.2 factors, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists per recreation
2024 Stats: 14.5 factors, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists per recreation
The Minnesota Lynx have been one of many higher groups within the WNBA this season, and Alanna Smith has been a big cause for this.
So far this season as a starter, Alanna Smith has performed exceptionally effectively, serving because the the right co-front-court mate for Napheesa Collier, who’s wanting like an MVP Candidate this yr.
Smith has raised her effectivity and is capturing higher from behind the arc. She has additionally continued to be a menace within the paint, averaging three blocks per recreation as effectively.
Alanna Smith all through her profession has been dependable, however has by no means gotten the minutes to point out what she might do. Now with the Lynx, Smith is proving that she was a steal in free company, taking part in a few of her greatest basketball on a workforce that has stunned everybody within the league.
READ MORE: Caitlin Clark Puts the WNBA on the Map: Love It or Hate It however Don’t Deny It
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