A'ja Wilson Heavy MVP Favorite; Angel Reese Sparks DPOY Debate — SkimNews
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- A'ja Wilson is the near-unanimous pick for a record fifth MVP and third consecutive, averaging 26.1 points and 9.5 rebounds pre-All-Star with only a marginal decline after despite battling back soreness.
- Olivia Miles is expected to be the unanimous Rookie of the Year after breaking Caitlin Clark's all-time rookie scoring record and anchoring the top-seeded Lynx in MVP conversations of her own.
- Angel Reese earned DPOY votes from two of three writers thanks to 500+ rebounds (a WNBA first) and a league-best -15.8 defensive rating differential, though Gibbs went with Williams (league-leading 3.5% steal rate on the best defense).
- Coach of the Year split between Natalie Nakase (Valkyries' No. 2 seed in just their second season) and Sydney Johnson, whose Mystics improved from 16 wins to 28-16 — the biggest jump by any team this season — behind eight rookies.
- Shakira Austin drew Most Improved Player votes from two writers, posting career-bests of 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds (up 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds from last year) after nearly being traded to Toronto before a max deal kept her in DC.
- Janelle Salaün is the consensus Sixth Player of the Year, leading all bench players at 12.7 ppg on 39.2% three-point shooting for the No. 2 seed Valkyries.
- Kelsey Mitchell earned an All-WNBA First Team nod across all three ballots after a historic season of 27 consecutive 20-point games and new league records for total points and three-pointers made.
Why it matters: Genuine voter splits on DPOY, Coach of the Year, and MIP signal a tight official vote ahead rather than a coronation sweep. Wilson's potential fifth MVP would set a new league record, while Miles surpassing Clark's rookie scoring mark signals a generational talent shift underway.
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