The league is nearly a month into its 2023 season. Who’s stepped up early on as a potential top MVP candidate? Here’s the preliminary early-season list of who could end up as the 2023 WNBA MVP.
Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty
The new member of the New York Liberty has found her home in Brooklyn. Stewart has been nearly unstoppable in her nine games with the Liberty. The 2018 MVP appears to be on pace to repeat her performance from that season. Her averages currently are 23.4 points per game (2nd in the WNBA), 10.4 rebounds per game (3rd in the WNBA), 2.3 blocks per game (3rd in the WNBA), and 1.8 steals per game (tied for 4th in the WNBA). Additionally, her shooting percentages are 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.
On May 21, Stewie would set a career-high and franchise-high in points in a game with 45. Then, on June 11, she would drop 32 points on 15-20 shooting in their win against the Dallas Wings. However, in the Liberty’s recent loss to Atlanta on Tuesday, Stewart shot only 1-14 from the field and added four turnovers. If she, and the Liberty, can maintain their upwards stats from their winning games, then Stewart could be walking away with her second MVP award. Stewart has already been named Player of the Week twice this season.
Jackie Young, G/F, Las Vegas Aces
The Aces’ fifth-year player, and 2019 number-one pick, is having her best season to date. Young is shooting career-highs in field goal percentage (58.9) and 3-point shooting (45.7). Her defense has also stepped up this season, with 1.8 steals per game. Additionally, she’s currently seeing career-highs in points per game (19.7) and rebounds per game (4.4). A key player in the Aces’ starting lineup while allowing Las Vegas to switch up their rotations to have Chelsea Gray play more off-the-ball. Young was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the league’s second week.
However, Young’s production in the last two games has dipped a little. In their loss to Connecticut on June 8, she would put up only 10 points while adding five turnovers. They’ll need Young to produce on a high level for the Aces to repeat as champions.
Satou Sabally, F, Dallas Wings
The Wings’ Satou Sabally has taken a major step forward this season. Also, this is her first season without being injured through 10 games. Sabally being healthy for a 40-game season will be key for her and the Wings in being successful. Currently, Sabally is averaging 20.5 ppg (5th in the WNBA), 11.4 rpg (1st in the WNBA), and 1.6 spg. However, her shooting percentages are a bit low, with 43% from the field and 30.6% from the 3-point range. Additionally, in the Wings’ last two losses, Sabally has shot 11-32 from the field. Finally, remaining healthy is key, but upping her shooting percentage could make Sabally the early dark horse for MVP. Sabally was also recently named the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Alyssa Thomas, F, Connecticut Sun
The Sun’s Alyssa Thomas is on the verge of averaging a triple-double. Through 10 games, she’s currently averaging 14.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg (2nd in the WNBA), and 7.3 apg. Thomas remains an undersized post player that’s also capable of running the floor. However, despite the new additions in Connecticut, the Sun currently sits second in the league at 8-2 behind the Las Vegas Aces. The Sun’s balanced starting lineup, improved bench, and new head coach, Stephanie White, sees them as a potential title contender. Finally, Thomas was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for week 2.
Nneka Ogwumike, F/C, Los Angeles Sparks
In Nneka’s 12th season in the league, she’s currently putting up a career-high in points per game (21.1) and rebounds per game (9.8). A newly rebuilt Sparks has been a tough task to start the season. Furthermore, they’d been dealt with numerous injuries and illnesses to begin the season. Despite this, the Sparks are off to a 5-4 start and have seen victories against the Mercury, Storm, Sky, and Wings.
Ogwumike’s leadership has proven key to their wins this season despite missing one game early on. Her shooting remains one of the best in the league. Through eight games, she’s shooting 56.9% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range. Finally, if Nneka and the Sparks can remain healthy, they can be a potential dark horse come to the playoffs. Nneka was also named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the second week of the season.
Potential sleeper MVPs
Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics); A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces); Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury); Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm); Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings); Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever); Kahleah Copper, (Chicago Sky).
Check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more women’s sports coverage. Todd Roman is on Twitter too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.
