Since the tipoff of the WNBA’s 25th season on May 14th, many players have come to play at their fullest potential and have shocked fans. Comparing this season to last many players have improved their game despite the unusual short break between the seasons. It may seem early, but the topic of MIP and who will win this championship at the end of the season is already a big topic. Free agency, new teammates, and being back to playing at home has been a huge part of this season so far, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Let’s look at the Way Too Early 2021 WNBA MIP Race.
Allisha Gray – Dallas Wings
Allisha Gray of the Dallas Wings is a force to be reckoned with. Although recently she hasn’t been in a Wings jersey much this season since she has been a part of the USA 3×3 Olympic Team, her time with the Wings has been huge for her career. Gray has always been an excellent player for the Wings, but this season her game is on a whole new level. She is currently averaging 19.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 3.0 STL. Although she has only played two games for the WNBA, you can tell through those games and her contribution to the 3×3 team that her game is on a whole new level. Allisha is definitely a MIP candidate and expect her to only improve more.
LISH!#TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/e2mCQ0jsT4
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 5, 2021
Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young is only in her third year of the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces but has changed and improved her game in so many ways. Her role has changed over time from starting one season to coming off of the bench and now she is back in the starting lineup once again. Being able to adapt to her ever-changing role has been a key point in her game. Since the Aces have many new players on the team this season, although Jackie is only in her third year; lately she has been playing like a veteran leader. She is currently averaging 14.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.5 STL. Her game is still changing but it is heading in a bright and so far improved direction. Young has been a huge part of the Aces team thus far and is a big contender for MIP.
JACKIE Y🍩UNG 🔥
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) June 5, 2021
22 PTS
4 REB
3 AST
3 STL
9 FGM@jackieyoung3 // #ALLIN ♦️♠️ pic.twitter.com/paLnrLA3QO
Marina Mabrey – Dallas Wings
Yet another Wings member, Marina Mabrey has improved on her game to help her team this season. This is Mabrey’s second season with the Wings and third in the league, but has been an on the court leader for the team. Her scoring average has doubled since last season and her role lately has been a starting guard for the Wings. She averages 20.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, and 1.6 STL. She can do it all from shooting the three to having a big assist to stealing the ball. The Wings are a very young team, but Mabrey’s leadership has been tremendous in the Wings’ gameplay. Her game is only improving and you can definitely tell she has put in the work to improve her personal game.
😱😱😱@mmabrey1 | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/OhlRgzsEG1
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 5, 2021
Tiffany Hayes – Atlanta Dream
Tiffany Hayes is a player we have not seen on the court since 2019 but she is back like she never left. The Dream is filled with many new additions. But Hayes is back in that leadership role with one of her best career starts to date. You can tell on the court how her game has improved not only from a scoring point but also from a leadership role. She is currently averaging 17.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.5 STL. Her game is a huge part of this Dream squad. And you can only expect her to improve her game more as the season goes on. The Dream is off to a 4-3 start with the help of Hayes and her continued improving game.
“Tip is dancing around the competition, per usual💃” pic.twitter.com/7c3vTk49yB
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) June 5, 2021
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