Putting The W In Award – Midseason WNBA Honors

We are now midway through the WNBA season, and as we approach the All-Star break it’s only right to recognize the best of the league so far.

There have been plenty of veteran standouts and some young players who have found their place in the league. Names like Awak Kuier, who has been nothing short of stellar, Natasha Cloud, who is having her best season as a pro, and Nneka Ogwumike, who has returned to an All-Star form.

With all that being said here is the 2022 Midseason WNBA Honorees:

 

Most Valuable Player

Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces: 20.1 PPG – 5.9 APG – 3.5 RPG

There is no doubt in my mind that so far this season Kelsey Plum is the most valuable player this season.

Not only is she top two in scoring, but she is also tied for top five in assists. It helps that she is one of the best shooters this season at number two for three pointers made at 47. Plum has been the catalyst for the Aces’ success and has stepped into her own in her fifth season.

Plum is also third in fantasy points this year at 34.6 points per game. That metric shows she has been a stat machine this year and is my front runner at the mid point of the season. Runner-Up: Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm

 

Defensive Player Of The Year

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces: 1.8 BPG – 0.9 SPG – 7.7 DREB – 1.1 DWS

Is there any surprise that there is another Las Vegas Ace on this list?

Wilson has been an anchor for the Aces this year and has been one of the most versatile bigs in the W.  She has posted some dominant defensive performances this year where she has controlled the paint. She is great at altering shots and she is one person you have to account for. Runner-Up: Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

 

Coach Of The Year

Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces

This is really getting repetitive but we can’t overlook the Aces’ head honcho. Hammon has brought her NBA pedigree over to the W and shown that she can lead a team with the best. The Aces boast the best record in the league, they are also top five in every major statistical category except steals.

If Hammon keeps up this pace, the Aces will end the season at 26-6 and possibly have the most dominant season in WNBA history. Runner-Up: Curt Miller, Connecticut Sun

 

Rookie Of The Year

Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream: 16.3 PPG – 4.3 RPG – 2.7 APG – 1.6 STL

Atlanta Dream rookie Rhyne Howard has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. Not only has she been far above the rookie group, but she has been the best player on the Dream.

The fact that she can dominate the game with pace as well as defense makes her an instant superstar. Her unquestionable talent is highlighted by being able to score at all three levels and play all perimeter positions. She has already recorded a four block-four three point field goal game, the first ever in a debut. That alone has put her in a rare class and she should continue to wow the judges. Runner-Up: NaLyssa Smith, Indiana Fever

 

Most Improved Player

Natasha Cloud, Washington Mystics: 10.7 PPG – 3.6 RPG – 7.4 APG

The Washington Mystics have been one of the most fun teams to watch this season. As we know, Elena Delle Donne is back but Natasha Cloud has elevated as well.

Cloud is up in every category except rebounds in 2022 and has become a more reliable three point shooter. That elevation has resulted in the Mystics being a game away from matching their 2021 win total. Cloud has become a solid number two option for Washington and should definitely continue to ascend as the season progresses. Runner-Up: Chennedy Carter, Los Angeles Sparks

 

At the midway point of the WNBA season these players have exuded the qualities and skill to warrant these awards. With the All-Star break ahead and another half of the season to go, we could see others emerge and possibly become candidates.