Early WNBA Power Rankings

We are about two months away from the start of the WNBA season and free agency has been a frenzy thus far. Teams are starting to round out rotations and stars have been on the move. Its too early to call any team the best  or worst, but here is where the balance of power lies at this moment in the league.

 

1. Seattle Storm

2019-2020 Record: 18-4

Biggest Signing: Candice Dupree

The Storm are the defending champs and are still the best team in the league. The rich got richer with the signing of seven-time all-star Candice Dupree. She adds a boost to an already stout squad. No reason to doubt the Storm repeat this year.

 

2. Chicago Sky

2019-2020 Record: 12-10

Biggest Signing: Candace Parker

The Sky are a team that was middle of the pack last season, but this year look to be back at the top. With the talented duo of Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot, as well as superstar forward Candace Parker, Chicago has elevated themselves to contender status.

 

3. Las Vegas Aces

2019-2020 Record: 18-4

Biggest Signing: Chelsea Gray

The Aces were the runners-up for the title last year and it was mainly due to their average backcourt. They have addressed that this year with the addition of Riquna Williams and Chelsea Gray from the L.A. Sparks. Even with the improved backcourt, the Aces have lost some bench depth which could hinder them going forward.

 

4. Phoenix Mercury

2019-2020 Record: 13-9

Biggest Signing: Diana Taurasi

The Mercury were the most hyped team going into last season and for good reason. The trio of Skylar Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner, and returning veteran Diana Taurasi are looking forward to year two together. After adding Kia Nurse to the lineup, once they can get the chemistry and mojo going, they could earn a spot in the finals.

 

5. Los Angeles Sparks

2019-2020 Record: 15-7

Biggest Signing: Erica Wheeler

The Sparks had a mass exodus of sorts this off-season, losing names such as Candace Parker, Chelsea Gray, and Riquna Williams. The saving grace is the Sparks got younger and have enough talent to still be a playoff team. Players like Te’a Cooper will be looked upon to step into bigger roles this year and make an impact early on.

 

6. Minnesota Lynx

2019-2020 Record: 14-8

Biggest Signing: Kayla McBride

One thing about the Minnesota Lynx is no matter the circumstances, they are going to put a good team on the floor. That statement was very true last season and will be even more true this year. With veteran Kayla McBride and second-year standout Crystal Dangerfield on the court together, the Lynx will be a team to watch.

 

7. Atlanta Dream

2019-2020 Record: 7-15

Biggest Signing: Cheyenne Parker

The Atlanta Dream’s only issue last season was their youth, but this year it may be their biggest strength. Chennedy Carter showed she is a superstar last year in limited time and veteran Cheyenne Parker is as proven a commodity as any in the league. Atlanta can put themselves in the proverbial “cat-bird” seat this year if they put it all together.

 

8. Washington Mystics

2019-2020 Record: 9-13

Biggest Signing: Alysha Clark

The Washington Mystics were a surprise playoff team last year, and after tasting the postseason they are looking to return in 2021. The addition WNBA Champion Forward Alysha Clark, who is coming off a career year, will help with that effort. Clark, along with Myesha Hines-Allen, can make for one of the more exciting forward duos in the league.

 

9. Connecticut Sun

2019-2020 Record: 10-12

Biggest Signing: Alyssa Thomas

After a trip to the WNBA Semi-Finals last year, the Connecticut Sun are primed to be a threat this season. Returning the team’s second leading scorer Alyssa Thomas was huge for them in keeping the team’s core together. If the Sun can get production out of their backcourt this season, they could be a sleeper to make a run.

 

10. Dallas Wings

2019-2020 Record: 8-14

Biggest Signing: Allisha Gray

The Dallas Wings didn’t have much to celebrate last year, but the team is extremely young and brimming with talent. Last year’s scoring champion, Arike Ogunbowale, will have a more than solid running mate in Allisha Gray to round out the backcourt. This Wings team has the most potential of any team going forward and will be fun to watch.

 

11. New York Liberty

2019-2020 Record: 2-20

Biggest Signing: Betnijah Laney

The New York Liberty’s season never seemed to get off the ground last year, and it seemed like whatever could go wrong did go wrong. Rookie standout Sabrina Ionescu only played three games before being lost to injury, and the team never seemed to be able to find a solid contributor outside of her. Betnijah Laney may be what the doctor ordered and provide an exciting one-two punch for a team in desperate need.

 

12. Indiana Fever

2019-2020 Record: 6-16

Biggest Addition: Jantel Lavender

The Indiana Fever had big holes going into last season and one of those was the frontcourt rotation. They remedied that this offseason by adding Jantel Lavender and Jessica Breland, who are two of the best frontcourt players in the game. I don’t know if Breland and Lavender will elevate them to a playoff team, but it is a step in the right direction.