A Way-Too-Early WNBA MVP Ranking
Even though we are less than three weeks into the 2019 WNBA season, it’s never too early to take a look at this season’s MVP candidates. Interestingly, three of these candidates are playing on teams that are without their star player, either by trade or injury. Connecticut is without Chiney Ogwumike after she was traded to Los Angeles. Phoenix is without Diana Taurasi, who is recovering from off-season back surgery, and Seattle is without reigning MVP Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird. Let’s take a look at the players who’ve stepped up and now find themselves in the running for the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
- Jonquel Jones, CON (18.0 PTS, 12.1 REB, 3.0 BLK, 1.222 PPSA)
Jones has been unstoppable since the season started. With the departure of All-Star Chiney Ogwumike, Jones has taken over the Sun’s offense and has been the main reason the Sun currently sit atop the WNBA standings with a 6–1 record. As the league’s leading rebounder, she has dominated the boards this season. While her best individual performance came in a loss to the Sparks, where she put up 16 points to go along with 22(!) rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Her 1.7 Win Shares also lead the league. Considering she also leads the league in blocks, we could see her winning not only the MVP, but also Defensive Player of the Year. Not bad for last season’s Sixth Woman of the Year
2. DeWanna Bonner, PHX (24.2 PTS, 9.4REB, 4.0 AST, 1.194 PPSA)
Don’t let the 2–3 record of the Phoenix Mercury fool you, they are one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams, thanks in large part to DeWanna Bonner. The current league leader in points per game, Bonner came out of the gate strong, posting 31 points and eight rebounds in their season opener against the Seattle Storm. It was a tough loss for the Mercury, but they rebounded quickly with a win against the Las Vegas Aces, where Bonner put up 12 points and 12 rebounds. Then, after scoring 25 points in a heart-breaking loss to the Connecticut Sun, Bonner and the Mercury scored a win over the Indiana Fever in which she scored another 25. Prior to the start of the season, Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello publicly challenged both Bonner and teammate Brittney Griner to be MVP. With her performance through the first five games of the season, Bonner has clearly established herself as a front runner for MVP. Oh, and she’s only missed one free throw all season (she’s 24–25 on the year).
3. Natasha Howard, SEA (19.6 PTS, 9.1 REB, 1.7 BLK, 1.08 PPSA)
Without last year’s MVP Breanna Stewart and team leader Sue Bird, someone had to rise up and take control of Seattle’s offense. Look no further than Howard, who has taken her game to the next level this season. Last year’s Most Improved Player has averaged a near double-double for the season, leading the Storm in multiple offensive categories, including defensive rebounds and turnover percentage among starters.
4. Nneka Ogwumike, LAS (14.2 PTS, 10.8 REB, 2.0 STL, 0.976 PPSA)
The 2016 WNBA MVP is having a terrific year. While her numbers aren’t as eye-popping as other MVP candidates, she does a little bit of everything to help her team win. She currently leads the Sparks in total steals and rebounds, accounting for 27.8% of her team’s defensive boards.
Honorable Mentions
Tina Charles, NYL (21.3 PTS, 9.2 REB, 2.0 AST, 0.95 PPSA)
Despite the Liberty’s 2–4 record, Charles’ production can’t be ignored. The former MVP is currently ranked second in the league in points per game and fifth in rebounds. She’s also hitting 86.1% of her free throws.
Elena Delle Donne, WAS (14.0 PTS, 7.4 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.034 PPSA)
A perennial MVP candidate, Delle Donne missed the first game of the season due to injury, which ended up as a loss to Connecticut. However, upon her return to the court, she has led the Mystics to four straight victories.
Napheesa Collier, MIN (12.4 PTS, 4.4 REB, 1.2 AST, 1.26 PPSA)
The early favorite to win Rookie of the Year, Collier has been a welcome asset to the Minnesota Lynx, who are without former MVP Maya Moore this season. With her overall production fluctuating game to game, her consistency has been a question mark early on. However, she looks like a veteran on the floor and her 1.26 PPSA is the highest of any player on this list. It wouldn’t surprise me if she garners a few MVP votes this season.
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