WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Alanna Smith (Week 9)

Modified Jul 16, 2024 23:55 GMT

The WNBA is entering a break for the Olympic Games after Saturday's All-Star Game. Several players have already left a mark with their impressive performances. The MVP race is getting hotter by the day while the DPOY award is getting more candidates ahead of the break.

This season, multiple players are aiming to win the WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) award. Injured Maddy Siegrist, Shakira Austin and returning Azurá Stevens could make it to this list down the stretch. But right now, it's time to see the five best candidates to bag this award at the end of the season.

Top 5 WNBA MIPOY Candidates After Week 9

#5, Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx

Alanna Smith had a solid week with the Minnesota Lynx, going from bad to good. She finished it with an 18-point outburst against Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever on Sunday. The forward is averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists, shooting 47.4% from the field and 43.4% from beyond the arc.

#4, DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut Sun

DiJonai Carrington has stayed on the list for another week. She's helping the Connecticut Sun compete this WNBA season, although the team missed a big chance to beat the Liberty last week. Carrington is averaging 12.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 1.7 apg in 23 games, shooting 39.9% from the field and 82.3% from the free-throw line.

#3, Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

Ezi Magbegor is averaging 13.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 2.4 apg for the Seattle Storm, shooting 50.6% from the field and 89.5% from the free-throw line. She's a strong candidate to win the DPOY award, confirming that she's having a sweet season.

#2, Dearica Hamby, LA Sparks

Dearica Hamby remains the best player on the LA Sparks roster, becoming the only good thing they have to show this season. Hamby exploded with 27 points against the Dallas Wings on Saturday, leading her squad to the victory. Moreover, she's averaging 19.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 3.6 apg, shooting 52.3% from the field and 41.8% from deep.

The veteran forward appears to be much better than the rest of her team, and perhaps the addition of Azurá Stevens can release some pressure off her shoulders.

#1, Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury

Even though a couple of players are threatening to make it to this list, it is not experiencing major changes. Kahleah Copper remains the top candidate to take this award home at the end of the season despite the Mercury's struggles without Diana Taurasi.

Copper is still the best player on her team, even dropping 36 points against the Indiana Fever last week, putting on a show even during losses. She's averaging 23.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.3 apg, shooting 45.0% from the field and 81.3% from the free-throw line.

Edited by Ribin Peter