WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Chennedy Carter (Week 12)

The race for the WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year award has been one of the most entertaining this year, even though the top spots have not changed much. The competition is reaching its final stages and everybody wants to perform at the highest level.

That said, the MIP remains a coveted award and the final weeks of the season could give fans an exciting race between two or three players with serious aspirations to win it.

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Top 5 WNBA MIPOY Candidates After Week 12

#5, DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut Sun

WNBA: AUG 18 Connecticut Sun at Atlanta Dream - Source: Getty

DiJonai Carrington replaced Alanna Smith on the list this week after averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in three games in Week 12. They went undefeated with Carrington confirming she's one of the best players on the roster. Ever since the season started, she has been one of the best defenders on her team and as the weeks went by, Carrington became even more important to the Sun.

For the season, she is averaging 12.6 ppg (38.9% from the field and 77.9% from the free-throw line), 4.9 rpg and 1.6 apg.

#4, Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm v Washington Mystics - Source: Getty

Ezi Magbegor remains one of the best defensive players in the 2024 WNBA season. She only averaged 11.0 ppg last week but still grabbed 10.0 rpg, including 8.5 on the defensive end. She's been one of the most consistent players for the Seattle Storm this season, posting 12.5 ppg (51.1% FG and 89.0% FT), 8.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg and 2.3 bpg through 29 games.

#3, Dearica Hamby, LA Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks v Las Vegas Aces - Source: Getty

Dearica Hamby lost second place on this list for the first time in a minute at the hands of one of the most surprising players of the WNBA season. The LA Sparks star averaged 13.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 2.3 apg last week. Despite posting solid numbers on a nightly basis, the Sparks have been unable to compete.

In 30 games this season, Hamby averages 17.8 ppg (51.1% FG), 9.9 rpg and 3.4 apg.

#2, Chennedy Carter, Chicago Sky

Chicago Sky v Las Vegas Aces - Source: Getty

Chennedy Carter has had a rollercoaster of a season, but right now, she's getting back to the top. After signing a training camp deal with the Chicago Sky, she has proven to be a valuable asset for the team. She averaged 12.5 ppg in Week 11 but bounced back with 22.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.5 apg the following week.

Carter has become a key member of the Sky, posting 17.2 ppg (50% FG and 74.5% FT), 3.3 rpg and 2.8 apg in 28 games. If the Sky make it to the WNBA postseason and she keeps playing at this level, Carter will have a legitimate chance at taking this award home.

#1, Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix Mercury v Atlanta Dream - Source: Getty

Kahleah Copper remains one of the most entertaining players in the WNBA this season. That said, the Phoenix Mercury remain inconsistent and are only one game above the .500 mark.

Copper averaged 17.3 ppg last week, which wasn't enough to prevent the two losses her team suffered in three games. Copper is still the favorite to win this award with her 22.6 ppg (44.5% FG and 82.4% FT), 4.6 rpg and 2.3 apg averages this season.