WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) Rankings 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Kahleah Copper (Week 11)

The WNBA resumed play last week with entertaining matches. Some Most Improved Player of the Year (MIPOY) candidates put on good performances in their return to the court, reigniting a race that could get more interesting down the stretch.

There are still players such as DiJonai Carrington, Maddy Siegrist and Shakira Austin who can make a return to this list, but as of right now, five players appear to have the best chances to win the MIPOY award at the end of the regular season.

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Top 5 WNBA MIPOY Candidates After Week 11

#5. Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx

Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx: Source: Getty

Alanna Smith started August with a pair of discreet performances. In 27 minutes split in two games, she averaged 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Minnesota Lynx.

She shot for 40.0% from the field and 42.9% from distance. Her scoring numbers aren't spectacular, but she's trying to impact the game in different ways and her team went 2-0 last week.

#4. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm

WNBA: MAY 28: Seattle Storm at Chicago Sky (source: Getty)

Ezi Magbegor, similar to Alanna Smith, didn't have the best games scoring-wise last week. The Seattle Storm forward/center averaged 7.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

She didn't attempt many shots but was effective when she tried, shooting 70% from the floor on 5.0 field goal attempts. On the defensive end, she recorded 2.5 blocks and 6.0 defensive rebounds.

#3. Chennedy Carter, Chicago Sky

Chicago Sky vs. Las Vegas Aces: Source: Getty

Chennedy Carter scored more points than Smith and Magbegor (12.5 ppg) in the last two games, but considering she averaged 23.1 ppg in July, the difference is notorious.

She shot 39.3% from the field and 42.9% from the free-throw line while adding 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in her last two games. Carter seems to be adjusting after the break, but those numbers won't help the Sky's hunt for the WNBA playoffs.

#2. Dearica Hamby, LA Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces (source: Getty)

Dearica Hamby follows the trend of this list, as she underperformed in comparison to her July numbers in scoring. The veteran played 32 minutes per game in his last three games, averaging 11.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists. She shot 37.5% from the field and 61.5% from the free-throw line.

Her first three games back were against WNBA playoff contenders Liberty, Sky and Aces, respectively. Those three teams stopped her and the Sparks last week.

#1. Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury

WNBA: AUG 15: Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky Source: Getty

Out of the five players on this list, Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper had the best return to the court, individually speaking. She dropped 29 points against the Chicago Sky last Thursday and followed it with a 32-point performance against the Indiana Fever.

The week ended with Copper only scoring seven points against the Sky on Sunday. She averaged 22.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.7 assists, shooting 42.6% from the floor and 85.2% from the free-throw line. This is why she remains the leader of this list for yet another week.