WNBA Sixth Player of the Year 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Temi Fagbenle (Week 8)

With the WNBA now reaching the second half of the season, the race for the Sixth Player Of The Year continues to heat up. Since the beginning of the campaign, the list has seen many names being added up, while many have also been dropped.

With that in mind, here are the top 5 names for the WNBA SPOTY for Week 8.

WNBA Sixth Player of the Year 2024: Top 5 candidates

#5 Sophie Cunningham, Phoenix Mercury

In the last few weeks, Sophie Cunningham has seen her numbers dip on both ends of the floor. However, she has maintained her efficiency and has been leading the Mercury bench in multiple stats. Since the start of the season, Cunningham has been in the conversation for the SPOTY award.

She has played 21 games this season for the Mercury and is averaging 7.4 points per game on 43.6% shooting from the field and 37.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Cunningham is also averaging 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

#4 Temi Fagbenle, Indiana Fever

One of the reasons that Temi Fagbenle is lower on the list is because of the number of games she missed due to injury. Her impact on both ends of the floor has been excellent, apart from the leadership she brings to the team.

Fagbenle has appeared in 13 games this season, and in just over 21 minutes, she is averaging 8.5 points per game on 54.4% shooting from the field. She is also averaging 5.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. After an early slump, the Fever are now ranked 7th in the league this season.

#3 Aari McDonald, LA Sparks

Since Cameron Brink suffered an ACL injury, the LA Sparks’ record this season has worsened. However, amidst all the chaos the Sparks have gone through, Aari McDonald has elevated her performance off the bench. Following Rickea Jackson's move to the starting lineup, McDonald’s numbers have increased, and continues to contribute to her team consistently each game.

In 21 outings this WNBA season, McDonald is averaging 9.5 points per game while shooting 40.7% from the field and 32.9% from the three-point line. Not to oversee, but McDonald's other main contribution has been her ability to distribute the ball as she averages 4.0 assists per game.

#2 Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Atlanta Dream

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has climbed her way into the Sixth Player of The Year awardee list. She hasn’t been on it since the beginning of the season, mainly because her numbers have been impressive on the offensive end.

In 19 games that Parker-Tyus has played this WNBA season, she is averaging 9.6 points per game. She is also shooting 42.8% from the field and 90.9% from the free throw line. The Atlanta Dream forward is also averaging 4.8 rebounds an outing.

#1 Chennedy Carter, Chicago Sky

Chennedy Carter is arguably the best offensive player on the Chicago Sky team. She has been a constant name among the top candidates in the WNBA Sixth Player Of The Year Award category. Despite being moved to the starting lineup, Carter has started in only 8 of her team's 20 games and remains eligible for the award.

This season, Carter is averaging 16.5 points on 53.1% shooting from the field. Carter is also contributing 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, and is excellent on the defensive end, averaging 1.3 steals per game.