|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:31:23 GMT
(I had this idea while working on Maniak's Subjective Thread about NBA Teams and Players) Since I have started following the WNBA a few years ago there are players that have stuck out to me for one reason or another. Players that have earned my prestigious Seal of Approval will be acknowledged in this thread. This is not an exhaustive ranking of players. There are players that are objectively very good but will not be included for a variety of reasons i.e. there are elements of their game I am not a fan of or I have not watched them enough. Each post will acknowledge a specific player and include an explanation of why they have my Seal of Approval. The level of detail may vary widely. I probably will not go into any level of detail on a player's weaknesses as this isn't meant to be a scouting report. I will list players based on their current team, starting with the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, followed by teams in alphabetical order Eastern to Western Conference. Some of my posts will have NBA player comparisons, which is really just a way to roughly equate the player's skillset to someone the reader may be more familiar with. |
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:34:30 GMT
A'Ja Wilson - Las Vegas Aces The reason I went with the Aces first is to have A'Ja be the first player mentioned. Inarguably the best womens basketball player on the planet, A'Ja is in her sixth season and already has a hall of fame resume as a 2x champ, 1x finals mvp, 2x MVP, 2x DPOY, 5x all star. She also has a statue at South Carolina after playing there for 4 years. A'Ja reminds me of Kevin Garnett as a two way forward that can also playmake and handle the ball. She has an impressive post game and is able to score through contact. Her faceup game from midrange is strong and her ability to put the ball on the floor makes her extremely difficult to guard, constantly demanding double teams. Defensively A'Ja is a elite shot blocker and also averages over 1 steal per game. As a legitimate defensive anchor on one end and skilled scorer on the other, her game really reflects what makes the current WNBA product different (in a good way) from the NBA.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:35:11 GMT
Chelsea Gray - Las Vegas Aces Chelsea has been given the "point god" nickname in the WNBA due to her elite handles (probably best in the league) and passing ability (also probably best in the league). Her ability to control tempo and orchestrate an offense makes her an ideal point guard. She has a deadly midrange stepback that helped earn her the Finals MVP in 2022 thanks to clutch shot after clutch shot. She is also a capable three point shooter off the bounce or catch. Also a capable defender that can guard multiple positions due to her strength and build.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:36:04 GMT
Candace Parker - Las Vegas Aces Candace has a case for the greatest womens basketball player of all time and she's still a starter level player headed into her 17th season. A legitimate point forward that can do everything on both sides of the ball. I do mean literally everything - she can score from wherever (spending a majority of the time facing up in the post or from midrange), can make any pass, can handle the ball and push pace in transition, and anchor a defense with a high IQ to read plays and skillset to generate blocks and steals. I never watched a ton of Candace in her prime outside of highlights, but watching her lead Chicago to a title a few years ago and then turn the Aces into an even more unstoppable team last year (before unfortunately being injured and missing out on their title run) really made me a fan.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:37:13 GMT
Kelsey Plum - Las Vegas Aces When I started checking out WNBA games more frequently, Kelsey was one of the first players that jumped out as having a way higher level guard skillset than I recalled seeing in the WNBA years and years ago. Kelsey has a great game driving to the basket (which a lot of WNBA guards lack) and has an extremely good handle and passing ability. She's one of the most elite shooters in the league and can put up volume from three. Really an impressive player on and off the ball offensively. As much as I enjoy watching this Aces team play high level basketball (as there's still one more player to mention), I hope while she's still in her prime Kelsey gets a chance to be the #1 option on a team.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:38:11 GMT
Jackie Young - Las Vegas Aces I've enjoyed watching Jackie play as she really took a leap between 2021 when I first watched her and 2022 when she won MIP. A great one-on-one and team defender that can shoot the ball off the catch or dribble and make the right play offensively, Jackie's elite driving ability is what really makes her pop out. She has a quick step to get past defenders on drives but also the strength to finish through contact.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:43:52 GMT
Jordin Canada - Atlanta Dream Jordin is a smaller guard that can drive the ball at a high level and her last name is Canada which is very cool. She's an active on ball defender that can generate steals and uses her speed to get out in transition and score.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 17:51:57 GMT
Rhyne Howard - Atlanta Dream Rhyne Howard is a legit 3 level scorer and #1 offensive option. Off the bounce, she can comfortably get to a jumper from anywhere on the court and has one of the nicest looking shots in the league. An off the top of my head player comparison that comes to mind is Donovan Mitchell.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 18:19:00 GMT
Haley Jones - Atlanta Dream Haley just finished her rookie season and is in a relatively limited role on the Dream which may become more limited after they added a few guards this offseason. She's a taller point guard - great decision maker and terrific passer. Not a high level scorer but can use her size to get in close and score. She does have a good looking shot and release (maybe a smidge slow) that allows her to be capable catching and shooting from three. I recall her standing out in a game or two I watched of her in college and enjoyed seeing her get some stints of playing time with the Dream. A young player I'm intrigued to see develop.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 18:24:57 GMT
The Chicago Sky don't currently have any players with my Seal of Approval so I will be skipping over them. They blew their team up over the offseason and I haven't watched much of their current roster.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 21:33:35 GMT
DeWanna Bonner - Connecticut Sun Another player in the latter stage of her career (turning 37 this year), DeWanna is a bucket getter. Has the ability to get her shot up over a defender and scores from all over the court. Some players are forwards in a guards body, Bonner is a guard in a forwards body. She wants to have the ball in her hands, face up, and score. She can score from the post too. Wasn't really a player I thought much of and then I watched her score 40 on 70% from the field against the Aces at age 36, truly impressive.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 21:45:36 GMT
Aliyah Boston - Indiana Fever I watched Aliyah play at SC knowing she was projected to be the #1 pick and thought her game was pretty impressive and she had a strong set of post moves, but felt uncertain about how good she would be at the WNBA level when most (or all) teams have a player that can match her size. She averaged 14/5 with a steal and a block on 58% from the field in her rookie year and was unquestionably the rookie of the year. Numerous 20+ pts/10+ reb games. Teams had to scheme for her and send doubles but she would still find a way to put up numbers. A well rounded big with a developed post game that only stands to improve year to year, while also being an impact player on the defensive end. Excited to continue to watch her, especially as the Fever are in a position to draft someone named Caitlin Clark with the #1 pick this year.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 21:54:44 GMT
Sabrina Ionescu - New York Liberty Now one of the most well known names in the WNBA from her 3 point shooting performances at both the WNBA and NBA all star games, Sabrina is a player with that I give my seal of approval while not being a fan. A genuine microwave scorer, Sabrina is a ball dominant player that can shoot from anywhere. Her passing is high level and she has solid handles. Her competitiveness and energy on the floor really pop. To elaborate on why I'm not a fan, I think she takes too many shots on her current team given the talent around her. Respect her game though. She also has a rivalry with Kelsey Plum, as they were drafted #1 in consecutive years and had high scoring college careers and have drawn constant comparisons. Fun, especially as both the Liberty and Aces are the two most elite teams (for now) in the WNBA.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 20, 2024 22:03:25 GMT
Marine Johannes - New York Liberty/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/06/27/3733915-75968229-640-480.jpg) One of my favorite players in the WNBA, Marine is an exciting guard whose play style really stands out. She can heat up and score from deep, loves taking one legged threes, contested stepbacks, etc. Her vision is strong, she can handle the ball, and run the floor. One of the players I encourage people unfamiliar with the WNBA to look up on youtube and watch, just a highlight machine. The french league that Marine plays in overlaps with the WNBA season a bit and she is in a sixth man role for the Liberty. Would really enjoy seeing her play for a team in a starting role for a full season before her prime is over.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 21, 2024 14:26:57 GMT
Betnijah Laney - New York Liberty Betnijah has stuck out to me as the best role player in the WNBA, however she had two seasons averaging 17ppg in years prior so calling her a role player may be selling her short. She's an all-defense level defender that can guard on the perimeter and in the post and she is a confident and capable catch and shoot player (specifically great on corner threes). The type of player that makes the right play at the right time and provides consistency on a game to game basis. Her offensive game off the dribble doesn't always get a chance to shine but she is capable of pulling up, as well as scoring off turnarounds in the post. A truly complete all around game, which is rare to find at any level of basketball.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 21, 2024 15:03:31 GMT
Breanna Stewart - New York Liberty No doubt the second best player currently in the WNBA behind A'ja, Breanna Stewart is a professional scorer. I compare her game to Kevin Durant's which may seem sacrilegious but she really is the KD of the WNBA (and she won two titles in Seattle, something KD did not do). Stewie has the length to rise up over defenders with ease and has a perfect looking shot. A lot of her scoring is done off quick moves into a jumper and she can get to that from anywhere. Also a capable driver and post up scorer, very adept at playmaking and making the right decisions out of double teams. An all defense level defender, knows how to use her length to block shots both around the perimeter and in the post. A generational talent and one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 21, 2024 15:18:41 GMT
Shakira Austin - Washington Mystics A talented young big, Shakira has an all around post game. Most of her scoring is done back to the basket and she can get to a lot of shots in the paint from the left or right side. Solid handle and good hands. Also a capable shot blocker and rebounder - her athleticism allows her to get quick second shots from offensive rebounds. Currently on a Washington team that has lost a lot of talent and coming off a hip injury that limited her to play less than half the season, Shakira has an opportunity to take a big leap in year 3.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 21, 2024 15:41:17 GMT
Satou Sabally - Dallas Wings Satou is one of my favorite players to watch in the WNBA and really broke out as a star last season, earning the Most Improved Player award and first team honors. One of the most dynamic all around forwards in the league, Satou can score from all over and playmake at a high level. With a clean left handed shooting form, Satou can face up from anywhere to score and is comfortable shooting over defenders. Comfortable catching and shooting but as she has the ball in her hands a lot, able to pull up from a dribble. While she likes to score around the perimeter she can also put the ball on the floor and drive, finishing through contact. Her post game is strong but always doesn't have a chance to shine as Dallas has several other bigs that occupy the paint. Satou is a great athlete that can run the floor and defend multiple positions. Definitely a player I look forward to watching through her career.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 21, 2024 15:45:37 GMT
The Los Angeles Sparks do not currently have any players with my Seal of Approval. The only players that really stood out to me last season were Jordin Canada (now on Atlanta) and Nneka Ogwumike (now on Seattle). With a handful of draft assets in this years class, I'll almost certainly be adding a player or two from their team to this thread during the season.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by BurningHammer on Feb 23, 2024 4:46:37 GMT
Interesting thread  |
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 23, 2024 20:29:02 GMT
Napheesa Collier - Minnesota Lynx A star with a high level post game, Napheesa is another player that really changed my perspective on the current talent in the WNBA. To elaborate, when I say a WNBA player has a high level post game, I mean that they're scoring consistently back to the basket with a variety of moves in a way that you don't really see in the modern NBA anymore, reminding you of generations past. Her turnaround jumper in the paint over defenders is basketball at its best. Her skillset extends beyond that as she can reliably handle the ball and initiate offense, or drive and finish through contact. Capable of stretching out and shooting from distance and strong ability to score around the midrange. Good screen setter that can pop out or roll to the rim.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 23, 2024 20:45:06 GMT
Skylar Diggins-Smith - Seattle Storm One of the more recognizable names in the WNBA and an interesting (toxic..?) personality, Skylar Diggins is an elite two way guard. Impacts games defensively, specifically on ball. A great athlete possessing a terrific ability to drive and has one of the best layup packages in the W. Great passer, can play on or off the ball.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 23, 2024 21:02:04 GMT
Jewell Loyd - Seattle Storm To me at the time of writing this, Jewell has the best offensive game of any guard in the WNBA, averaging almost 25ppg last season. Given the nickname the Gold Mamba from Kobe Bryant (lame imo but whatever), Jewell lives up to that moniker with her perimeter scoring. Absolute must watch. Perfect handle and an array of moves that allow her to get into a shot - cold crossovers. Also a great athlete with the ability to drive to the lane off the dribble, making her extremely difficult to guard. Gets into the midrange and pulls up off one foot cleanly. She's got real range too and will pull up from NBA distance and beyond on a night to night basis.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 23, 2024 21:18:07 GMT
Natasha Cloud - Phoenix Mercury An elite athlete and two way player, Cloud is a high level guard that decided to leave Washington after 8 seasons to come play in Phoenix. Sounds kinda familiar. Able to play on or off the ball, can drive and finish through contact. Nice shot with an ability to catch and shoot or create her own shot - probably best in catch and shoot situations with some space. Great motor and brings energy throughout games. High level passing ability that really opens up the dynamics of her driving. Good defender on and off the ball that generates steals.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Feb 23, 2024 21:28:23 GMT
Kahleah Copper - Phoenix Mercury/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/pmn/UYSF6EPAQZFUNAC7FKWRNAWURE.jpg) My initial impression of Kahleah Copper was that she is unguardable and my opinion hasn't really changed. One of the best womens players on the planet that earned a Finals MVP two years ago. Incredible athlete, two way player. Knows how to score. Her midrange shot off the bounce and ability to finish through contact are league-best level. Elite. Runs the floor and lethal in transition. Capable scoring from three, more comfortable catching and shooting. If I could have picked any player in the WNBA to come to the Mercury, would have absolutely been one of my first choices and here we are. Solid nickname too - KFC - Kahleah Freaking Copper
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Mar 22, 2024 21:27:29 GMT
Brittney Griner - Phoenix Mercury Watching BG during the Mercury 2021 playoff run to the finals really gave me perspective on what a dominant WNBA player looks like. Griner towers over most at 6'9 and is an incredible athlete. She uses her size to control the paint on both sides of the ball - deep post game on one end and high level defender on the other. Can stretch the floor to shoot and capable passer. BG is similar to Kyrie in that the off the court stuff will always overshadow the on court play. Once they're gone from their respective leagues, it may take years for someone to truly take their place.
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Mar 22, 2024 21:46:40 GMT
Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury The first and only WNBA player to surpass 10,000 career points, Taurasi has an argument as the GOAT in the womens game. Still chucking threes, talking trash, and yelling at refs at age 41. I never watched Diana in her prime but can say that her game aged well. Great handle, vision, and passing ability. Elite perimeter scorer that can and will shoot from anywhere. All time shooting talent, gets her shot off very quickly with clean form. A competitor on the court that will try to get away with whatever she can - a push here, a shove there, jump into a defender here, flop there. (in a world where she never played her whole career for a team other than the Phoenix Mercury, doubt she would have my Seal of Approval)
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Mar 22, 2024 22:10:09 GMT
Sophie Cunningham - Phoenix Mercury Sophie is someone that I initially liked because she is an attractive blonde but she has earned her spot on this list as a basketball player. Cunningham came up big for the Mercury during their 2021 playoff run then earned a starting spot the next season. One of the best 3 point shooters in the W, tremendous catch and shoot scorer. Beyond that, earns her minutes with hustle and scrappiness - fighting for rebounds, diving for a loose ball, etc. Doesn't jump off the screen as an elite defender but is active on that side of the ball with high effort. Being a confident and capable three point shooter and putting in consistent effort can earn you a role in the WNBA just like it can in the NBA. This will always be a memorable play for me, because I don't think I had seen her put the ball on the floor before:
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Maniak on Mar 22, 2024 22:13:20 GMT
This concludes the list of players with my Seal of Approval prior to the 2024 season. Additional players will be added as time goes on.
|
|
|
