3 WNBA offseason additions who could win Most Improved Player this year

WNBA Awards, and general league awards, are tricky themes. All voters appear to have different perceptions about the meaning of each award and its parameters. Additionally, the league is intentionally vague about definitions and has more room for personal interpretation among voters, making predictions particularly difficult each season. The most improved player.

Some say the award should be sent to players who have had the best breakout season compared to every season they played. Others say they should be compared to the season just before this season. There are other conversations about players who missed time due to injuries and then come back and spend their MIP caliber season.

At the moment, there is no definitive answer. Dihonai Carrington became the Connecticut Sun starter from bench role player in 2024, going from 17.2 minutes per game to 29.6 minutes per game. Naturally, we also gained 12.7 per game per game in 2023, which also increased our points per game. It was 8.3 per game in 2023. Is that important? Regardless of the reason, her role certainly increased, leading to more output in the season than in the previous season.

Behind Carrington was Bridget Carlton from Minnesota. The bench role player simply became a starter due to the team’s needs last season. She averaged nearly 10 points per game after averaging 3.2 points per game in the previous season. Carlton also led Canadian basketball games by game at the Olympics midway through the WNBA season before returning to playing against Minnesota. Lynx went all the way to the WNBA Finals, with Carlton hitting a clutch shot along the way.

Every year, the baseline meaning “most improved” means a slight shift. What does 2025 mean? Many players moved their teams this offseason. This year’s MIP race is about a fresh start, and it is possible that he moved teams and experienced immediate improvements in skills.

Here are a few players who will help change in the environment improve performance this year.

Sato Savary – Phoenix Mercury

Satou Sabury has been one of the WNBA’s most highly regarded players since being drafted by the Dallas Wings of Oregon. The beginning of her career was unfortunately interrupted many times by injuries, and did not allow her to fully reach her potential. This offseason, she decided she wanted to move on from the wings and was traded with Phoenix Mercury.

This change in scenery can bring wonders not only to Savally’s game, but also to her long-term health. Last year, Mercury opened its own dedicated practice and recovery facility, with a dedicated practice and recovery facility that it does not have in the Dallas Wing. Add that to the fact that she will play under a new coach with her new teammates, it also allows Savary to reach a new level.

Narissa Smith – Dallas Wings

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After being drafted to second overall in Indiana Fever in 2022, Narissa Smith’s career didn’t take off as expected. The lack of direction in Indiana before drafting Kate Linklark in 2024 left Smith in a strange place. She had no clear roles and her location became even more vague when both Aliya Boston and Caitlyn Clark were drafted. Her 2024 season was filled with a drought of not playing, coming in and out of rotation, and getting frustrated.

In the offseason she was Moved to the wings of Dallas. and so Dallas’ change doesn’t make Smith’s role a clear indication until they see the team play, even before they drafted Page Booker, but there’s more room for growth. Smith is a talented player and, in the right circumstances, could potentially be an impactful member of the team.

Kate Martin – Golden State Valkyries

Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images

After being drafted into a Las Vegas ace in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft and creating the opening day roster, Kate Martin quickly became a fan favorite. She was called “glue” Iowa Hawkeyes When she played with Kate Linklark, she reached two national championship games. In her rookie season, she showed great potential as a wing player.

When the Golden State Valkyries prepared to enter the WNBA, they hired former ace assistant Natalie Nakaze as head coach. Then, in the expanded draft, Valkyries chose Kate Martin from Aces and took her to California. It’s sad to see Martin’s ace tenure end after a season, but this new opportunity with Golden State gives her the opportunity to build a leading role with the Valkyries.

Martin has security when it comes to making a roster, but now he’s one of the faces of the new franchise. She’s with a coach she already knows and is in a situation where she gets more minutes to develop the game. All of this could lead to the most improved season.