Evaluating Defense in WNBA: A Complex Task
Assessing defensive players is quite a challenge. There are numerous factors to weigh, and the skill sets of players can differ significantly based on their roles. Moreover, existing metrics often fail to capture the nuances of defensive play.
From my perspective, it’s essential that the players recognized for their defense come from the top teams. Unlike offensive stats, which provide clearer insights, defensive statistics have their limitations. Therefore, while I considered them, they weren’t the sole focus of my analysis.
In the end, I selected Alana Smith from the Minnesota Lynx as the defensive player of the year.
This piece will detail my all-defense team selections.
- Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
- Alana Smith, Minnesota Lynx
- A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
- Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm
- Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury
- Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
- Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries
- Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream
- Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
- Monique Akoa Makani, Phoenix Mercury
How I Chose My All-Defense Teams
Initially, I examined the top five defenses in the WNBA, measured by defensive rating.
- Minnesota Lynx – 97.5 Defensive Rating
- Atlanta Dream – 98.9 Defensive Rating
- Golden State Valkyries – 99.8 Defensive Rating
- Seattle Storm – 100.1 Defensive Rating
- Phoenix Mercury – 100.4 Defensive Rating
It’s worth mentioning that the Las Vegas Aces rounded out the top ten with a defensive rating of 101.9.
My approach to defensive awards emphasizes players from the best defensive teams, with a few exceptions for standout performances. I focused on players who participated in at least 22 games and played about 20 minutes per game. This criterion helps establish a baseline for all my award considerations, except for the Sixth Player of the Year, where those under 20 minutes can still qualify.
It was important for me to ensure that each of the top five defenses had representation on the all-defense teams, ideally two selections each. The Lynx, being the top defensive team, ended up with two first-team selections. The same goes for the Storm and Mercury, both of whom also landed two spots on the list.
A’ja Wilson emerged as the only player recognized from the lower-ranked defense, despite her team’s struggles. She excelled individually, compensating for her team’s overall performance.
Blocks and steals are the primary statistics that provide insights into defensive prowess. Five of my ten selections were among the leaders in blocks this season. A’ja Wilson topped the charts with 2.3 blocks per game, while Ezi Magbegor and Alana Smith followed closely. Napheesa Collier also had an impressive 1.5 blocks.
Gabby Williams led the league in steals this year, contributing significantly to her team’s defensive efforts. Collier, Wilson, and Thomas were tied for fifth with 1.6 steals each.
Rhyne Howard had a strong defensive season as well, crucial to her team reaching the second-best defensive ranking. She often found herself tackling the toughest assignments.
Veronica Burton stood out as a top point guard defender for the Valkyries, who had the third-best defense in the league.
Alyssa Thomas, a candidate for MVP, led Phoenix’s defense, while rookie Monique Akoa Makani made a notable impact, significantly improving her team’s defensive rating when on the floor.
Reflections on My All-Defense Selections
Ultimately, the WNBA showcases a wealth of elite defenders, making it tough to narrow down the finalists.
I considered several players who didn’t make my final list, like Brionna Jones from the Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx’s Kaela McBride, and Ariya Boston from Indiana Fever. McBride was exceptional in her defensive assignments, while Jones was another strong candidate for consideration.
Some media voters might take a different route, focusing purely on individual defenders without considering overall team defense. My approach was more team-oriented this year, but I can appreciate different perspectives.
If I were choosing based solely on individual talent, players like Connecticut’s rookie Leila Lakan and Sanya Rivers would have been strong contenders. They could certainly land on an all-defense team in the future, especially Lakan, though her missed time and being on a struggling team worked against her this season.
I’d also like to acknowledge Sonia Citron, who quickly made a name for herself as one of the league’s top guards defensively.
As for Dihonai Carrington, who was on the All-Defensive First Team last year, her absence this year doesn’t diminish her status as an elite guard. She faced numerous injuries and played for the Dallas team, which struggled defensively this season.
Last year, both Natasha Cloud and Jonquel Jones earned spots on the All-Defensive Second Team. However, since Freedom wasn’t among the top defenses, it was unlikely they would claim multiple players in my voting this year. I chose Stewart as the most impactful defender in New York.
Reasons for Selecting Alana Smith as Defensive Player of the Year
Each player on my first-team All-Defense roster had valid claims for the defensive player award. A’ja Wilson might be considered the most dominant individual defender in the league. The Lynx is recognized for its defensive strength, with both Napheesa Collier and Alana Smith among their best defenders. Gabby Williams is also notable for her boundary defense.
Ultimately, I opted for Smith because of her role as a central figure for Minnesota. Both her teammates and coaches backed her for this award. Her versatility and ability in pick-and-roll situations, combined with her elite help defense, set her apart.
“She is incredibly smart on the court,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. “I’d absolutely choose her for this year’s defensive player award.”
“When you come to a game, it’s clear she’s one of the best defenders out there. She influences the game in ways that are hard to measure,” she added.
Collier supported Smith’s nomination after the Lynx’s playoff opener, emphasizing her crucial defensive role.
“She’s been phenomenal; I believe she is the defensive player of the year. The impact she has on both our post players and guards is invaluable,” Collier stated.
Statistically, Smith ranks third in the league with a 53% block percentage and ninth in steals at 24.7%.
As highlighted by WNBA Analyst Nekias Duncan, the only players who managed to defend over 100 shots at the rim while holding opponents to below 50% include Smith, Wilson, and Magbegor.
Why Not Wilson?
My general guideline is that a defensive player of the year should typically be on an elite defensive team, just as MVP candidates need to be part of top teams. While I consider Wilson an MVP based on her performance, the Aces finished eighth in defensive standings. Hence, it’s challenging to justify her claim for the DPOY.
However, both players have performed effectively, leading the league in blocks and stocks, making them undeniable defensive forces.
Can non-big players win the DPOY?
Gabby Williams made a compelling argument as the best boundary defender in the league. But while the Storm showed defensive prowess, finishing fourth overall in defensive rating might require guards to significantly contribute to the top defenses to achieve the DPOY.
The race for the defensive award is complex and often subjective. I anticipate a range of differing votes, with many solid candidates missing from this discussion. Nevertheless, my team-centric philosophy shaped this final vote.
