Paige Bueckers might be in just her second season in the WNBA, but at 24, she’s already become one of the league’s most influential players. Currently, she stands out as one of the best lead guards for a winning team. If there were a Sophomore Award, she’d be a leading candidate, mirroring her success as last season’s Rookie of the Year.
But who else would be contenders for such recognition?
Here’s a ranking of the ten most impactful second-year players in the WNBA.
1. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings
Bueckers was last year’s top draft pick and the Rookie of the Year, and she’s continued to play at this high level into the 2026 season. The Wings have improved significantly this year, boasting a record of 7-4. Bueckers is averaging 18.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and an impressive 41.2% from beyond the arc.
2. Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics
Citron, who was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year last season, is continuing her strong performance. While her former Notre Dame teammate, Olivia Miles, is making headlines with the Minnesota Lynx, Citron has been consistently impactful, averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
3. Carla Leite, Portland Fire
Though Leite wasn’t a Rookie of the Year candidate last year, she was picked by Portland during the expansion draft and has since emerged as a key player for the team. Currently, she averages 14 points and five assists, making her one of the top sophomores.
4. Dominic Malonga, Seattle Storm
Malonga had limited playing time in her rookie season, but this year, she has stepped up as one of the Storm’s primary scoring options. Averaging 14.8 points and six rebounds, she’s showing her skills at just 20 years old—evidence of why she was selected second overall last year.
5. Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics
Iriafen was the first in her draft class to earn the Rookie of the Month honor and is maintaining her strong performance into her second season. With averages of 14.6 points and 8.9 rebounds, she’s demonstrating her potential, especially with a shooting percentage of 35.7% this season.
6. Janelle Saraun, Golden State Valkyries
Drafted in 2023 without being picked in the previous draft class, Saraun has emerged as the Valkyries’ third-leading scorer. Averages include 13.7 points per game, primarily off the bench, and her plus-minus shows she’s contributing positively to her team’s 7-5 record.
7. Aneesa Morrow, CT Sun
Morrow is having a commendable second season, although the Sun are struggling with losses. She averages 12.3 points and 10.9 rebounds, leading her class, and ranks third league-wide in rebounds. Unfortunately, her team stats reflect poorly, showcasing a -9.5 on-court plus-minus.
8. Sarah Ashley Barker, Portland Fire
Barker had a decent rookie year but has taken her game to the next level since being selected in the expansion draft. She’s averaging 10 points with impressive shooting percentages—50.5% from the field and 45% from three-point range—helping the Fire maintain a close record.
9. Monique Akoa Makani, Phoenix Mercury
Makani made waves as a rookie, impacting the game on both ends, and she has continued that trend this season. She’s averaging 12.3 points with notable efficiency, shooting 47.6% and also averages 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals.
10. Leila Rakan, CT Sun
Rakan has visibly improved her team’s dynamics but the Sun’s record sits at 1-4 since her return from an overseas stint. Averaging 11.4 points and 4.8 assists, she’s experienced a downturn in efficiency, shooting just 36.7%, a drop from her prior season’s 47.7%.
