If there’s one thing that WNBA fans appreciate, it’s a bold opinion. With about a month into the 2025 season, we thought it was a good time to check in on some hot takes about the league.
Dallas might need to showcase Ogwumike’s trade potential before deadlines
The Dallas Wings currently sit at 1-6, and while they weren’t expected to be championship frontrunners this year, their performance is still concerning. They drafted Paige Bueckers to secure their future, but with free agency looming for Arike Ogunbowale, it might be time to consider trades.
Ogunbowale is currently hitting less than 35% of her shots, which hasn’t improved much from last week. The Wings’ offense feels a bit stagnant, and if they want to build around Bueckers, they need to rethink their strategies. Maybe trading Ogunbowale could bring in younger talent, especially with a wild free agency period ahead.
I wouldn’t say they should completely let go of Arike, but exploring options seems wise. If she’s unhappy after this season, she could leave, and they wouldn’t get anything in return for a player they’ve invested in for years.
Dreams keep pace with Liberty, presenting serious playoff competition
I’m really impressed with Atlanta’s recent four-game winning streak. Their only loss this season came on a tough road game that they nearly pulled off, and another came at home, despite leading at one point.
Rhyne Howard can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, but her shooting ability is undeniable. Alisha Gray seems to be thriving with good spacing, shooting better than ever. Together, Gray and Howard make a formidable duo, particularly benefiting from the threats posed by Near Coffey and Maya Caldwell.
They also have solid depth with players like Naz Hillmon, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, and rookie Te-Hina Paopao, who is starting to find her rhythm. Defensively, they face challenges, especially with Britney Griner being a factor, but they tend to perform better when she’s not on the floor.
Head coach Carl Smesco should definitely keep fine-tuning the lineup to leverage this depth as the season goes on.
Atlanta appears to be able to attack from multiple angles. They’re developing a clear identity as a strong 3-point shooting team that thrives on rebounds and free throws without too many turnovers. That’s a solid formula for success.
Napheesa Collier is a frontrunner for MVP
In her seventh professional season at 28, Napheesa Collier seems to be having a breakout year, achieving her best season in the WNBA yet. Playing for an undefeated Minnesota Lynx team, she’s scoring an impressive 26.3 points per game, outpacing the competition.
Her scoring isn’t the only reason MVP discussions are heating up. Collier contributes significantly on multiple fronts: she ranks second in steals, fifth in blocks, ninth in rebounds, and has a notable shooting percentage. Her impressive 50-40-90 shooting stats are noteworthy; she’s hitting over 51% from the field, 45% from three, and 92.5% from the free-throw line. Only Elena Delle Donne has recorded a 50-40-90 season before her.
While it’s early in the season, Collier has outperformed some big names, further proving that last year’s playoff run was not just a fluke. Having won Defensive Player of the Year last season, she could be in the running for more accolades this time around.
Mercury could become a top competitor once healthy
This offseason, the Mercury brought in experienced veterans through deals like Satu Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, aiming to capitalize on an opportunity in the Western Conference, especially after Kelsey Plum’s departure.
Currently, the Mercury are 5-3, and that’s even more encouraging considering injuries to players like Copper and Thomas. Copper is recovering from knee surgery, while Thomas has been dealing with calf issues. Despite these hurdles, the team excels defensively, allowing only about 94.9 points per 100 possessions, which is third-best in the league. Thomas is a defensive stalwart, facilitating the offense. If they can manage their injuries and get their shooting back on track, they could emerge as serious contenders in the West. Sabally has started well, and if their scorers find their touch, they could be difficult to deal with.
Washington Mystics boast a promising young core
Back in January, the Mystics were still establishing their leadership under new head coach Sydney Johnson and general manager Jamila Wideman. The team’s future felt uncertain at that point.
Fast forward five months, and they seem to have one of the brightest young cores in the league, featuring standouts like rookie Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Citron, drafted third overall, has been averaging 14.4 points and shooting nearly 49% from the field, while Iriafen is putting up 14.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. Plus, Georgia Amoore will be returning next season after her ACL recovery.
With this year’s draft class, the Mystics also have Aaliyah Edwards and Shakira Austin joining the mix. Looking back, trading Ariel Atkins for that third pick seems like a smart move.
