Top Players to Watch This Season: Can Angel Reese and Napheesa Collier Shine Bright?
Diana Taurasi’s retirement marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA as a new season kicks off amid ongoing contract negotiations aimed at increasing player salaries. The league has seen fierce competition, notably from the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty, yet this year’s narrative also focuses on emerging talent. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is set to shine with new teammates DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard, enhancing an already potent offense. Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings aims to leverage her sixth consecutive top-10 MVP ranking into a strong partnership with first overall draft pick Paige Bueckers.
On the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese looks to diversify her scoring arsenal after leading the league in rebounds, while the Phoenix Mercury pivots toward new stars Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, following the departures of both Taurasi and Brittney Griner. In New York, the Liberty’s championship hopes rest upon established stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, bolstered by the return of sharpshooter Marine Johannes. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream’s Brittney Griner is testing the waters of a new uptempo offense that could see her expanding her game with three-point shooting. Lastly, Napheesa Collier’s high-scoring offseason performance positions her and the Lynx for an aggressive season start.
With fresh momentum and strategic shifts, the WNBA season promises excitement and unpredictability.
FAQ
1. Who is the standout rookie to watch in the new WNBA season?
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is expected to shine with new teammates.
2. How will the Phoenix Mercury compensate for the loss of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner?
The Mercury are focusing on new stars Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to lead the team into a new era.
3. What challenges does Arike Ogunbowale face this season?
Ogunbowale must build chemistry with new teammate Paige Bueckers after a significant roster change in Dallas.
4. How is Brittney Griner adapting her game with the Atlanta Dream?
Griner has been encouraged to shoot more three-pointers in an uptempo offense strategy this season.
Tags
WNBA, Diana Taurasi, Caitlin Clark, Brittney Griner, basketball, sports news, player analysis, team strategies, women’s sports, new season
