The WNBA is a growing force in women’s professional basketball, showcasing talented players. As we approach 2024, the league continues to improve and become more competitive, with new talent and seasoned veterans making player ranking predictions challenging.
But we have taken on the challenge here at WNBA Player Rankings 2024. After carefully analyzing past performance, skill development, and potential impact on their teams, we have compiled our list of the top players in the league heading into the 2024 season. So, let’s dive in and see who made the cut and who we predict will be making big moves in the WNBA this year.
2024 WNBA Power Rankings Week 9: Playoff Push is in Full Effect
WNBA, you were truly missed! While it was exciting to watch the United States Women’s National Team dominate and bring home gold for the eighth straight time in Paris (that’s just what we do!), the anticipation for the WNBA season is palpable as we gear up for a highly competitive and cut-throat league.
As we prepare for the return of the action, numerous questions loom large over the league’s restart. Who will emerge fully healthy and ready to contribute? Which teams will make a significant leap in the standings come August? And how might the fatigue from the Olympic experience impact the performance of the Olympians back in the league?
So far, three teams—New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota—have already clinched their playoff spots, showcasing their strength and consistency throughout the season. Yet, plenty of regular season remains for other teams to secure those final five coveted spots in the playoff race.
Let’s dive back into my weekly power rankings and analyze how each team is faring after the Olympic break, considering their recent performances, injuries, and any adjustments they’ve made to their strategies. It’s going to be an exciting conclusion to the season!
WNBA Player Rankings 2024
1. New York Liberty(25-5)
- Previous Ranking: 1
- Last Week: W vs. Wings 94-74, W vs. Wings 79-71, L vs. Sun 72-64
- This Week: Monday at Mercury, Wednesday at Sparks, Friday at Storm
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 106.7 (1); DefRtg: 94.2 (2); NetRtg: 12.5 (1); eFG%: 52.1 (2)
The Liberty have been on a roll all season, led by the dynamic duo of Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney. Despite Ionescu’s recent injury setback, they continue to hold onto the top spot in the league with their impressive record of 15-5. With solid depth and versatile players like Sami Whitcomb and Rebecca Allen stepping up, the Liberty looks like a serious title contender.
2. Connecticut Sun:
- Previous Ranking: 2
- Last Week: W vs. Sparks 69-61, W vs. Sky 82-80, W at Liberty 72-64
- This Week: Wednesday at Fever, Saturday at Mystics, Sunday vs. Storm
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 101.9 (6); DefRtg: 93.9 (1); NetRtg: 8.0 (3); eFG%: 47.6 (9)
The Sun has also been consistent throughout the season, sitting close behind the Liberty with a record of 14-6. The Sun has dominated both ends of the court, led by MVP candidate Jonquel Jones and veteran point guard Jasmine Thomas, with their strong defence and efficient offence.
3. Minnesota Lynx:
- Previous Ranking: 5
- Last Week: W at Aces 98-87, W vs. Aces 87-74, W vs. Fever 90-80
- This Week: Wednesday at Mercury, Friday at Wings, Sunday vs Sky
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 103.2 (3); DefRtg: 94.2 (3); NetRtg: 9.0 (2); eFG%: 52.3 (1)
The Lynx have had a rocky season with injuries to key players like Sylvia Fowles and Aerial Powers, but they have still managed to secure their spot in the playoffs with a record of 12-8. Led by veteran point guard Layshia Clarendon and talented rookie Rennia Davis, the Lynx are looking to make some noise in the postseason.
4. Seattle Storm:
- Previous Ranking: 5
- Last Week: W at Mystics 81-77
- This Week: Monday vs. Mystics, Wednesday vs. Dream, Friday vs. Liberty
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 101.5 (7); DefRtg: 94.6 (4); NetRtg: 6.9 (4); eFG%: 47.3 (10
The defending champions have had a rollercoaster season, dealing with multiple injuries and absences due to international play. However, with the return of stars Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd and the addition of veteran point guard Sue Bird, the Storm are looking to make a strong push for their third consecutive championship.
5. Las Vegas Aces:
- Previous Ranking: 3
- Last Week: L vs. Lynx 87-98, L at Lynx 74-87, W at Sky 77-75
- This Week: Tuesday at Wings, Friday vs. Dream, Sunday at Mercury
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 105.4 (2); DefRtg: 100.7 (6); NetRtg: 4.7 (5); eFG%: 51.7 (3)
Despite coping with injuries to key players such as Liz Cambage and Angel McCoughtry, the Aces have maintained a solid record of 12-10. Led by MVP candidate A’ja Wilson and sharpshooter Kelsey Plum, the Aces will be challenging in the playoffs once they have all their pieces healthy.
6. Chicago Sky:
- Previous Ranking: 8
- Last Week: L at Sun 80-82, L vs Aces 75-77
- This Week: Wednesday vs Mystics, Friday vs Fever, Sunday at Lynx
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 97.7 (9); DefRtg: 101.3 (7); NetRtg: -3.6 (7); eFG%: 45.2 (12)
The Sky have been struggling with consistency this season but still hold onto a playoff spot with a record of 11-10. Led by the dynamic duo of Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, the Sky have the potential to make a deep playoff run if they can find their groove.
7. Phoenix Mercury:
- Previous Ranking: 7
- Last Week: L at Dream 72-63, W at Dream 82-80
- This Week: Monday vs. Liberty, Wednesday vs. Lynx, Sunday vs. Aces
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 102.9 (4); DefRtg: 104.4 (9); NetRtg: -1.5 (6); eFG%: 51.0 (5)
The Mercury have had a rollercoaster season but are currently in playoff position with a record of 9-10. With an experienced core of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Skylar Diggins-Smith, the Mercury will be a dangerous team to face in the playoffs.
8. Dallas Wings:
- Previous Ranking: 12
- Last Week: L at Liberty 74-94, L at Liberty 71-79, W vs. Sparks 113-110
- This Week: Tuesday vs. Aces, Friday vs. Lynx, Sunday vs. Fever
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 100.5 (8); DefRtg: 109.3 (12); NetRtg: -10.4 (12); eFG%: 48.3 (7)
The young Wings team has shown flashes of greatness this season but has also struggled with consistency and injuries. However, led by the dynamic duo of Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, the Wings could surprise some teams in the playoffs if they can put it all together.
9. Atlanta Dream:
- Previous Ranking: 9
- Last Week: W vs. Mercury 72-63, L vs. Mercury 80-82
- This Week: Monday vs Fever, Wednesday at Storm, Friday at Aces, Sunday at Sparks
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 95.0 (12); DefRtg: 100.5 (5); NetRtg: -5.5 (8); eFG%: 45.2 (11)
Despite a rough start to the season, the Dream have shown improvement and have risen in the standings with a record of 7-12. Led by veteran Tiffany Hayes and rookie sensation Aari McDonald, the Dream will be a scrappy team to face in the playoffs.
10. Los Angeles Sparks:
- Previous Ranking: 9
- Last Week: W vs. Mercury 72-63, L vs. Mercury 80-82
- This Week: Monday vs Fever, Wednesday at Storm, Friday at Aces, Sunday at Sparks
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 95.0 (12); DefRtg: 100.5 (5); NetRtg: -5.5 (8); eFG%: 45.2 (11)
The Sparks have had a tough season, dealing with injuries and inconsistent play. However, led by All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver, along with rising star Te’a Cooper, the Sparks have the potential to push for the playoffs if they can turn things around.
11. Indiana Fever:
- Previous Ranking: 6
- Last Week: L at Lynx 80-90
- This Week: Monday at Dream, Wednesday vs Sun, Friday at Sky, Sunday at Wings
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 102.2 (5); DefRtg: 107.9 (11); NetRtg: -5.6 (9); eFG%: 51.2 (4)
Despite having the worst record in the league at 4-16, the young and rebuilding Fever team has shown glimpses of promise this season. Led by rookie standout Kysre Gondrezick and veteran Danielle Robinson, the Fever will continue to develop and improve as they look towards building for the future.
12. Washington Mystics:
- Previous Ranking: 10
- Last Week: L vs. Storm 77-83, W vs. Sparks 80-74
- This Week: Monday at Storm, Wednesday at Sky, Saturday vs. Sun
- Team Stats: OffRtg: 97.0 (11); DefRtg: 103.1 (8); NetRtg: -6.0 (10); eFG%: 49.9 (6)
The Mystics have had a challenging season with numerous injuries to key players like Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman. However, with their recent strong performances and the return of some key players, including Tina Charles, the Mystics could still make a push for a playoff spot.
There is plenty of excitement and anticipation surrounding the WNBA as we approach the end of the season. With only a few weeks left, every game becomes even more crucial for teams fighting for playoff spots or seeding.
FAQS
How many teams make the playoffs in the WNBA?
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has 12 teams, eight qualifying for the playoffs.
When do the WNBA playoffs start?
The playoffs usually begin in mid-September, with the finals in October.
What is the format for the WNBA playoffs?
The top eight teams make the playoffs, with four rounds of single elimination games leading up to a best-of-five series for the WNBA Finals.
Who are some top MVP candidates for this season?
Some top MVP candidates include Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson.
What is the significance of this WNBA season?
This WNBA season marks the league’s 25th anniversary, making it a special milestone for players and fans. It also comes after a historic year in which players used their platform to advocate for social justice and equality. As we approach the playoffs, it’s clear that this has been a memorable and impactful season both on and off the court. So buckle up because seeing who emerges as WNBA champions this year will be exciting.
Conclusion:
The WNBA regular season may end, but the excitement and competition only ramp up as teams fight for a championship. With strong contenders like the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun leading the pack, it’s anyone’s game. And with stars like Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart vying for MVP, every game will be filled with thrilling performances.
But beyond the on-court action, this season holds special significance as it marks 25 years of incredible basketball in the WNBA. From its modest beginnings, the WNBA has become recognized as one of America’s premier professional sports leagues and has come a long way.
