The Athletic names WNBA Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year
The real proof for WNBA awards begin with a test called the playoffs. For the next few weeks, starting with Game 1 of the first round on Sunday, we’ll get evidence that shows who the league’s VIPs are. But based on the regular-season, The Athletic’s experts will unveil our choices for several awards: Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year (below), Thursday will reveal our Rookie of the Year…
The Athletic has announced its selections for the WNBA's Most Improved Player and Coach of the Year awards, based on the regular season. In the Most Improved Player category, Shakira Austin of the Washington Mystics and Jessica Shepard of the Dallas Wings were named the top two recipients, receiving the most votes from the league's experts.
Austin is averaging career-best numbers in various statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, while also improving defensively and offensively. Her contributions have been instrumental in the Mystics' resurgence, as they have climbed to the second position in the league in terms of opponent paint points and second-chance points.
Shepard, meanwhile, has increased her workload and excelled in her expanded role with the Dallas Wings. She averaged a career-high 14.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, becoming the first player in WNBA history to achieve this milestone. Her positive impact on the team's performance has been significant, making her the clear winner in the Most Improved Player category.
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