WNBA Awards Season in Full Swing: DPOY To Be Announced
The WNBA awards season is officially in full swing, with the league recently honoring some of its most deserving athletes and coaches for their incredible work this season. Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year have all been announced, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next big award. Today, the WNBA is poised to name the Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, a prestigious honor that recognizes the league's most impactful defensive presence. This announcement continues a week of celebrations as the league shines a spotlight on the outstanding individuals who have elevated the game to new heights in 2025. It is a time for recognition and for reflecting on the remarkable achievements of these athletes and coaches who have truly made their mark on the season. The anticipation for each new award announcement builds as the league heads towards the end of the year festivities.
It came as no surprise to fans or analysts that the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year award went to Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers. Her rookie campaign was nothing short of historic, as she immediately became a foundational player for the Wings. Bueckers received an overwhelming 70 of 72 votes from a national panel of broadcasters and sportswriters, with the remaining two votes going to Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron. Her dominance was evident from her very first game, and she quickly solidified herself as a top-tier talent in the league, highlighting her scoring prowess and playmaking ability. Her season was marked by a series of spectacular performances that demonstrated her elite potential, including a new WNBA rookie record with a stunning 44-point game. She also became the first rookie ever to average more than 15 points and five assists while shooting over 45 percent from the field. Although the Wings tied for the worst record in the league, Bueckers was an undeniable bright spot and a sign of a promising future for the franchise.
In a remarkable turnaround, Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton was named the Kia WNBA Most Improved Player. In her fourth WNBA season and first with the new expansion Valkyries, Burton transformed from a role player into a key contributor, earning 68 of 72 votes. Her jump in production was staggering, with career highs across the board, averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. This marked a significant increase from her previous season, where she averaged just 3.1 points and 1.9 assists. Burton's monumental improvement was a major catalyst for the Valkyries' historic inaugural season. She was a driving force behind the team's record-setting 23 wins and their unprecedented run to become the first expansion team ever to make the playoffs in their first year. Her growth was a reflection of the opportunity she was given in Golden State and her dedication to her craft.
The Golden State Valkyries' historic success was further recognized with the naming of Natalie Nakase as the WNBA Coach of the Year. In her very first season as a head coach, Nakase led her team to an incredible 23-21 record and a playoff berth, an accomplishment that no other expansion franchise has ever achieved. Her coaching philosophy, which prioritized a strong defensive identity, was instrumental in the team's success. She received 53 of 72 votes from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters, displaying the widespread respect for her work. Nakase's ability to take a brand-new roster with no prior all-stars and mold them into a cohesive, competitive unit was truly remarkable. The team’s defense was a standout, holding opponents to a league-low 76.3 points per game. Her leadership and strategic acumen were evident throughout the season, particularly as the team battled to secure its playoff spot. The Coach of the Year Award is a testament to her vision and the foundation she has built for the future of the Valkyries organization.
Today's award announcement centers on the Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and the race is incredibly tight, featuring several of the league's premier defenders. The debate for the award has been intense, with three main players at the forefront of the conversation. The first candidate is A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces superstar who is a two-time DPOY winner and the anchor of her team’s defense. Wilson led the league in blocks per game and is a versatile defender who can guard both inside and out. The second strong candidate is Alanna Smith, who has been the linchpin for the Minnesota Lynx's top-ranked defense. She has set a career-high in blocks and is an instrumental force in a defense that has been nearly impossible to score against. Her impact on the team's overall defensive rating makes a compelling case for her to take home the hardware. Finally, Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm has long been one of the WNBA's most respected stoppers. This season, she recorded career highs in both steals and blocks, displaying her elite athleticism and ability to disrupt offenses. While a case can be made for each of these players, the consensus among analysts points toward A'ja Wilson winning her third Defensive Player of the Year Award. Her league-leading block numbers, combined with her immense defensive versatility and the importance of her role on a championship-contending team, give her a slight edge over the competition. We will see in a matter of hours if the voters agree and if Wilson can add another DPOY trophy to her already stacked collection.
