As the 2024 WNBA regular season nears its end in under a month, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has announced his choice for the league’s MVP.
This season has been remarkable, with spotlight on both emerging rookies and experienced veterans.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have made headlines with their standout performances. Meanwhile, veterans Kahleah Copper, Arike Ogunbowale, and Napheesa Collier have been dominating the scoreboard, with each ranking among the top four in the league for scoring.
Even with the impressive seasons of these players, Stephen A. Smith has firmly endorsed A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. The third-year center is having a remarkable season with exceptional performances.
Smith stated on ESPN’s “First Take,” “She’s going to be the unanimous MVP and the defensive player of the year. She is unquestionably the best player in the WNBA.”
In 2024, Wilson is averaging 26.6 points, 2.3 assists, and 11.9 rebounds per game. If she continues to average 26.6 points per game, she will exceed Diana Taurasi’s 25.29 points per game from 2006 and set a new single-season scoring record for the league.
Wilson is a formidable presence on both offense and defense. She leads the league with an average of 2.7 blocks per game and is striving to secure her third consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Clark, the top pick in April’s WNBA draft for the Indiana Fever, has exceeded the high expectations placed on her after leaving Iowa. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer is averaging 17.9 points per game and leads the league with 8.3 assists per game.
In Chicago, Reese, selected as the No. 7 pick for the Sky, is averaging 13.5 points per game and leads the league in rebounding with 12.9 boards per game.
Smith highlighted both Clark and Reese but ultimately selected Wilson as the MVP.
On Sunday, Wilson made a buzzer-beater against the Sky, resulting in Reese’s 18th loss of her rookie season.
“Let me say this,” Smith continued. “Angel Reese is achieving remarkable things, and she deserves a lot of praise. There’s no doubt about it. Additionally, she’s performing at a high level alongside Caitlin Clark, who is also elevating her game. Both have made significant contributions to the WNBA and deserve recognition. However, this is A’ja Wilson’s domain.”
Wilson’s next game will be on Tuesday, August 27, in Dallas, where she will face the Wings. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET.
Leave a Reply