WNBA MVP Candidates: Five Players Deserving Of League’s 2022 Award

The WNBA campaign has brought a number of highlights and moments, and with all-star weekend behind us and the regular season nearing its end, let’s check five players who could take home the MVP trophy.

Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
Stewart is putting up some impressive numbers this season, making a big impact for the Storm. Heading into Sunday’s contest against the Indiana Fever, the 6-foot-4 forward is leading the league in points per game (20.9) and sits second in steals per game (1.9). The 27-year-old is leading her team in rebounds per game (7.1) and captained one of the WNBA All-Star teams alongside her teammate Sue Bird.

Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
Plum is coming off an WNBA All-Star Game MVP after scoring 30 points to go along with three rebounds and two assists in a winning effort. The guard ranks second in points per game (20.3) behind Stewart. Plum also is averaging 5.5 assists per game. She has seen significant improvement over her five years in the league, and this is evident on the court and on the stat sheet.

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
The 6-foot-4 forward leads the league in rebounds (10) and is shooting 49.9% from the field this season. Her impact on both sides of the court is evident, as she shows off her versatility every time she takes the floor. The South Carolina alum is averaging 2.1 blocks per game, which ranks second in the league behind Seattle’s Ezi Magbegor (2.5).

Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Ionescu has been making history throughout her career. One notable moment was when the guard became the first in the league to record a 30-point triple-double, finishing the game on July 6 with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. She ranks second in the WNBA in assists (6.3), behind only Washington Mystics’ guard Natasha Cloud (7.2). She also is averaging 7.2 rebounds per game, good for 10th in the league.

Candace Parker, Chicago Sky
Parker, 36, is in her 15th year in the WNBA, but the level she continues to compete at is impressive. Parker is a major reason why the 19-6 Sky sit in first place across the league. She ranks fourth in rebounds (8.8) behind Wilson, Fowles (9.9) and reigning MVP of the Connecticut Sun Jonquel Jones (9.0). She participated in what may have been her last WNBA All-Star Game last week, but no decision has formally been made. If it is her last year, what better way to head out than with a MVP title and possibly a championship.