Alright, WNBA fans, we’ve officially hit the halfway point of the 2026 season, and while some award races feel wrapped up tighter than a drum, one major pick has experts seriously split. A’ja Wilson? Yeah, she’s the unanimous choice for MVP, but when it comes to who’s the league’s top defender, the debate is just getting started.
Wilson’s MVP Numbers Are Just Bonkers
Look, if you’ve watched a single minute of basketball this season, A’ja Wilson’s MVP pick is a no-brainer. Our experts, Lindsay Gibbs, Isabel Gonzalez, and Jack Maloney, all picked her unanimously, and honestly, who could argue? This woman is averaging a league-high 25.7 points per game, shooting a ridiculous 52.4% from the field. And it’s not just scoring, folks. She’s third in the league in rebounds with 9.4, first in blocks with 2.0, first in PER at 32.2, and second in win shares with 3.9. Gibbs put it perfectly: there’s “no touching A’ja Wilson once again.” She’s on pace for what could be her fifth MVP title, and only an injury or some wild voter fatigue could possibly stop her.
It’s not just Wilson running away with things, either. The Rookie of the Year race is practically locked down, with Olivia Miles as the unanimous pick. And for Most Improved Player, Jessica Shepard is similarly “lappin the field,” according to Gibbs. Both Miles and Shepard are playing so well, they should “firmly be on the outskirts of the MVP conversation” themselves. That’s how dominant these early-season performances have been!
Who’s the League’s BEST Defender? Experts Can’t Agree!
While the MVP and ROY picks were clear, the Defensive Player of the Year award is where the experts couldn’t find common ground. Just like last season, when A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith shared the award, there’s no single standout this time around. Lindsay Gibbs went with Natasha Howard of the Minnesota Lynx, calling her the “best defender on the team with the top defensive rating” at the season’s midway point. But Isabel Gonzalez and Jack Maloney both threw their weight behind A’ja Wilson for DPOY as well. Talk about a tough choice when the MVP is also in contention for the top defensive honor!
And let’s not forget the incredible bench play! Janelle Salaün is a unanimous pick for Sixth Player of the Year, balling out for the Golden State Valkyries with 12.3 points per game. She just dropped 26 points and 6 rebounds last Wednesday night, shooting 70% from the field and an insane 5 of 6 from deep. On the coaching side, Cheryl Reeve earned Coach of the Year, leading the Lynx to first place without Napheesa Collier. That’s a true “masterclass” in leadership.
So, as the WNBA heads into the second half, we’re watching closely. Can A’ja Wilson keep up this insane pace and maybe even snag a DPOY? Will these unanimous picks hold strong? You know we’ll be tuned in for every moment of this incredible season!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.
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