2025 WNBA midseason awards tracker
The 2025 WNBA season has officially hit the halfway mark, and fans have already enjoyed plenty of entertaining storylines. As things stand, the MVP award in particular is almost certain to go another way, considering A'Ja Wilson is not amongst the most likely contenders thus far.
That honor belongs to the likes of Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, the two All-Star captains this year. The Indiana Fever star in particular looks likely to compete for the MVP award after winning the Rookie of the Year last time around.
However, there are plenty of other major contenders who have emerged this season already, as we attempt to recognize the biggest contenders for all the major WNBA awards.
Most Valuable Player – Napheesa Collier
Leading the MVP race is Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. The 2024 MVP runner-up has elevated her game to another level in 2025, guiding the Lynx to a league-best 20-4 record while leading the WNBA in scoring with 23.9 points per game, per Basketball Reference.
She has also been highly efficient, shooting at 52.1% from the field and an astounding 95.6% from the free throw line. Collier is also averaging 7.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game, ranking top-five in each of the three major defensive metrics. These two-way contributions have made her indispensable for the Lynx, who boast both the league's top offense and defense.
Challenging her for the MVP crown is Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas, who has thrived with her new team, and Caitlin Clark. Thomas leads the league in assists with 9.5 per game while chipping in 15.4 points and 7.5 rebounds. Her unique ability to control games as a forward-sized playmaker is unmatched, and she recently set a WNBA record with her 16th career triple-double. She's kept Phoenix near the top of the standings despite roster changes and injuries, making her the strongest threat to Collier's MVP run.
Clark will need to remain fit, and has consistently missed games this season, which is why she is not amongst the top-2 candidates as things stand. However, things can change quickly, with the player expected to return soon.
Rookie of the Year – Paige Bueckers
Few rookies in WNBA history have arrived with the same expectations as Paige Bueckers, and even fewer have lived up to the hype in such a short span. The Dallas Wings guard has seized full control of the Rookie of the Year race, despite missing four games due to injury and illness.
She leads all rookies in scoring (18.3), assists (5.4), steals (1.7), and minutes (34.7) per game. Among all WNBA players, Bueckers ranks top-10 in scoring and is one of just four players averaging 18+ points and 5+ assists, joining the likes of Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
Despite Dallas' slow start to the season, Bueckers has helped ignite a modest turnaround, with the Wings now 5-5 in their last 10 games. She became the fastest rookie in league history to reach 200 points and 50 assists, accomplishing the feat in just 11 games.
Apart from Bueckers, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have impressed as well and continue to be challengers. However, this one might have Bueckers' name written all over!
Most Improved Player – Allisha Gray
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray has exploded into All-Star stardom in 2025, becoming the first Dream player to start in the midseason showcase since 2018. Her offensive game has blossomed under new head coach Karl Smesko, with Gray averaging a career-high 19.4 points on 42.6% shooting from the field and a blistering 41.6% from three.
Gray's leap in production hasn't come with a drop in consistency, and just like Bueckers, she looks the firm favorite to become the MIP this campaign.
Others like Brittney Sykes, Rae Burrell, and Veronica Burton have also turned heads, but Gray looks to be the runaway leader for MIP thus far.
Sixth Player of the Year- Kennedy Burke
In New York, Kennedy Burke has carved out a vital role for the title-contending Liberty as the league's most impactful bench contributor. The 28-year-old guard is averaging 10 points per game off the bench and has become one of the WNBA's most efficient perimeter shooters, hitting 47.9% of her threes.
Though Burke has made six starts due to injuries, her best work has come as a reserve. She's stepped into the void left by the departures of Thornton and Laney-Hamilton and has been crucial in the absence of Jonquel Jones.
Minnesota's Jessica Shepard, Atlanta's Naz Hillmon, and Lynx guard Natisha Heideman round out the other top candidates.
Coach of the Year- Natalie Nakase
In her first season as a WNBA head coach, Natalie Nakase has redefined what's possible for expansion teams. The Golden State Valkyries are 10-9 and are firmly in the playoff race. Nakase has created a defensive juggernaut, ranking second in defensive rating behind only the Lynx, while building an offense that sits comfortably in the league's top 10.
What makes Nakase's success more impressive is the cohesiveness she's developed with a brand-new roster. While Nakase's rise has undoubtedly been impressive, the likes of the Mercury's Nate Tibbetts and the Lynx's Cheryl Reeve appear to be the biggest contenders. Much of how this award goes may depend on the results of the rest of the regular season.
Related: WNBA Rookies get 100% honest on 1st WNBA All-Star honor
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Ichiro Suzuki becomes comedian during Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech
COOPERSTOWN, NY. — The day was filled with passionate speeches, inspirational messages, and ended Sunday with a comedy show by the least suspecting Hall of Famer, with most of the audience unaware he even spoke English. Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese Hall of Famer in baseball history, brought down the house with one of the most humorous speeches since the late Bob Uecker. Suzuki, who has had a full-time interpreter since he arrived in the United States in 2001, delivered his entire speech in English, cracking jokes with a perfect delivery, entertaining the crowd of 30,000 at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He was one of five players inducted in the 76th induction ceremony, joined by CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner and the late Dick Allen and Dave Parker. 'People often measure me by my records,'' Suzuki said. '3,000 hits, 10 Gold Gloves, 10 seasons of 200 hits. Not bad, huh? But the truth is that without baseball, you would say, 'This guy is such a dumbass.'" Suzuki's comedy act was just beginning, reciting baseball stats, his 3,089 hits, his record 262-hit season, and saying how his career was recognized by the Baseball Writers Association of America, but it still wasn't good enough for the one anonymous writer who didn't vote for him, preventing him from joining Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous Hall of Famers in history. He paused, listened to the laughter from the crowd, and then with a perfect delivery said, 'Oh, by the way, and that offer for that writer to have dinner at my house has now ... expired.'' He thanked the Seattle Mariners and Hall of Fame GM Pat Gillick for believing in him and signing him in 2001, thanked the New York Yankees for his 2 ½ years with them, and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for his valuable leadership. And then thanked the Miami Marlins for extending his career for three more years, but with a twist: 'Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015,'' Suzuki said, pausing again, 'I had never heard of your team.'' Suzuki's teammates all knew that he spoke perfect English, and had a delightful sense of humor, but now the baseball world became clued into his secret. 'I played with him for three years, so I knew he could do that,'' Sabathia said. 'I was just excited for people to get to know his personality and how funny he is.'' In the press conference after the ceremony, Suzuki said there was never any thought to delivering his speech in Japanese, saying it was important to him to provide humor to the fans and baseball officials in attendance in Cooperstown, while also making sure everyone understood the importance of respecting the game. 'I always said that being a Hall of Famer wasn't a goal,'' Suzuki said, 'but to make people laugh here was a goal of mine.'' The only time Suzuki spoke Japanese during his entire speech was thanking Hideo Nomo for giving him the courage to play Major League Baseball. 'Because of Hideo's courage,'' Suzuki said, my eyes opened to the idea of challenging myself by going somewhere I never imagined.' Nomo was the first Japanese player in 30 years to play in MLB in 1995, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was an inspiration to Suzuki, who wrote an essay when he was in the sixth grade that he wanted to be a professional baseball player. 'I think you can imagine, there was much doubt when I tried to become the first position player from Japan in MLB,' he said. 'But it was more than just that. There was criticism and negativity. Someone even said to me, 'Don't embarrass the nation.' 'I encourage young players to dream, and dream big, but to also understand the difference between your dream and the goal. In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important to achieve it.'' CC Sabathia hopes to see more Blacks in baseball Sabathia stressed throughout his speech and afterwards in a press conference, that he wants to do everything in his power to make sure he's not the last Black pitcher inducted into the Hall of Fame. He wants to be a role model in hopes of increasing the Black population of baseball, declining to just 6% on opening-day rosters this season. 'When I first started watching baseball, and Dave Parker was crushing homers,'' Sabathia said, 'the number of black players in the major leagues was at its highest, about 18%. Me and my friends played the game because we saw all of those guys on TV. There was always somebody who looked like me in a baseball unfiorm. 'Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but the baseball culture has not always great for Black people. I hope we're starting to turn that around. ... 'I'm sitting here and thinking about it now, 'Who's next? Who's the next Black starting pitcher to win 20 games? Will there be another? I don't want to be the final Black pitcher standing here giving a Hall of Fame speech. I think it's on me and the next generation to find that next kid.'' Sabathia's speech also was effusive in praise for the women in his life, from his mother, Margie, to his aunts and grandmother, Ethel Rufus, raising him in Vallejo, California. He wouldn't be on stage this day, he said, if not for the love and support of his wife, Amber. His mother used to put on catcher's equipment to help him work on his pitching mechanics, and even talking about pitch selection in the garage. And he spent plenty of nights at his grandmother's house where he would pick grapefruits from her tree and throw them at a folding chair used as a strikezone in the back yard. When he wanted to work at Marine World as a teenager, his grandmother wouldn't let him, telling him he needed to focus on baseball. 'You'd be lucky to have even one of those women in your life,'' Sabathia said, 'and I had them all. A village of women who raised me, guided me, made me laugh, fed me, protected me, and a few times, literally save me, starting with my mom.'' Billy Wagner's wait finally ends Wagner, who had to wait until the 10th and final year of eligibility to enter the Hall of Fame while Suzuki and Sabathia made it on the first ballot, thanked dozens of teammates from Jeff Bagwell to Russ Springer to his pitching coaches to bullpen catchers to managers to writers. Wagner, 5-foot-10, is the second pitcher to be inducted under six feet tall. 'I wasn't the biggest, I wasn't left-handed [until twice breaking his right arm], I wasn't supposed to be here,' Wagner said. 'Perseverance isn't just a trait. It's a path to greatness. 'Being up here today, I feel like my baseball life has come full circle.' Dave Parker: Poet Parker, who died last month after battling Parkinson's since 2012, was able to let his son, David Parker II, present just what he wanted to say in his Hall of Fame speech, and wrote a poem before he passed. Here I am, 39. About damn time. I know I had to wait a little, but that's what you do with fine aged wine. I'm a Pirate for life. Wouldn't have it no other way. That was my family, even though I didn't go on Parade Day. I love y'all, the Bucs on my heart because those two championships I got, y'all played in the first part. I'm in the Hall now, you can't take that away. That statue better look good -- you know I got a pretty face. Top-tier athlete, fashion icon, sex symbol. No reason to list the rest of my credentials. I'm him, period. The Cobra. Known for my rocket arm, and I will run any catcher over. To my friends, families: I love y'all. Thanks for staying by my side. I told y'all Cooperstown would be my last ride.'' Dick Allen presented by his widow Allen's widow, Willa Allen, spoke for the Allen family, letting people know that her husband was a kind and passionate man, and was much more than just a Hall of Fame ballplayer. She told the story about the time a 16-year-old fan asked for his autograph at Dodger Stadium. They talked for two hours, and Allen wound up helping him throughout his life. He was in attendance Sunday at the age of 70. "It's not about where you come from, but where you're determined to go,'' Allen said. 'It's about principle, passion and determination.'' When the ceremony ended, the players retreated to the Otesaga Hotel where they had a dinner for Hall of Fame players only. No family members. No friends. Just the players and commissioner Rob Manfred. But, before they got together and sat down, Suzuki had a request to his new Hall of Fame teammates. 'I hope I can hold the values of the Hall of Fame,'' Suzuki said. 'But please, I am 51 years old now. So easy on the hazing.'' Follow Bob Nightengale on X @Bnightengale. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ichiro Suzuki Hall of Fame speech highlight of weekend in Cooperstown
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Bills training camp schedule this week: Practice times for each session at St. John Fisher
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Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades
Sacramento Kings Could Form Elite Starting Lineup With Two Blockbuster Trades originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Kings enter 2025-26 with a refreshed sense of purpose. After moving on from De'Aaron Fox and coach Mike Brown following a missed playoff finish (40-42, no postseason), Sacramento now anchors its core around Domantas Sabonis and newly acquired Zach LaVine, both of whom carry All-Star credentials and deliver high-level scoring and playmaking. Rising forward Keegan Murray has begun blossoming into a legitimate 3-and-D forward, rounding out a young nucleus with notable promise. Yet even that trio may only be the foundation. After it seems the Kings won't be able to land their key target, Jonathan Kuminga, they might be in the running for two immediate starters in this proposed trade idea. With two blockbuster additions, Nic Claxton, a top-tier rim protector and switchable center from Brooklyn, and Derrick White, a defensively elite, clutch-shooting guard from Boston, the Kings could suddenly unveil one of the NBA's most dynamic starting lineups. Let's dive into how the Kings could create an elite starting lineup with two trades. An Intriguing Trade To Acquire Athletic Big Man Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Nic Claxton Brooklyn Nets Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2027 first-round pick (CHO), 2027 second-round pick (CHO) Sacramento would be getting Nic Claxton, a modern two-way center whose elite rim presence and finishing ability instantly elevate their interior defense. In 2024-25, he averaged 10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, and swatted 1.4 blocks per game, all on a scorching 56.3% FG. His ability to alter shots and patrol the paint would transform the Kings' protection behind Sabonis, something they badly lacked last season. Claxton is more than just a defender: he can run the floor better than most traditional centers and is extremely athletic. Offense-wise, he brings downhill energy, smart passing, and finishing around the rim, traits that complement Sabonis's skill set rather than duplicate it. Pairing him with Murray and LaVine creates a versatile frontline that both scores and defends. The cost, DeMar DeRozan and two picks, is bold yet calculated. DeRozan continues to age, and while he's still a scoring threat, his fit next to the new core might be limited. In contrast, Claxton injects youth and long-term value at the 5, perfectly aligning with a rebuild-plus push. It's a win-now pivot without compromising future upside. An All-In Move For Derrick White Proposed Trade Details Sacramento Kings Receive: Derrick White Boston Celtics Receive: Dennis Schroder, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick Landing Derrick White from Boston would give Sacramento a two-way glue guard with playoff mettle and championship experience. Last season, White averaged 16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, and an impressive 1.1 BPG. His on-ball defense, highlighted by two All-Defensive Second Team nods, adds toughness to the perimeter, vastly improving the Kings' defensive identity. Offensively, White is clutch. He nailed a franchise-record 265 threes for Boston in 2024-25, and routinely elevates his game in crunch time. With Fox gone, White becomes the primary half-court orchestrator, freeing LaVine to play off-ball and Sabonis to dominate the interior. Trading Dennis Schroder plus picks is steep, but Schroder doesn't bring the same two-way impact or defensive pedigree, and he's on a shorter, less team-friendly deal. White brings stability, playoff leadership, and a physical edge. For a Kings squad hustling to break through, this feels like the kind of historical, season-shifting move they need. Kings Could Form An Underrated But Elite Starting Lineup Starting Lineup: Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Nic Claxton The projected lineup of Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Nic Claxton gives the Kings a lethal blend of two-way versatility, defensive toughness, and athleticism. At the top, White brings elite perimeter defense and relational playmaking, and LaVine's scoring punch, 23.3 PPG on .511/.446/.825 splits last season, ensuring instant offense. Murray offers a dynamic 3-and-D combo from the wing, shooting 34.3% from deep on 12.4 PPG. Defensively, Murray keeps opposing wings honest, allowing Sabonis and Claxton to anchor the paint. Down low, Sabonis remains the engine. He delivered a monster 19.1 PPG, 13.9 RPG, and a historic 61 consecutive double-double streak in '24-25. Claxton complements that with modern rim protection and athleticism, and together, they form a switchy, drop-capable big man duo that stifles rolls, dominates rebounds, and allows Sacramento to control the tempo on both ends. Bench: Ben Simmons (Potentially), Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, Isaac Jones The Kings' bench depth blends promising youth with seasoned role players, ready to swing momentum in a game. The Kings are reportedly interested in former All-Star Ben Simmons, and he could be a perfect fit to lead the bench as a 6'10" playmaker and defender. Devin Carter and Nique Clifford, both recent draftees, have already flashed high-impact potential in Summer League: Carter dropped 30 points, 8 boards, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in one outing, while Clifford flirted with a triple-double (19 pts, 9 ast, 7 reb) and impressed scouts with his two-way prowess. That youthful energy and versatility, especially on defense, provide Sacramento with a spark off the pine. Meanwhile, experienced bench pieces like Malik Monk, Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Dario Saric, Drew Eubanks, and Isaac Jones bring complementary skills. Monk had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 5.6 APG, despite suffering a late-season calf injury. Together with the rest of the depth chart, this bench allows the Kings to maintain defensive intensity and give the starters rest without sacrificing offensive story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
