Latest news with #MostImprovedPlayer
NBC Sports
5 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Stevens among best bets for Most Improved Player
Vaughn Dalzell and Trysta Krick examine the best bets for the WNBA Most Improved Player award, highlighting Los Angeles Sparks forward Azura Stevens at +250 and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray at +200.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Lynx Roster Changes Amidst Title Run
If you haven't noticed the Minnesota Lynx are the best team in the WNBA and they are looking to win the title that was stolen from them last season. Cheryl Reeve has her team sitting at 24-5 this season, and they just recently beat the New York Liberty. After a contentious WNBA Finals experience, there has been a desire to rectify the outcome this season. Napheesa Collier is among the best talents in the league, and now Minnesota will need to operate without her for a period of time. Related Headlines MN Twins Claim Yet Another Discarded Pitcher JJ McCarthy Struggling vs Upgraded Vikings Defense Cheryl Reeve's KFAN Absence Stems From Refusal to Discuss Caitlin Clark Snub Napheesa Collier sidelined for Minnesota Lynx Last season Napheesa Collier earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the first time in her career. That pairs with her Rookie of the Year award from 2019 to grow her individual trophy case. She was having another strong season this year, but an ankle injury is going to interrupt that. This season Collier has averaged a career-best 23.5 points per game on a ridiculous 53.7% shooting rate. Her 36.8% from deep trails only the 40.8% three point percentage she put up in 2020. Now in her seventh year as a professional, Collier has played each of her seasons in the WNBA for the Lynx. She is the leader of this team, and an imperative part if they want to again win a WNBA championship. Related: It's a positive her injury can be measured in a matter of weeks rather than months. Reeve and the Lynx have considerable breathing room. They'll need to stay afloat in her absence though. MN Lynx swing a big trade for DiJonai Carrington Beyond just losing Collier, the Minnesota Lynx swung a trade for some new talent. They parted with both Diamond Miller and Karlie Samuelson to add DiJonai Carrington. Carrington was a second-round pick in 2021 out of Baylor. She originally appeared for the Connecticut Sun before playing with the Dallas Wings this season. Last year Carrington won Most Improved Player honors and she has averaged 10.4 points per game this year. The combo guard has the ability to play both backcourt and frontcourt roles at 5'11'. How Cheryl Reeve uses her remains to be seen, but there will be expanded opportunity with Collier out. Minnesota has just 14 games left before the playoffs. The hope is that they can enter them healthy, with Collier in tow, and make some real noise. Related Headlines MN Twins Claim Yet Another Discarded Pitcher JJ McCarthy Struggling vs Upgraded Vikings Defense Cheryl Reeve's KFAN Absence Stems From Refusal to Discuss Caitlin Clark Snub
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Connecticut Sun make splash, trade for Mystics' Aaliyah Edwards
Despite having the worst record in the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun made one of the most shocking moves of the season, trading with the Washington Mystics for forward Aaliyah Edwards. Edwards, 22, is in her second year in the WNBA after being selected sixth overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2024 draft. In return, the Mystics will receive Jacy Sheldon, the fifth overall pick from the same draft class. Sheldon spent one season with the team that drafted her, the Dallas Wings, before joining the Sun. In addition, the Mystics will earn the rights to swap first-round picks with the Sun in 2026. Edwards is a bit of a Connecticut legend, playing her college years at UConn, where she won numerous awards and honors, helping the team to three trips to the NCAA Final Four and one trip to the NCAA Championship Game. Her WNBA career has been a bit lackluster, though she is still young and figuring out her role in the league. Here is everything to know about this trade. WNBA News: Second person arrested after allegedly throwing sex toy during WNBA game Aaliyah Edwards outlook Edwards was highly-touted coming out of college. It would've been hard not to laud her talent after she'd received a multitude of honors and distinctions including first-team All-American (2024), third-team All-American (2023), first-team All-Big East (2023-24), Big East Most Improved Player (2023), Big East Sixth Woman of the Year (2021), and Big East All-Freshman team (2021). However, Edwards is more than a Connecticut legend coming home. She flashed serious potential during her rookie campaign, averaging over 7 points and 5 rebounds during her rookie season. While her numbers have fallen off during her sophomore campaign, she has shown potential to be a game-changer. But, she has not started a game for the Mystics all season. With that in mind, it was probably in Washington's best interests to trade Edwards away. Sheldon is a solid return, especially after the team traded guard Brittney Sykes to the Storm earlier this week. Sheldon will fill in nicely until Georgia Amoore returns from injury next year and even then, Sheldon has proven herself a more than capable bench option. When is the WNBA trade deadline? The WNBA trade deadline is Thursday, August 7, at 3 p.m. ET, meaning there are only a few hours left for teams to make trades at the time of writing this. This year's trade deadline has been quieter than expected given the underlying circumstances surrounding the league's upcoming CBA agreement, which the players are going to opt out of. With that in mind, many players arranged their contracts to expire following this season in anticipation of a pay raise next year. With so many players on expiring deals, you'd expect to see more trades. However, the WNBA's strict salary cap rules and draft pick restrictions make it difficult for trades to be made. That said, there are still a few high-end players that could be on the move before the deadline today. WNBA News: Diana Taurasi gives insight on WNBA CBA negotiations
Perth Now
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Aussie NBA star inspires next crop at Perth clinic
Fresh off a record-breaking defensive season, Aussie NBA star Dyson Daniels treated hundreds of local kids in Wanneroo to a day they'll never forget last Saturday. Daniels spent nearly six hours at Ace Ballerz, the family-run indoor basketball centre in Wanneroo, running multiple clinics with kids aged seven to 18, shooting hoops and holding a special Q&A session. Nicknamed 'The Great Barrier Thief' for his defensive prowess, the Atlanta Hawks guard and Australian Olympian passed on techniques, encouragement and plenty of advice about discipline and mindset to the kids for both on and off the court. The event was the biggest day yet for Ace Ballerz, founded just eight months ago by local mother Alaina Habaybeh at the site of the old Drovers Marketplace. Habaybeh said she initially thought it was a hoax when she first received the invitation to host Daniels but the event exceeded all her expectations. NBA star Dyson Daniels held a basketball clinic for kids at Ace Ballerz in Wanneroo. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times 'I thought it was just someone trying to money-grab a mum of two kids, and it was some sort of AI, bot email,' she said. 'So I, at first, ignored it and then I got a follow-up email but it was personalised, and a random call on a Saturday. 'I knew from the beginning that I was out of my league organising the day but everything went according to plan. He was amazing.' Daniels, who is only 22-years-old and comes from Bendigo in Victoria, took the NBA by storm last season, becoming the first Australian crowned Most Improved Player. He became the youngest player ever to record more than 200 steals in an NBA season, surpassing the legendary Magic Johnson by 236 days. Dyson Daniels teaching participants at Ace some skills. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times Daniels' 202 steals during the 2024–25 season were the highest by any NBA player in the last 15 years; he also topped the league with 366 deflections and finished second in the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year voting. Despite his impressive achievements at such a young age, Habaybeh said she was struck by how humble and easygoing the star was. 'He just was like a normal Australian kid from Wanneroo,' she said. 'He didn't speak down to anyone. I can't explain to you how natural, friendly and casual his energy was. 'He made the day relaxed, wasn't high maintenance and really took time to connect with all the kids and answer their questions and make them feel valued.' Dyson daniels with Isaac Elkhatib (9), Jass Habaybeh (co-owner), Jay Geel (9), Mitch Lozey (10), Shay Page (12), Zakkai Habaybeh (co-owner), Eli Gonzalez (12) and Alaina Habaybeh (co-owner) at the centre. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times Speaking on the day, Daniels said he felt very welcomed at Ace and had a fantastic day with everyone who was at the event. 'It was great being here in Perth for the camp. The chance to try and help young players in the way I was helped at these camps, is something I enjoy doing,' he said. One key piece of advice Daniels shared with the kids was to put in the work during training so game day becomes the easy part, stressing the importance of preparation. He also spoke about the sacrifices his parents made and reminded the kids to always be thankful for their parents' support. But there was one message Habaybeh believes will truly stick with the young players. 'He said playing in the NBA is great, and while the money is phenomenal and the spotlight is cool, there's something different about playing for your country,' she said. 'If he had to choose one, he said it would be to represent Australia, hands down. 'I think hearing that from Dyson hits differently for the kids rather than hearing it from a teacher or a coach. It really resonated with them.' Dyson Daniels playing for the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of the quarterfinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden on December 11, 2024. Credit: Elsa / Getty Images Jeff Van Groningen, former general manager of multiple NBL teams and now camp and event manager for Dyson Daniels, helped facilitate the visit. Van Groningen said the clinic was all about inspiring kids to chase their dreams by starting with the fundamentals. 'We had a range of ages and abilities that showed up but the whole idea of the day was really to try to assist them and inspire them as they pursue their junior basketball careers,' Van Groningen said. 'You can't really turn a young player into a significantly different player in one day. But what you can do is give them some things to take home with them and then put that to use, and then their work will determine the rest. 'We want to give them some things that they can take with them and then put that to use themselves.' Dyson Daniels taking questions from the young basketball players. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times Van Groningen said the whole day and the hospitality were terrific, and the team felt humbled to be at Ace, especially given that Daniels isn't far removed in age from the kids. 'It wasn't all that long ago that he was in their place and at basketball clinics where others were inspiring him; those things all contributed to his journey,' he said. 'It's important for him to give back, but it also comes naturally to him; it doesn't feel like an effort. It just feels like returning to where he was not all that long ago.' NBA star Dyson Daniels spent nearly six hours at Ace Ballerz in Wanneroo, running two clinics.. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times Given the success of Daniels' visit, hopes are high that fellow Aussie NBA phenomenon Josh Giddey, from the Chicago Bulls, could be the next to come to Ace Ballerz. 'All of these things are possible down the line,' Van Groningen, who also works with Giddy's team, said. 'Depending on what next year's off-season looks like with the Boomers' commitments and other obligations these guys have, it really comes down to how much time they'll have in Australia.'
NBC Sports
04-08-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
2025 WNBA MVP, DPOY, MIP Odds: Betting, Futures, Predictions, including Napheesa Collier vs Alyssa Thomas
With a little bit over a dozen games remaining in the regular season, the WNBA Awards are dwindling down and the MVP got a little more interesting this past week. Let's take a look at the MVP, DPOY and Most Improved Player markets. Odds are courtesy of DraftKings. WNBA MVP Ladder: In the Lynx's 111-58 win over the Aces on Saturday, Napheesa Collier (-300) sat out the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and is listed as day-to-day. That has opened the door for Alyssa Thomas (+250) who dropped from +700 to +250 with Collier's injury. On Sunday, the day after Collier's injury, Thomas recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over Chicago for her second triple double of the season. Thomas averages a career-high in points (16.0), assists (9.0), and field goal percentage (53%) in her first season away from Connecticut. Despite her outstanding season, Collier should still win MVP, so I will pass on Thomas' rise. WNBA DPOY Ladder: These odds are based on Thursday's market as most sports books have not released an updated since Saturday because of Napheesa Collier's (+200) injury. While I still believe she is the right bet in this market and will be the favorite when odds are restored, Gabby Williams (+275) isn't going away and deserves a shoutout. In a double OT loss to the Sparks, Williams posted five steals after posting 12 combined steals in the four previous games (17 steals over a five-game stretch). It's solely a two-player race and Collier's future will be determined on if she misses too many games down the stretch. Collier can become the fifth player since 2007 (A'ja Wilson, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes) to win MVP and DPOY in the same season. With the Lynx likely finishing with the best record, her MVP, and the most wins in WNBA single season history (34-6 record by Las Vegas in 2023) — thanks to four games being added this season — DPOY is likely another way this team/Collier is rewarded for an outstanding regular season. WNBA MIP Ladder: Last week, I wrote about Allisha Gray (+185) to win Most Improved Player at +400 and she has climbed the ladder once again. A month ago, she was +1500 and now she is the favorite with 12-15 games remaining. Gray went for 26 and 22 points in her past two games on 15-of-27 (55.5%) shooting, including 9-of-13 (69.2%) from three. Atlanta won both games and is currently on a three-game winning streak with Gray being a driving force on both ends (4 steals, 1 block in that span). Last week, four players were +400 as co-favorites with Gray being one and Azura Stevens (+300) being another. The field has started to clear and Stevens took firm control of second in this field per oddsmakers. Stevens has 15-plus points in six of the past seven games and six-plus boards. On the season, she averages career-high in points (14.9), rebounds (8.5), assists (1.4), and steals (1.3) per game. It'll be a close race down the stretch, but I will continue to side with Gray after her big week. Vaughn Dalzell's WNBA Futures Bets: 2 units: Golden State Valkyries to miss the playoffs (-125) 2 units: Stephanie White to win Coach of the Year (+115) 2 units: Minnesota Lynx to win Championship (+340) 2 units: A'ja Wilson to win MVP (+225) 2 units: Napheesa Collier to win DPOY (+200) 2 units: Napheesa Collier to win MVP (+150) 1 unit: Allisha Gray to win MIP (+400) 0.5 unit: Napheesa Collier to win MVP (+300) 0.5 unit: Jonquel Jones to win DPOY (+3000) 0.5 unit: Angel Reese to win DPOY (+2000) 0.5 unit: Aliyah Boston to win DPOY (+3500) 0.5 unit: Kamila Cardoso to win DPOY (+5500) 0.5 unit: Kayla Thornton to win MIP (+400) 0.5 unit: Brittney Sykes to win MIP (+250) 0.5 unit: Aliyah Boston to win MIP (+1500) 0.5 unit: Kamila Cardoso to win MIP (+3000) 0.5 unit: Seattle Storm to win the Championship (+2500) Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
