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WNBA Season Preview 2019: Every team’s most important player

By Paul Centopani

MINNEAPOLIS - JULY 28: Diana Taurasi #3, A'ja WIlson #22, Elena DelleDonne #11, Brittany Griner #42, Sue Bird #10, and Breanna Stewart #30 of Team Delle Donne look on during the Three-Point Contest during halftime during the Verizon WNBA All-Star Game on July 28, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - JULY 28: Diana Taurasi #3, A'ja WIlson #22, Elena DelleDonne #11, Brittany Griner #42, Sue Bird #10, and Breanna Stewart #30 of Team Delle Donne look on during the Three-Point Contest during halftime during the Verizon WNBA All-Star Game on July 28, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Sparks — The Sisters Ogwumike

The Sparks are absolutely loaded in the frontcourt, probably too loaded if that’s possible. In addition to Nneka and newly acquired Chiney Ogwumike, they have a recovering Candace Parker and first-round draft pick Kalani Brown.

During their overlapping two years together at Stanford, the Ogwumikes led the Cardinal to a pair of Final Fours and a combined 68-5 record.

Is picking two players for this singular spot technically cheating? Yes, but I’m doing it anyway. A lot hinges on the sister pairing since a bunch of commotion proceeded their reunion. If the trade ultimately proves catastrophic, the Sparks don’t have their 2020 first round pick to lean on. We, on the other hand, can fall back on the luxury of hindsight. 

Washington Mystics — Elena Delle Donne

The pride of Delaware has carried her teams wherever she’s gone. Last year, she toughed through injury to push the Mystics to the finals while leading them in points, rebounds, blocks and free throws during the regular season.

Delle Donne often gets slotted as a big but plays the game with the grace and touch of the most talented wings you’ll ever see. Already with an MVP trophy to her name, all that’s left is a title.

Also in consideration: Aerial Powers. Despite playing fewer than 13 minutes a game and coming off the bench, by god, that is a tremendous name.