Ranking the top 25 players in the WNBA for the 2023 season

The 2023 WNBA season is finally here and we’re ranking the top 25 players in the league before all the action gets started.

The WNBA’s 2023 season tips off later this week. Super teams, a new batch of rookies, and multiple coaching changes have already set the tone for what is to come. Furthermore, the W released a new promo video featuring their new hashtag, #MoreThanAGame:

As fans count down the seconds to tip-off, we’ve decided to count down the top 25 players coming into the 2023 season, starting with the face of the league.

Top 25 players in the WNBA for the 2023 season:

2022 stats: 19.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.9 blocks

The number one player entering last season, too, Wilson had a dominant 2022 — winning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and a championship. Everything the Aces do on the court starts with Wilson, and as the best player on the best team, she holds down the top spot to start the season once again.

2022 stats: 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.9 blocks

After a back-and-forth battle with Wilson last year for the top spot, Stewart is still right in the mix this year. This year’s biggest free agent, Stewart came back to the east coast to form a super team in New York — an unprecedented move in the W. Stewie is one of the greatest winners and talents the game has ever seen, and has a chance to add to her legacy with another team now.

2022 stats: 17.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.1 blocks

After a sitting out 2020 and an injury-riddled 2021, Elena Delle Donne returned in limited fashion last season. Now, the former MVP says she’s back healthy and not planning to miss any games, which vaults her back into the league’s elite.

During her last fully healthy season, Delle Donne posted the WNBA’s first 50-40-90 year, won MVP, and a championship.

2022 stats: 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks

Jones took home the MVP award in 2021 but never was able to maintain that form after Alyssa Thomas returned to Connecticut. Now, she heads to New York with Stewart and company. The fresh start and better fit should serve Jones well.

2021* stats: 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.9 blocks

*Did not play 2022 season due to wrongful detainment

After an offseason from hell, Griner’s return to basketball is a welcome sight. The last time we saw her in the W, she was an MVP candidate on a fifth-seeded Mercury team that went to the Finals. It’s hard to place expectations on her, but if BG picks up where she left off, she will undoubtedly be a top-five player all season.

2022 stats: 13.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.3 blocks

Gray had a final stretch for the ages last season. After not being named an All-Star, she took her game to another level, helping the Aces to their first title and taking home Finals MVP.

Gray solidified herself as the best point guard in the league during the stretch, leading her all the way to the sixth spot in the rankings.

2022 stats: 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.2 blocks

One of the most unique players in the game, Thomas returned to action just nine months after her Achilles tear in 2021. The following season, she led the Sun to the Finals, where she recorded the first triple-double in WNBA Finals history in Game 3, and posted another in Game 4.

2022 stats: 20.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.1 blocks

After returning to the Aces’ starting lineup in 2022, Plum posted career highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists. She thrived in Becky Hammon’s up-tempo offense and was the leading scorer on the best team in the league.

2022 stats: 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.4 blocks

After down years in 2020 and 2021, Ogwumike returned to MVP form in 2022. She remains the backbone of a Sparks team seeking to return to prominence after the Derek Fisher era. With a revamped roster and new coaching staff around her, Ogwumike could be primed for a late-prime resurgence — exactly what the Sparks need as they transition once again.

2022 stats: 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks

Parker made waves in free agency this off-season, signing with the reigning champs. Despite waning athleticism, Parker remains one of the league’s premier defenders and playmakers — skills that should fit seamlessly into the Aces’ system.

2022 stats: 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.2 blocks

Perhaps no star has more to prove this year than Loyd, who is without Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird for the first time in her career. The Gold Mamba will lead a vastly different team with lower expectations than what she’s used to, as Seattle has entered a bit of a rebuilding phase. An unrestricted free agent next year, Loyd could set herself up for another hefty payday in 2024 with a strong season this year.

2022 stats: 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.0 blocks

The lone remaining starter from Chicago’s 2021 title team, Copper enters the season as top dog in Chicago. GM James Wade brought in a lot of talent in the off-season, and Copper will lead the way as the Sky look to remain competitive. Like Loyd, Copper is also an unrestricted free agent next year and will have plenty of suitors.

2022 stats: 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks

Jones has ascended to star status in recent years. She won Most Improved in 2021, and Sixth Player in 2022. This year, she should be the full-time starter in Connecticut. Will she take another leap?

2022 stats: 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.5 blocks

For the first time in her career, Vandersloot is no longer in a Chicago Sky uniform. The best passer in the game joined Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones in New York this off-season.

Vandersloot led the WNBA in assists five of the last six seasons and became the first player in league history to average 10 per game in 2021. Now that she has two MVPs to pass to, she may shatter her own records in 2023.

2022 stats: 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks

Howard just wrapped up an incredibly strong rookie season and is primed for ascension in her sophomore year. Atlanta’s roster changes should make things a bit easier for her this season. Howard is already a two-way force and will thrive alongside new teammate Allisha Gray.

2022 stats: 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.2 blocks

Of all the Aces listed so far, Young might be the one who benefited the most from Becky Hammon’s hire. Last year, she won Most Improved and posted her best pro season to date.

She displayed a tremendously improved 3-point shot while maintaining her strong inside game. Look for more of the same this year from Young.

2022 stats: 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.3 blocks

A premier two-way star, Atkins recently became the first player in WNBA history to make an All-Defensive team in each of their first five seasons. As her role has increased in Washington, Atkins has responded well: she has averaged 15 points per game over the last three seasons. Atkins can score from anywhere on the court, and her left-handedness makes her a tough guard for even the best defenders.

2021* stats: 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks

*Only played four games in 2022 due to pregnancy

Collier has big shoes to fill after Sylvia Fowles’ retirement. While no one is expecting her to be Syl, this is a big year for Phee to show what kind of star she can be. We know how versatile she is, but can she be a number one option?

2022 stats: 18.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks

One of the league’s best scorers, Mitchell has a chance to play winning ball for the first time in her career this year. The Fever have just one season with double-digit wins since Mitchell entered the league. Now, Mitchell has arguably the best roster she’s had around her, and the chance to lead a young Fever team back toward contention.

2022 stats: 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.1 blocks

A gifted scorer with endless confidence, Ogunbowale is a must-watch player for anyone who likes buckets. Similar to Mitchell, Ogunbowale has yet to be a part of a winning season. Her Wings have made the playoffs two consecutive years, though, and are aiming for more. With a veteran cast around her, all eyes are on Ogunbowale to prove that she can be a winning player.

2022 stats: 13.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks

Gray gets a new start in Atlanta this year after being traded from Dallas, where she spent the first six years of her career. An excellent two-way player, her fit in Atlanta is nearly perfect.

Gray will provide spacing for Cheyenne Parker and Naz Hillmon inside, and her self-creation will add a wrinkle to the Dream offense. Don’t be surprised if Gray makes a push for Most Improved, is an All-Star or snags an All-Defense nod this year.

2022 stats: 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks

There may be no better embodiment of a player that “has that dog in them” than Natasha Cloud. Cloud’s combination of intensity, IQ, and leadership are unmatched. Her steadiness at the lead guard spot has been key for the Mystics for years now. Cloud led the league in assists last season and made first-team All-Defense.

2022 stats: 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks

Ionescu entered the league with gargantuan expectations placed upon her. She has done pretty well for herself but hasn’t quite been the superstar that was expected yet. If there was ever a year for her to take that leap, it’s this year. Ionescu will be the tertiary option in New York behind two former MVPs — a perfect role for her to truly establish herself as a star in.

2022 stats: 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.3 blocks

Smith looks like the league’s next walking mismatch.

At 6-foot-4, Smith can score in a variety of ways from many spots on the floor. She is a fantastic athlete for her size and has a tremendous motor, as well.

2022 stats: 11.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.7 blocks

McCowan seems to have finally settled into the pro game and found a home in Dallas. Despite playing a career low in minutes last year, McCowan scored right around her career average. She also shot a career-best 60 percent from the field. McCowan’s size and soft touch inside make her a headache for most teams to deal with down low.

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