3 breakout WNBA players no one saw coming this season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 11: Satou Sabally #0 of the Dallas Wings shoots the ball against Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty at the Barclays Center on June 11, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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May 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) shoots the ball over New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) in the third quarter at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

WNBA breakout player: 2. Shakira Austin, F, Washington Mystics

Shakira Austin started as a rookie last season for the Mystics, and while she only played 21.6 minutes per game, she showed promise on the glass and a soft touch around the rim. However, she averaged only 8.7 points as a rookie. The Mystics didn’t run any sets for her, but she still scored in double digits in 14 of 36 games.

Austin decided to play overseas this offseason after her time with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. The decision to play overseas in Israel has proven to have been a great one.

She made a name for herself last season with the Mystics with her defensive skills, but Austin was scoring buckets in Israel. Austin dominated the Israeli League and was named Player of the Year, Center of the Year, Import Player of the Year and was the Finals MVP after leading Elitzur Ramla to a championship.

During this WNBA season, Austin has made the most of the offensive opportunities that have been provided to her. She has expanded her game and operates more as a playmaker in 2023. Austin has shown off her ability to take defenders off the dribble instead of strictly being glued to the block. When looking at the film, you will see a player that can exploit her matchups each night and has been a major bright spot for the Washington Mystics.

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