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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 11: Alanna Smith #8 of the Chicago Sky prepares to inbound the ball in the third quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 11, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Sky 93-80. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

WNBA breakout player: 1. Alanna Smith, F, Chicago Sky

No team had more roster turnover in free agency than the Chicago Sky, who chose to reload by acquiring several veteran players rather than a painful rebuild. Most people spoke about the acquisitions of players like Marina Mabrey, Isabelle Harrison and Elizabeth Williams, but didn’t mention Smith’s potential impact on the team. Now, Alanna Smith is in the midst of a career year.

Chicago outbid other teams for her services by offering her a guaranteed salary. Smith has taken full advantage of her opportunity here in Chicago, as she’s made her impact felt on both ends of the floor. Whether she is trailing in transition or popping out to the perimeter, Smith has provided the Sky with the spacing they need in their half-court offense. Although Smith has provided a spark to the Sky’s offense, she has also worked well alongside Elizabeth Williams when the two have been on the court together.

Isabelle Harrison’s knee injury was tough news for Chicago when it was announced, but Smith has been everything the Sky could have hoped for. Smith is having a career year in a role that unlocks the best aspects of her game, after not getting consistent minutes in her previous stints with Phoenix and Indiana. Smith is averaging 10.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while knocking down 37.8 percent of her 3-point attempts.

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