The WNBA's Most Improved Player award is always a thrilling prospect, and 2026 promises to be no different. With four standout players poised to make a run at the title, the league is set for an exciting season of growth and development. Here's a deep dive into the candidates and the potential impact they could have.
Dominique Malonga: The Rising Star
As the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, Dominique Malonga was already a highly touted prospect. At just 19 years old, she averaged 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, with a field goal percentage of 55.1%, which was fourth in the league. But what's truly fascinating is the potential for growth. Malonga's performance in Unrivaled, a 3x3 tournament, showcased her ability to put up impressive numbers (16.4 points, 9.4 rebounds) while maintaining a high field goal percentage (55.1%). With the Seattle Storm losing their top five scorers, Malonga is now in the spotlight. Her early-season performance (21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) has been promising, and the door is wide open for her to become a star. Personally, I think Malonga has the potential to not only improve her numbers but also to become a cornerstone of the Storm's success. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between her rookie season and her performance in Unrivaled, which suggests a player with a bright future.
Aneesah Morrow: The Impact Player
Aneesah Morrow is already making waves in the league, and her impact is evident in her early-season performance. After averaging 7.7 points and 6.9 rebounds as a rookie, Morrow is now averaging 28 minutes per game and is poised to become one of the Connecticut Sun's go-to players. Her efficiency has improved, with a better percentage from both 2-point and 3-point ranges. Morrow's ability to lead the Sun in points and rebounds per game is a testament to her growth, and she's on pace for an All-Star season. In my opinion, Morrow's development is a fascinating case study in the power of consistency and hard work. What many people don't realize is that her early success is a result of her relentless pursuit of improvement, and it's a reminder that success in the WNBA is often a product of dedication and focus.
Bridget Carleton: The Go-To Scorer
Bridget Carleton, a key contributor for the Minnesota Lynx, is now poised to be the go-to scorer for the Portland Fire. Her 9.6 points per game in 2024 earned her a third-place finish in MIP voting, and she's ready to take on a larger role. Carleton's early-season performance (26 points, 9-for-16 from the field) was a statement, and her tools (2,000-point scorer at Iowa State, 39.2% career 3-point shooter) suggest a player with star potential. The Fire's expansion status means that Carleton will naturally be playing a larger role, and her ability to step up and become a key scorer is a fascinating development. From my perspective, Carleton's growth is a testament to the power of opportunity and the ability to seize it. What this really suggests is that the Fire's expansion could be a catalyst for Carleton's breakout season, and it's a story worth watching.
Nyara Sabally: The Opportunity Knocks
Nyara Sabally's journey to the WNBA has been marked by injuries, but if she can stay healthy, she's poised to make a significant impact. The Toronto Tempo's selection of Sabally in the expansion draft gives her a chance to shine, and her early-season performance (8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals) has been promising. With her career-bests of 5.4 points and 4.5 rebounds coming in just 17 games, Sabally has the potential to significantly improve on those numbers. Her talent and opportunity are a fascinating combination, and if she can continue to see the court time and become the Tempo's No. 1 scorer in the post, she could be a strong contender for the MIP award. One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Sabally's potential and the challenges she's faced, and it's a reminder that perseverance can pay off.
The Broader Perspective
The 2026 WNBA season promises to be an exciting one, with these four players poised to make a run at the Most Improved Player award. Each of them brings a unique story and a fascinating journey, and their development will have a significant impact on the league. From the rising star to the impact player, the go-to scorer, and the opportunity knocking, the WNBA is set for an exciting season of growth and development. If you take a step back and think about it, the MIP award is not just about individual improvement; it's about the league's collective growth and the potential for these players to become stars. This raises a deeper question: How will the WNBA's Most Improved Player award shape the league's future, and what impact will these players have on the sport's evolution?
