The race for the 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year has intensified following the return of key defensive players from international commitments. As the season progresses through Week 9, Napheesa Collier‘s defensive performance has positioned her as a formidable contender in the Defensive Player Ranking.
Current Standings in the Defensive Player of the Year Competition
Despite the Las Vegas Aces’ inconsistent defensive season, their success largely depends on the presence of A’ja Wilson, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year recipient. Wilson leads the league with an average of 3.3 blocks per game and ranks seventh in steals with 1.6 per game, highlighting her crucial defensive influence. The Aces’ defensive rating noticeably improves to 100.3 when Wilson is on the court, but declines to 104.0 in her absence.
Wilson’s performance secures her place within the top five of the Defensive Player of the Year race. Meanwhile, Satou Sabally, another key defensive figure for the Phoenix Mercury, has seen her ranking decline after an ankle injury sidelined her last week. Her injury has been a setback as she dropped two spots, underscoring how vital she is to Phoenix’s defense. With Sabally playing, the Mercury hold an impressive 94.4 defensive rating, the league’s best, but this falls to 99.0 without her presence.
Emergence of New Defensive Contenders
Courtney Williams’s advancement in the Defensive Player rankings has been notable. Previously outside the top five, she now holds the No. 3 spot, leading the league with a 93.9 defensive rating among players averaging over 25 minutes across at least 20 games. As a key defender for the Minnesota Lynx, Williams is a gritty and relentless defender who contributes to Minnesota ranking top in defense.
Napheesa Collier’s Growing Defensive Impact
Returning as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Napheesa Collier has demonstrated continued defensive excellence this season. After Week 9, Collier averaged 2.6 steals and 2.0 blocks per game, aiding the Lynx to a 2-1 record for the week. Her performances emphasize her role as the defensive cornerstone for Minnesota, often serving as the team‘s connecting force on defense among various standout defenders.
Kayla McBride Maintains Lead at the Top
Kayla McBride remains the No. 1 ranked defender after securing the top spot last week. Her defensive win shares of 0.206 are the highest in the league among players with at least 19 games played. McBride’s defensive versatility shines this season as she effectively guards multiple positions, using agility and tenacity to challenge guards on the perimeter, contest wings, and even hold her own against taller power forwards despite height disparities.
The Intensifying Defensive Battle as the Season Advances
As the WNBA season reaches its midpoint, the Defensive Player of the Year race is marked by a close contest among a handful of defenders. Injuries like Sabally’s and the return of players from international duty have shifted rankings, creating a more dynamic competition. Collier’s steady defensive contributions and Williams’s recent rise add to the excitement, while McBride and Wilson continue to assert dominance. The evolving rankings underscore the importance of consistent defensive play in shaping team success and individual honors as the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart friends?
A. It’s a challenging competition against Napheesa Collier, who is both a good friend and an ex-teammate from UConn. They won NCAA championships and were teammates on the USA Women’s National Team.
Q. Who is Napheesa Collier’s agent?
A. Erin Kane, a women’s basketball agent with Excel Sports, manages players like Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, and Maddy Siegrist.
Q. How much does a Napheesa Collier make?
A. Napheesa Collier agreed to a three-year deal worth $552,516 with the Minnesota Lynx. She will earn $184,172 each year on average. By 2025, Collier’s base salary will be $214,284, and her cap hit will also be $214,284. This information comes from reliable WNBA contract details.
Q. What is Napheesa Collier’s nationality?
A. Napheesa Collier, often called “Phee,” was born on September 23, 1996. She plays professional basketball for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.