Alanna Smith’s strong season with Lynx should land her in WNBA award discussion

In 2024, former Stanford women’s basketball star Alanna Smith has had a successful year. She contributed to the Australia Opals winning their first Olympic medal in over a decade at the Paris Olympics. Additionally, she has been a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, helping them secure the No. 2 spot in the WNBA. Her performance this season could potentially earn her consideration for the WNBA Most Improved Player Award as she continues to enhance her skills and shine.

Smith’s stats reflect her improvement this season, averaging 10.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. This marks another leap in her career compared to last season. In 2023, she excelled as a member of the Chicago Sky, achieving career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists. Her performance led her to finish in third place for the Most Improved Player Award last year.

Smith has been a consistent starter for the Lynx and has significantly boosted the team’s performance. Alongside teammates Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, she forms a powerful trio that has elevated the Lynx to one of the top teams in the league.

Currently, Smith is a top contender for the Most Improved Player Award, along with DiJonai Carrington from the Connecticut Sun and Bridget Carleton from the Lynx. Not only has Smith made strides in offense, but she has also become a standout defender, showcasing elite rim protection skills despite her size.

After starting her career as a reserve with the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever, Smith became a full-time starter with the Chicago Sky in 2023. Her journey has been marked by steady improvement and dedication to her craft.

During her college years at Stanford, Smith excelled on the court, particularly in her senior season where she earned accolades as a second-team All-American and made significant contributions to the team’s success in the NCAA Tournament.

With the playoffs approaching, the Lynx may opt to limit Smith’s minutes in the remaining regular season games to ensure she remains fresh and ready for the postseason, especially after her extended playing time in Paris.