The WNBA honored A’ja Wilson with her third Most Valuable Player award on Sunday, receiving all 67 first-place votes. This achievement makes Wilson the first unanimous MVP since Cynthia Cooper in 1997, the league’s inaugural year.
Despite breaking records for total points, points per game, and total rebounds in a single season, Wilson’s team, the Las Vegas Aces, had a disappointing year. After winning two championships and securing the top seed in the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, the Aces entered the 2024 Playoffs as the fourth seed.
Despite Wilson’s impressive individual performance, her impact on the team’s success was questioned. The Aces had a net rating of +6.5 with Wilson on the court, but it was 2.7 points lower than when she was off the court.
While Wilson’s statistics were remarkable, her effect on the team’s performance raises doubts about her true value as the most valuable player.
In contrast, the second-place finisher, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, had an outstanding season in 2024. Collier’s all-around game, including scoring, rebounding, and defense, helped the Lynx secure the second seed in the playoffs.
Collier’s continuous improvement and impact on both ends of the court make a strong case for her MVP candidacy. Her defensive prowess, combined with offensive versatility, sets her apart as a valuable player for her team.
Compared to Wilson, Collier’s impact on the Lynx’s performance was more significant, as reflected in the team’s performance metrics with her on and off the court.
While advanced statistics like win shares may favor Wilson, the overall on-court impact and leadership displayed by Collier make her a strong contender for the MVP title.
Ultimately, the MVP award criteria should focus on the player’s true value to their team’s success, rather than just statistical achievements. Both Wilson and Collier had exceptional seasons, but the discussion on who truly deserves the MVP title continues.
Logan Adams is a junior studying journalism. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of The Post. You can share your thoughts with Logan on Twitter @LoganPAdams.
