WNBA: Mystics’ Hines-Allen has strong Sixth Player of the Year case

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You need a good bench to win in the WNBA. Having a certified player come in and make an impact can make all the difference.

As we approach the halfway point of the season, here are three serious candidates for the Sixth Player of the Year award. Two players are members of teams vying for playoff spots, and the other has been so good that she is the exception to the rule that you have to be on a winning team to be considered for such an award.

Myisha Hines-Allen (Washington Mystics)

Washington Mystics v Minnesota Lynx — Myisha Hines-Allen.

Rules were made to be broken, and the Washington Mystics’ Myisha Hines-Allen is a rule breaker. Her versatile scoring ability as a forward is what every team wants on their roster. She’s big and strong enough to attack the paint and athletic enough to run point-forward and make plays.

MHA and the Washington Mystics outscored the Sparks (4-15) 30-16 in the 4th to win 82-80 in LA and improve to 5-15

Myisha Hines-Allen: 16-7-4Julie Vanloo: 15-4-4-1stl

Dearica Hamby: 16-11-7-1stlStephanie Talbot: 17-8-3-3stlAari McDonald: 17-3-6-1stl#WNBA #BallOnOurTerms pic.twitter.com/WMTyqn1Zvb

— AllThingsWNBA (@AllThingsWNBA) July 3, 2024

In her first season coming off the bench full time, she’s averaging 8.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. She’s also shooting her best percentage from deep at 43 percent.

The biggest blemish on her resume is her team’s 5-17 record. While her play hasn’t resulted in many wins, it’s hard to find another player producing more than Hines-Allen while coming off the bench. That’s why she’s currently the best reserve in the WNBA.

Temi Fagbenle (Indiana Fever)

Indiana Fever v Phoenix Mercury — Temi Fagbenle.

Caitlin Clark may be the talk of the town in Indiana, but Temi Fagbenle has been superb. She’s embracing her role of coming off the bench and providing top minutes for the Fever.

Hell of a find from Caitlin Clark to Temi Fagbenle off the DHO

And then a fantastic move to shake loose under the basket by Temi pic.twitter.com/AYoEf7zSLU

— Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler) May 23, 2024

She’s only played in 11 games, having dealt with a foot injury and now a thumb injury. But, she’s averaging 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds and is expected to return soon. If Fagbenle can play more in the second half of the season, she very well may win this award and help the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Kayla Thorton (New York Liberty)