My 2024 WNBA First Half Awards

The first half of the 2024 WNBA season has come to a close. As we head into all-star weekend and the Olympic break, it’s time for me to share my first-half awards that no one has asked for.

MVP: A’ja Wilson 

A'ja Wilson has been the best player in the W this season. I wrote about it, as has everyone else, about a month ago. There’s not too much to be explained here.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ezi Magbegor

In my opinion, Ezi Magbegor (who was snubbed from the all-star team) has been the defensive player of the year so far. Ezi has emphatically blocked shots into the stands all year long with her length and mobility, becoming an invaluable piece of Seattle’s superteam. 

Honorable Mentions: Dijonai Carrington, A'ja Wilson

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Caitlin Clark

In the highly contested rookie of the year race between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both players have a case for taking home the hardware. The consensus seems to change every week in response to incredible performances from each player. At this moment with the first half concluded, Caitlin Clark is the rookie of the year. Clark led the Fever to  a 10-7 record since the start of June, building on-court chemistry with Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and NaLyssa Smith along the way. Last night she set the WNBA record for most assists in a game, recording 19 assists in a loss to Dallas.

With that said, Angel Reese is doing things we've never seen before; she recorded 15 double-doubles in a row, setting the WNBA record. Her offensive game is only improving - under the basket she looks much more polished and patient, and she’s expanded her range making two three pointers (albeit on ten attempts). The race between these two all-star rookies will only be more exciting as the season continues. 

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER:  Dearica Hamby:

Although the Sparks are rebuilding and dealing with quite a few injuries, Dearica Hamby has shined in the first half of the season. There’s no doubt Hamby has been a great player throughout her career - she won the Sixth Player Of The Year award twice with the Aces - but her scoring output has jumped from 8.9 points per game in 2023 to 19.2 in 2024. Her rebounding has also improved from 5.9 to 10 rebounds per game. Hamby has shown what she can do as the centerpiece of a franchise.

Honorable Mention: Dijonai Carrington

COACH OF THE YEAR: Cheryl Reeve

Although there’s a few coaches this award could go to, there’s not much explanation needed here: it's Cheryl Reeve. Her team has been the most consistent all year long, and is a serious contender to add a 5th title to their trophy case. 

6TH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jordan Horston 

On a team full of stars, Jordan Horston's defense makes her a 6POY candidate. Standing at 6'2, her 6'6 wingspan makes her a defensive threat at all times. Her offensive game is improving and seems to be getting more and more comfortable in her sophomore season. 

This may be Horston's only shot to win this award; it’s hard to imagine she will come off the bench in the future. Although she qualifies for the award at this moment, she's started the last 7 games for Seattle.* If that trend continues, this award belongs to Kayla Thornton of the New York Liberty. 

Honorable Mentions: Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes

*To qualify for the 6POY Award, a player must come off the bench in more games than they start.

AWARDS I MADE UP:

The Runner-Up Award For Most Second Places: Dijonai Carrington

The Doc Rivers Award: Tanisha Wright

The Best-Worst Team Award: The Washington Mystics

The Chennedy Carter Deserves An Award, Award: Chennedy Carter

The Review Award For Most Requested Reviews: Skylar Diggins-Smith