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As the WNBA season kicks off, there is palpable excitement around the league, fueled by rising stars and high-stakes competition. Here are five bold predictions for the 2024 WNBA season, set to officially tip-off Tuesday.
1. Caitlin Clark leads Indiana Fever to the semifinals
The Indiana Fever, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, are set for a resurgence thanks to Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, brings an explosive offensive game, having averaged 32.4 points per game in college. Boston, last year's Rookie of the Year and 2023 No. 1 draft pick, complements Clark with her defensive prowess and rebounding abilities. Together, they form a formidable duo expected to break the Fever's playoff drought and lead them to the semifinals. However, given their relative inexperience, advancing beyond the semifinals this year may still be a step too far.
2. Seattle Storm surprises everyone with a championship win
While the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty are the favorites, the Seattle Storm could pull off a stunning championship win. Despite missing the playoffs last season for the first time in eight seasons, the Storm bolstered their roster significantly in the off-season, adding key players like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, as well as drafting defensive ace Nika Mühl from UConn. The team is also not far removed from championship glory, having clinched the title in 2018 and 2020.
Loyd, the league's leading scorer in 2023 with 24.7 points per game, remains their offensive leader remains their offensive anchor. With a well-rounded team and strategic offseason moves, Seattle is positioned to upset the Aces and take home the title.
3. Cameron Brink challenges Clark for Rookie of the Year
While Clark is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, don’t overlook Cameron Brink. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, Brink has the potential to make a significant impact. She had an impressive senior year at Stanford, averaging 17.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and leading the nation with 3.5 blocks per game.
With the support of other first-round picks like Rickea Jackson, drafted No. 4, Brink could lead the Sparks back to the playoffs, making her a serious contender for the award. Her ability to dominate both ends of the court will be crucial in her rookie campaign.
4. Jewell Loyd named Finals MVP
If the Storm win the championship, expect Jewell Loyd to be named Finals MVP. Loyd, who led the league in scoring last season, is poised for another stellar year. Her ability to deliver in clutch moments, combined with the support from teammates like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, will be pivotal in the Storm's playoff run. Loyd’s offensive firepower and leadership make her a strong candidate for the MVP Finals honor.
5. Kamilla Cardoso wins Defensive Player of the Year
Kamilla Cardoso, standing at 6-foot-7, is a defensive powerhouse for the Chicago Sky, drafted No. 3. During her senior year at South Carolina. Cardoso averaged 14.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, leading the nation with her defensive stats, per Gamecocksonline.com. She was named the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year by both Naismith and WBCA.
With her shot-blocking ability and dominant presence in the paint, Cardoso is expected to translate her collegiate success to the professional level. Her defensive skills will be crucial for the Sky, making her a prime candidate for the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Only time will tell if these WNBA bold predictions will ring true, as new stars emerge and established players continue to excel. With rising viewership and increased media coverage, the 2024 season promises to be one of the most exciting in the league’s history.
