The WNBA has never been deeper with talent than it is right now. Every night, fans witness debates about who deserves to crack the top 25, who should sit at number one, and where each superstar belongs in the pecking order. Caitlin Clark’s arrival has brought record crowds and television ratings, showcasing a once-in-a-generation talent that’s changed everything. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers has jumped straight into those elite conversations.
Why Did ESPN Rank Napheesa Collier Above A’ja Wilson?
ESPN released its mid-season WNBA rankings, and the biggest takeaway is that they have Napheesa Collier as the best player in the league this season over A’ja Wilson.
We’ve ranked the top 25 players in the WNBA — with a new No. 1 and seven new players who weren’t on our preseason list. https://t.co/Nvmmw6RYGb
— ESPN Women’s Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) July 14, 2025
This choice makes perfect sense when you break it down. Collier is running away with the MVP race and looks like a lock to repeat as the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. Plus, the Minnesota Lynx have the best record in the WNBA, and Collier leads the league in scoring at 23.6 points per game. When you’re the top scorer on the top team, that’s a pretty strong case for number one.
Meanwhile, Wilson drops to No. 2 in the rankings. She’s putting up her usual monster numbers, sitting second in the WNBA in scoring (21.5 PPG), third in rebounds (9.1 RPG), and first in blocks (2.4 BPG). It’s been another hugely productive year for the three-time MVP. But her Las Vegas Aces have struggled to a mediocre 10-11 record, and she had to leave the New York Liberty game early with an injury after going 0-3 from the field, then missed the game against Washington.
Wilson bounced back in typical fashion, dropping a 34-point, 16-rebound masterclass in a win against the Golden State Valkyries. The top two spots were the easiest calls on the entire list.
Where Do Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers Land in the Rankings?
ESPN went with Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas at third. She leads the league in assists (9.5 APG) and ranks third in efficiency behind the two players above her. New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart dropped below Thomas despite averaging 19.5 points per game and 6.7 rebounds, with two double-doubles in her last four games. She’s having another stellar season for the Liberty despite injuries hitting her teammates.
Rounding out the top five is Stewart’s teammate Sabrina Ionescu. She continues to be a joy to watch when she’s locked in, tied for fourth in the WNBA in three-pointers made and in the top 10 in assists. She also put together back-to-back 34-point games in June. The only concern is her 38% shooting from the field, which needs improvement down the stretch.
One of the biggest risers is Allisha Gray, who jumped from 23rd in ESPN’s preseason rankings to sixth. She’s cracked the top five in points scored, is one of the league’s leaders in three-point percentage, and earned an All-Star starter spot.
Clark is ranked ninth in ESPN’s rankings. ESPN points to her playing just 12 games due to injury as the main factor. Her struggle to find her rhythm after returning has dropped her generational shooting to just 28.9% from beyond the arc for the season. That’s partly because of the physical way she’s defended on the perimeter, unlike anyone else in the league.
Don’t expect the shooting slump to stick around, considering the jaw-dropping moments she’s already delivered this season. The great thing about Clark is that even when her shot isn’t falling, she finds other ways to impact winning. Her assists are sky-high, ranking second in the league with 47 assists in her last five games alone.
Kelsey Plum is having another terrific season, scoring third in the league with 20.1 points per game and second in three-pointers made. She dropped a 12-assist game and shot 60% from three against the Lynx a few days ago. Somehow, she’s ranked outside the top 10 at 12th, which feels harsh.
Another questionable ranking is Bueckers, the rookie sensation of the Dallas Wings, sitting at just 13th. Don’t let the Wings’ poor record fool you. Bueckers is carrying that team already. In five of her seven games in June, she scored at least 20 points, including three straight 20-point performances, and a 35-point explosion against the Phoenix Mercury. She’s top-10 in points, assists, and steals. Both Bueckers and Plum probably feel they deserve spots in the top 10.
