Here are our predictions for the jam-packed 2024 WNBA season — 40 games in three months, sandwiched around the Olympics break — starting with the order of finish:
1. Las Vegas Aces
When they’re on pause from running the league, Aces will comprise one-third of Team USA.
What will be Breanna Stewart’s Brooklyn encore after winning MVP but shooting 3-for-17 in the eliminator?
3. Seattle Storm
A repeat of last year’s Liberty experiment: Does an All-Star-caliber five have sufficient time to jell?
4. Connecticut Sun
At some point, the wheels will fall off the veteran Alyssa Thomas-DeWanna Bonner core.
5. Atlanta Dream
A lot depends on the continued development of All-Star guard Rhyne Howard.
6. Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier is the best player we’re not really talking about.
7. Phoenix Mercury
A combustible mix of a roster under first-year coach Nate Tibbetts, an NBA transplant.
8. Indiana Fever
Playoff Caitlin. Why not? She’s a ceiling-raiser, but Aliyah Boston must be excellent.
9. Dallas Wings
We’re shorting the Wings with Satou Sabally sidelined for the first half due to a shoulder injury.
10. Chicago Sky
Will be a tough assignment if they take on the tenacious personality of new coach Teresa Weatherspoon.
11. Los Angeles Sparks
This is a multi-year project, but Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson will get plenty of reps.
12. Washington Mystics
Wreckers for Bueckers? Pain for Paige? Still workshopping the tanking slogan.
MVP: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas
Would join Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson as a three-time winner. It’s bad business to bet against her.
Rookie of the Year: Caitlin Clark, Indiana
Can she average 20 points a game? What about taking aim at Sabrina Ionescu’s single-season 3-point record (128)?
Coach of the Year: Noelle Quinn, Seattle
A big leap is in store after last year’s 11-29 finish.
First-Team All-WNBA: Wilson, Stewart, Thomas, Collier, Jewell Loyd