One of the leading storylines for the 2018 WNBA season has been the impressive
play from the rookie class. Led by No.1 pick A’ja Wilson, the large majority of
the first-round picks have been integral parts to their respective teams early
in the season.
A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces:
Wilson (21.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG) not only looks like a prime Rookie of the Year
candidate, but also one of the league’s best young players as she leads rookies
in scoring and rebounds per game.
Kia Nurse – New York Liberty:
Nurse comes from Geno Auriemma’s family tree at UConn and seems to be another
former Husky that will be a valuable contributor in the WNBA beyond 2018. She is
coming off a rookie franchise-record 34-point performance against the Indiana
Fever over the weekend, and is averaging 19.0 PPG which ranks second among
rookies and eighth in the league.
Kelsey Mitchell – Indiana Fever:
Some players come along that can just flat out score the ball. Kelsey Mitchell
is one of these players. After a slow preseason where the second overall pick
shot just 18.8% from the field, Mitchell seems to be finding her rhythm.
Averaging 18.3 PPG (44.3% FG), Mitchell’s breakout game came Saturday against
the Liberty where she notched a career-high 26 points.
Diamond DeShields – Chicago Sky:
Coming off a year playing professionally in Turkey after leaving the NCAA in
2017, DeShields showcasing the skills that made her the No. 3 pick in this
year’s draft. A lengthy wing option to fit beautifully in the Sky offense around
Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot, and Stefanie Dolson, DeShields is showing
her versatility on the offensive side of the ball. She is coming off a
career-high 25 points Sunday against Wilson and the Aces, and is averaging 15.3
PPG.
Ariel Atkins – Washington Mystics:
A name that may have not jumped off the page after the 2018 WNBA Draft was
completed, Atkins has been solid so far for a surprisingly good Mystics (5-3)
team this season. Atkins, a 5-foot-11 guard from Texas is averaging 12.5 PPG but
also is a pest on defense as she has notched a steal in all but one of the
Mystics first eight games this year.
Jordin Canada – Seattle Storm:
The seemingly heir-apparent to WNBA legend Sue Bird, Canada looks to be the
perfect fit to take the reigns at point guard whenever the future Hall of Famer
decides to hang her shoes up. The stats are not tell-your-friends worthy (6.9
PPG, 3.6 APG), but she leads the rookie class in assists per game. The hustle
she exudes on both sides of the ball jumps out at you when watching a Storm
game, something that is surely being noticed by league All-Stars and teammates
Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, and of course Ms. Bird.
Gabby Williams – Chicago Sky:
A hardworking forward for the Sky, Williams is averaging 6.5 points per game,
while logging 25.8 minutes per game. Williams has recorded at least five
rebounds in three of six games this year.
Myisha Hines-Allen – Washington Mystics:
The Mystics have a couple promising looking rookies. Hines-Allen joins fellow
rook Ariel Atkins as another productive player on both ends of the ball. At
6-foot-2, she brings length on defense, and makes it difficult for defenders to
deal with her on the offensive side of the court, averaging 6.6 points per game.
Azurá Stevens – Dallas Wings:
A promising young rookie from the powerhouse UConn program, Stevens is posting
6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in only 18 minutes of action. The 6-foot-6
forward scored in double figures for the first time on May 29, and contributed
to a win against the Storm in her last performance with seven points and five
boards.
