Nathan’s WNBA Rankings Vol. 3-5

By: Nathan Snell

Well, it has been an interesting nine games of the season for all thirteen teams. It is essential to note that the Euro League basketball season for international players and participants has commenced. As early as the season is, there must be some patience, as the schedule has both helped and been an issue for some teams. There is also a factor of players out due to injury, and even teams still finding their footing. BOTTOM LINE…. pressing the panic button at this point of the season is insane.

Quick Point of Order: Here is a Recap of the WNBA Week three through five rankings.

Nathan’s WNBA Week Three through Five Rankings

WNBA Week Three Rankings

1. New York Liberty
2. Minnesota Lynx
3. Atlanta Dream
4. Phoenix Mercury
5. Seattle Storm
6. Las Vegas Aces
7. Indiana Fever
8. Golden State Valkyries
9. Washington Mystics
10. Los Angeles Sparks
11. Connecticut Sun
12. Chicago Sky
13. Dallas Wings

WNBA Week Four Rankings

1. Minnesota Lynx
2. New York Liberty
3. Phoenix Mercury
4. Atlanta Dream
5. Seattle Storm
6. Las Vegas Aces
7. Indiana Fever
8. Golden State Valkyries
9. Washington Mystics
10. Los Angeles Sparks
11. Connecticut Sun
12. Chicago Sky
13. Dallas Wings

It is also important to mention that we are in the Commissioner’s Cup play and heading into the final stretch of the games.

WNBA Week Five Rankings

1. Minnesota Lynx (10-1) | The Lynx is tied for the best record so far in the season; it is time to put them at the number spot this week. Most will argue that New York should be number one, but it is interchangeable. We cannot ignore the season Napheesa Collier is having. It’s not just Collier; the Lynx are getting contributions from everyone. They do have the overall record in this Commissioner Cup run.
2. New York Liberty (9-1) | At some point, we have to acknowledge that the New York Liberty at this point is a super team, and in my opinion, is under the most pressure to repeat as champions. Most of their wins have been by 20 points or more. Jonquel Jones injured her ankle this past Thursday in the victory against the Mystics. Kennedy Burke should be in the MIP and Sixth Woman of the Year conversation. This week for the Libs is quiet as they beat Chicago and will face Indiana this Saturday.
3. Atlanta Dream (8-3) | Well, the Dream this week had a favorable schedule. Defeating the Sky, Mystics, and Fever all by double digits. Allisha Grey, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones have been holding the fort down and are all making an all-star case. Grey had her first thirty-point game against Washington. Howard tied a single-game record of nine 3-pointers against Chicago.
4. Phoenix Mercury (8-4) | The first time since 2018, the Mercury have their best start. Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Natasha Mack were back in the lineup. Coach Tibbetts has this team on the defensive side of the ball, forcing teams to turnovers on 22.6 percent of their possessions.
5. Seattle Storm (6-5) |
6. Las Vegas Aces (5-5) | The Aces are in a tough spot, as they are dealing with injuries, inconsistencies, etc. This is not the team it was two years ago, but the Aces still have slow starts. Jewel Loyd is having a down year. Chelsea Grey is making questionable decisions on the ball. Jackie Young is the only one consistently playing. The bench honestly hasn’t gotten better. A’ja Wilson is leading in four of the five major categories when it comes to MVP voting, which is good but concerning. Coach Becky Hammon has to make something shake with this roster. Is the season over? No. Should you be concerned? Yes.
7. Golden State Valkyries (5-5) | For those to say this team would have less than ten games was woefully ignorant. This team is built with players who were once starters, sixth women, and even role players, and they are buying into what Coach Nasake is doing. Kayla Thornton has made an argument to be an All-Star this season. It is still early, but they have caught some teams off guard.
8. Indiana Fever (5-5) | Caitlin Clark made her return after 19 days (Five Games), and the Fever defeated the Liberty. However, one win this week is not enough to move them up the Rankings. (Sorry, Clark Fans), without Caitlin, Coach White does have some explaining to do. It is when Caitlin is on the floor that their offensive rating is 108.5, the third-best in the league; during the time she was out, it fell to 98.4, which is tenth in the league. *Cue the Will Smith Hmmm Meme*
9. Washington Mystics (4-6) | The youth movement in Washington has been something to watch. Kiki Irafen and Sonia Citron are in the running for Rookie of the Year. Brittney Sykes is having an all-star year.  If the Mystics’ central core of Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards stays healthy, this team can spoil the party for some. Coach Johnson, sir, you are building something special with this group.
10. Los Angeles Sparks (4-8) | Trying to build around Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby for a championship at this point has failed. Live by the three, die by the three will hurt you in most regards, and they haven’t been consistent. Rickea Jackson took some time away from the Team. Odyssey Sims is now away from the team. Cameron Brink will soon make her season debut, but this Spark team is struggling with identity issues.
11. Chicago Sky (3-7) | The Sky are a mess. Tyler Marsh is trying, but what he has been dealt with…a bad hand. Angel Reese from Unrivaled is not being herself. This offense is all over the place. The fact that fans are calling for jobs, and are not seeing the bigger issue. Who put this team together? You have to give it time. Angel had her first triple-double of her WNBA career. Courtney Vandersloot suffered a season-ending injury.
12. Connecticut Sun (2-8) | Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles are holding the fort down. This season, at this point, is a rebuilding situation. Offensively and defensively, the worst team here is the stats (Offensive Rating of 92.7) and lowest scoring average (71.3 points per game), plus the worst defensive rating (114.7). These next four games are going to be something to watch.
13. Dallas Wings (1-11) | Justice for Latricia Trammell, and Chris Koclanes at this point is a scapegoat, and this Wings roster after this year needs to be blown up, like, where is the identity? Dallas had a chance to beat Vegas, but a disagreement on a challenge to a basketball possession took the wind out of the sails. Are there issues? The draft did not address any issues. Curt Miller has his work cut out for him.