Rapid Fire Mid-Season Award Predictions

Rookie of the Year

Olivia Miles

Her stats speak for themselves: 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.

Runner-ups:

• Sydney Taylor

• Azzi Fudd

• Flau'jae Johnson

Most Improved Player

Jessica Shepard

The new triple double queen.

Runner-ups:

• Marina Mabrey

• Carla Leite

Coach of the Year

Cheryl Reeve

I have to admit, I did not have the Lynx as contenders this year. Losing Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman, along with Napheesa Collier's injuries, had many of us worried. However, Reeve proved us all wrong and has Minnesota sitting atop the standings.

Runner-ups:

Jose Fernandez

It's remarkable that the Dallas Wings are currently fourth in the standings after finishing tied for last with just 10 wins last season. Fernandez deserves a lot of credit for engineering such a dramatic turnaround while unlocking the star potential of Jessica Shepard.

Natalie Nakase

We've seen expansion teams struggle in the past, like the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky did in their early years. Nakase has the Valkyries thriving in just their second season, with one of the league's clearest identities and deepest benches.

Defensive Player of the Year

Gabby Williams

The best defender on the league's best defensive team? That's a no-brainer for me.

Runner-ups:

• A'ja Wilson

• Rhyne Howard

• Kiah Stokes (she deserves much more attention)

MVP

A'ja Wilson

We're watching the GOAT in real time.

Runner-ups:

• Olivia Miles

• Kelsey Mitchell