Sleeper Defenders: Makayla Timpson

“Being active and physical can earn you a spot,” said Candace Parker. This is the only time I agree with something she’s said on this broadcast.

I remember last year I was waiting anxiously to see who would be released from the Indiana Fever training camp, Makayla Timpson or Bree Hall. I remember hearing Coach Stephanie White say how grateful they were Timpson fell so far in the draft, so I knew Hall’s chances were pretty low. However, both are on the squad now, Hall as a development player and Timpson on her rookie contract.

Timpson has actually cemented herself in the Fever's rotation and has had highlight moments in the clutch, such as when she blocked a Mercury player's shot off the backboard. Like many other bigs, her impact is not necessarily on the stat sheet but lives forever in film.

In the game I am watching right now against the Aces, she currently has over 10 rebounds and doubled her minutes played. As Monique Billings gets older, I could see Timpson sliding into her spot and growing into an even better defender and all-around player.