Does Napheesa Collier's Injury Impact the WNBA MVP Race?

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The Athletic

August 12, 202553 min
Basketball

Does Napheesa Collier's Injury Impact the WNBA MVP Race?

Play Episode

Episode Notes

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down the start to WNBA Rivals Week – discussing some key injuries around the W that have dampened excitement for some of these matchups. They also touch upon A'ja Wilson's historic night, and how DiJonai Carrington and Brittney Sykes are making an impact on their new teams.


Then, the crew turns their attention to who could be the 2025 WNBA MVP. What gets factored into making that decision? How much does win percentage matter? And is Napheesa Collier still the frontrunner despite missing some time with her recent injury?


Plus, Ben walks the crew through his reporting on a WNBA tradition: the post-practice half court shot contest.


_________________


References:


Indiana Fever lose guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald for the season by Sabreena Merchant


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546038/2025/08/11/aja-wilson-wnba-history-30-points-20-rebounds/ by Rebecca Tauber


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6539678/2025/08/11/wnba-halfcourt-shots-practices-fever-liberty/ by Ben Pickman


https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6546028/2025/08/11/wnba-power-rankings-minnesota-lynx-trade-deadline/ by Sabreena Merchant

_________________


Visit our YouTube page!

_________________


Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or write to us at: NoOffseason@theathletic.com


You can also find us on social media:


-Instagram: @tanooffseason


-TikTok: @no_offseason


-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita


-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman


-Sabreena on BlueSky: