Everybody focuses on the starting five, but the bench play is key to winning a WNBA championship also. The WNBA has a lot of talented players in the league, so some have to check their egos and be able to come off the bench. Here are the top candidates for Sixth Women of the Year award.
Cheyenne Parker Chicago Sky
Cheyenne Parker is an essential piece to the Chicago Sky team. She is a selfless player and contributes well off the bench. Parker plays close to 20 minutes a game and averages 9.0 and 5.8 rebounds per game. She also averages 1.3 blocks per game. Parker had her11th double figures game off the bench, and six double digits rebound games as well.
Parker has stepped up her game a lot since last season; she has become one the Sky’s most valuable players. She leads the second unit, and with Jantel Lavender being out for the season, she will play a significant role come playoff time.
Dearica Hamby Las Vegas Aces
Dearica Hamby is probably the front runner for the award. She is averaging 11. 1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. She is also shooting 49 percent from the field and averaging almost two assists per game. Hamby is an essential player in the Las Vegas Aces rotation. She can do it all score, rebound, and play good team defense.
Aerial Powers Washington Mystics
Aerial Powers has been a consistent force off the bench for the Washington Mystics, who have the best record in the WNBA. She is averaging 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Powers is shooting 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from three. She is currently out due to injury; the Mystics will need her back to help them make a run in the playoffs.
Teaira McCowan Indiana Fever
Teaira McCowan has been one of the few bright spots for the Indiana Fever this season. In her rookie year, she has proven she can score and rebound pretty well. McCowan is averaging 9.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in her rookie season. She is also averaging 1.3 blocks per game. It is just her rookie season so look for her to be a better player next year for the Fever.
My Choice
If i had a vote for Sixth Women of the Year, i would probably go with Dearica Hamby, i love the way she plays. Hamby plays offense and defense really well. On defense she’s never out of position fills the lane nicely. On offense, she plays well off the ball. Cheyenne Parker would be my close second, she is awesome as well.