The WNBA recently released their official MVP ladder, but fans and analysts alike are confused by some of the rankings, particularly when it comes to Caitlin Clark’s position. Asia Wilson is ranked number one, a choice many agree with, despite her team, the Las Vegas Aces, not performing at their usual standard. The Aces are predicted to drop to the fifth seed, especially with Wilson dealing with an injury. However, Wilson’s individual performance has been exceptional this season, shattering her previous records, even as the Aces struggle as a team. She’s averaging more points and rebounds than ever before, and despite the team’s challenges, her impact on the court remains undeniable.

At number two on the ladder is Alyssa Thomas, who has also been playing at a high level, averaging close to 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Her defensive contributions are noteworthy, as she ranks third in the league for steals and eighth for blocks. However, the question on many minds is how Sabrina Ionescu is ranked at number three, despite what many see as a subpar post-Olympic performance.

Sabrina Ionescu’s form since the break has been inconsistent, with many pointing out her shooting struggles. Before the Olympic break, Ionescu had made more three-pointers than Caitlin Clark, but since then, Clark has overtaken her in almost every category. Clark is leading in three-pointers made per game, shooting percentage, free throw percentage, steals, blocks, rebounds, and assists. Clark also has a higher points-per-game average, outscoring Ionescu by a narrow margin. As the season progresses, there’s a growing belief that Caitlin Clark should be pushing into the top five MVP candidates, potentially ahead of Ionescu.

Ionescu’s ranking is especially puzzling given the team around her. She plays for a stacked Liberty team that includes Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and several other key players. In comparison, Clark has been delivering standout performances consistently and is seen by many as the superior player at this point in the season.

Alyssa Thomas also faces some criticism despite her strong defensive stats. Some view her as a liability on offense, with comparisons even being made to Ben Simmons, as opponents often sag off her to defend the basket. Her turnover rates have been high, and in recent games, she’s been forcing plays, which many feel detracts from her overall contribution to the team. Critics argue that Clark’s offensive capabilities far outshine Thomas’s, with the gap in their offensive production being far wider than any defensive differences.

One key stat that supporters of Clark point to is her ability to generate efficient offense for her team. According to advanced metrics, Clark leads the league in points per possession when factoring in her scoring and assists. This is a significant indicator of her value on the court, with some arguing that her impact on the game surpasses that of Thomas.

The omission of Caitlin Clark from the top five has left many fans and analysts bewildered, especially given her historic numbers. Clark is averaging 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game. No player in WNBA history has ever failed to make the All-WNBA First Team while averaging 15-5-5, and Clark is on pace to exceed those benchmarks. She has been especially dominant in recent games, regularly scoring over 25 points and putting up strong all-around performances.

As the season winds down, Clark will face off against teams like the Aces and the Wings, where she’s expected to continue her scoring spree. Barring any setbacks, she’s likely to end the year with averages that further solidify her case for being among the top MVP candidates. Her ability to consistently perform against strong competition makes her exclusion from the top five all the more perplexing.

In contrast, Thomas’s offensive struggles, particularly in recent games, have raised doubts about her inclusion in the All-WNBA First Team. Despite her defensive prowess, many feel her offensive limitations and the strength of her team’s roster don’t justify her current MVP ranking.

Ultimately, many believe that Caitlin Clark is being disrespected in the MVP conversation, with her performances deserving more recognition. Fans are calling for her to be placed higher on the list, and with her continued dominance, it’s only a matter of time before the debate around her place in the WNBA’s elite grows louder.

source: https://www.wnba.com/news/2024-mvp-ladder