2. Rebekkah Brunson
2017 notable stats: 34.8 percent from three, 22.0 defensive rebounding percentage
Projected 2018 role: Stretch four moving toward the Hall of Fame
There might have been no more surprising development in 2017 than Brunson’s embracing of a new role: perimeter shooter for a Minnesota Lynx team looking to diversify offensively. Not only did it create another question for opponents to answer in Brunson herself, the newfound room led to the best season of Sylvia Fowles’ career, with Minnesota finishing atop the league in offensive efficiency. If Cheryl Reeve is to be commended for conceiving of it, and she should, Brunson’s ability to add another dimension in her age-35 season, trading offensive boards for the three-point line, must be recognized as well.