Stars get a lot of the attention in the WNBA, and rightfully so. They do a lot for their teams. Still, all of the best teams surround their stars with the right role players, and sometimes those role players end up changing the outcome of a playoff game or series. These five, among others, could accomplish that this year.
Leonie Fiebich, New York Liberty
In 2024, moving Leonie Fiebich into the starting lineup over Courtney Vandersloot was a big reason for the Liberty’s championship run. Her size, 3-point shooting, and defense make her a great fit next to Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones. Fiebich missed much of this season. When she returned, her teammates immediately raved about what a difference-maker she is. If she is playing well, the Liberty will be a tougher first-round opponent than their place in the standings suggests.
Lexie Hull, Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever’s playoff success largely depends on how well Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston can play in the postseason. But the trio can’t do everything. Indiana’s role players have to show up as well. Lexie Hull has struggled to do that consistently this season, as her 3-pointers aren’t falling at the same rate as they did in the previous two years. If she can use the FIBA break to reset and enter the playoffs looking more like the effective 3-and-D wing the Fever know she can be, she could be a real game changer for Indiana.
Nia Coffey, Minnesota Lynx
Nia Coffey had big shoes to fill to start the season. Napheesa Collier was out after undergoing double ankle surgery, and Coffey started in her place. She filled in admirably, providing Cheryl Reeve with a versatile defender and shooting 38.8% on 3.2 3-point attempts per game before the World Cup break. With Collier back, Coffey’s role is much smaller now, but she is still the Lynx’s most important reserve. If she can wreak havoc on defense, knock down 3-pointers, and play either forward spot, it will help the Lynx live up to expectations in the playoffs.
DeWanna Bonner, Atlanta Dream
DeWanna Bonner is a star in her own right, but joining a team built around Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Bri Jones, and Angel Reese late in the season makes her a role player rather than an established go-to star player for Atlanta. She could easily swing a first-round series for the Dream. Being able to bring someone with her length, experience, and scoring ability off the bench is a luxury the Dream desperately needed.
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Las Vegas Aces
It hasn’t been that long since Cheyenne Parker-Tyus was an All-Star in 2023. She missed much of the 2024 season with an ankle injury and sat out all but two regular-season games in 2025 after giving birth. The Aces didn’t need her to be a big contributor for most of the season. NaLyssa Smith was phenomenal next to A’ja Wilson, but Smith is now out for the rest of the season. If Parker-Tyus can start playing more like the player she was a few seasons ago, it could go a long way toward the Aces’ ambitions of repeating as WNBA champions.
Awak Kuier, Dallas Wings
As a low seed and without Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings will enter any first-round series as the underdog, especially if they end up facing Minnesota. No matter the matchup, Awak Kuier should emerge as the Wings’ X factor. With Fudd out, Kuier has stepped back into the starting lineup next to Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith. Her size at the three will bother opponents—but not as much as her ability to fly around and block shots. Kuier has totaled 16 blocks in four games back in the starting lineup, including a 7-block performance in a big win against Indiana. If she can have a game like that in the playoffs, it could keep the Wings in a series against a top contender.
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