After propelling herself from a rotational piece with the Minnesota Lynx to a double-double machine for the Dallas Wings, Jessica Shepard is a worthy candidate for the WNBA Most Improved Player award. However, with all the recognition that the dominant forward is showing with her new team, it is easy to forget that Marina Mabrey is having the season of her life in Toronto.
According to BetMGM's current MIP award market, Jessica Shepard is -210 to win Most Improved Player. This establishes her as an overwhelming frontrunner for the accolade, with an implied probability of 67.74%.
If bettors are correct, then the 29-year-old may have already ended this race before it truly had a chance to gain any traction -- and maybe rightfully so. Shepard is averaging a career-high 15 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, while propelling Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings to fourth overall in the regular season standings.
Jessica Shepard has been phenomenal in her new role in Dallas; however, she is not the only one benefiting from a move across the country -- or, in Marina Mabrey's case, to a new country entirely.
Marina Mabrey has found a new home in Toronto
While the Toronto Tempo is still finding its feet as a franchise, Marina Mabrey is thriving in Canada. Throughout her career, Mabrey has shown glimpses of being an explosive scorer, but the level of devastation she is now displaying is beyond what anybody could have predicted.
With Brittney Sykes unavailable for selection, Mabrey has taken the mantle as Toronto's lead offensive option and handled it in superb fashion. Over her last 10 appearances, the 29-year-old has recorded five 20+ point performances -- including an outrageous 53-point outing in the Tempo's 125-97 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.
Much like her MIP rival, Mabrey is having a career year in scoring. After 23 games, she is averaging 21 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while shooting 44.7% from the floor and an incredible 40% from deep.
Even with these otherworldly performances, Mabrey will remain the underdog in this awards race. Shepard holds a heavy advantage in her rebounding contribution, and her production is coming for a team with an outside shot at a championship. The Toronto Tempo are still in with an encouraging chance of clinching a playoff berth, but it would take a miracle for them to contend for higher honours.
Nevertheless, this year's Most Improved Player award shouldn't be a one-horse race. The impact Marina Mabrey is having on both an expansion franchise and Canada's population in general is simply remarkable. Without Mabrey on the roster, the Tempo would likely be nowhere near a postseason spot. Her career-high numbers should put her alongside Jessica Shepard's name for the accolade.
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