The 2025 season has been rather disappointing for the Las Vegas Aces so far. Nevertheless, A’ja Wilson is still playing well, putting herself in the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year conversations yet again. She is the current favorite to win the latter.
The Minnesota Lynx may have something to say about both awards. Napheesa Collier is the favorite to win the MVP award and Alanna Smith is making a quiet case to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
Alanna Smith is having a great defensive season in Minnesota
After bouncing around the league for a bit, Alanna Smith truly burst onto the scene with the Minnesota Lynx in 2024. She became a full-time starter, averaged career highs in several statistical categories, and played a major role in the Lynx’s run to the finals. Smith’s ability to space the floor on offense and protect the rim on defense makes her a unique big and a perfect fit next to Napheesa Collier.
Her defensive ability also earned Smith a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team last season. That is a feat Smith should be able to repeat or even exceed this season. A spot on the All-Defensive First Team and a case for the Defensive Player of the Year award are well within reach for Smith.
Smith and A’ja Wilson are currently tied for most blockers per game among all players with 2.5. The Lynx also lead the WNBA in blocks per game as a team and have the best defensive rating in the league. While the Lynx have a group of good defenders, Smith and her rim protection are a big reason for Minnesota’s success on that end of the floor.
A’ja Wilson continues to be one of the best defenders in the WNBA
A’ja Wilson has been one of the top defenders in the WNBA for years. She won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022 and 2023 and finished second in voting behind Napheesa Collier last season.
While the Aces are not as dominant as they were a few seasons ago, Wilson’s defensive impact has not changed. She is still one of the best shot-blockers in the league, averaging 2.5 blocks per game, and gets her hands on 1.8 steals. That is the most among centers.
The one thing that could hurt Wilson’s case for DPOY, especially compared to Smith, is the Aces’ lack of team success. Las Vegas currently only ranks ninth in defensive rating, marking a significant drop from the last few seasons. While that drop off is not necessarily on Wilson, being one of the best defenders on the best defensive team in the league is always a great basis for winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.