WNBA

Underrated Players: You Need to Know

- by Aislyn Jowers
Underrated Players You Need to Know

With almost three weeks of WNBA games, a lot of discussions are going on about potential Rookie of the Year candidates as well as MVP candidates. Although there is a lot of attention there are many players not being talked about as much. Across all teams, so many players come out to play their hardest every night and it shows on the court. Let’s talk about these Underrated Players You Need to Know.

Underrated Players You Need To Know:

10. Azurá Stevens

Azurá Stevens of the Chicago Sky is one of these underrated players that is not being discussed but should be. This is Steven’s first year with the Sky and in eight games she is already showing she belongs with this team. Stevens is currently averaging 11.6 PPG, 5.8 RBG, and 1.6 APG. Azurá is a versatile player, standing at 6’6″, she can shoot the three to stretch the floor, can steal and assist like a guard. She is a talented player in only her third season who you need to know and to talk about.

9. Julie Allemand

Julie Allemand of the Indiana Fever is only 5’9″, but can play defense on anyone. Allemand is one of these players that is not being talked about enough. This is Julie’s first year with Indiana and she is already playing like a veteran. She is currently 7.6 PPG, 5.8 APG, 1.5 STL, and 3.8 RPG. Even if she isn’t a huge offensive leader, she is a leader in other aspects such as assists and steals. The Fever is cherishing Allemand’s leadership so far this season. Know Julie’s name and start talking about her game.

8. Allisha Gray

Allisha Gray, or better known as Goggle Lish, is in her fourth season with the Dallas Wings. Gray has been a huge asset for the Wings ever since she was a rookie when she later won Rookie of the Year in 2017. Dallas is already a heavy guard team, but Gray is a huge part of this. She is currently averaging 10.0 PPG, 0.9 APG, and 3.1 RPG. Gray often comes off of the bench and is a contributor regardless of when she subs in. Talk about Allisha Gray because she is a team player and has had a great season thus far.

7. Lexie Brown

Lexie Brown of the Minnesota Lynx is in her second season with the Lynx. With many losses during the offseason for the Lynx due to free agency, HC Cheryl Reeves has begun to lean on Brown as a leader. Brown has only played in five out of seven games due to concussion protocol but has made a huge impact. Lexie is currently averaging 10.3 PPG, 2.8 STL, and 3.7 APG. She is definitely a team player and huge on both sides of the ball. Lexie is one of these underrated players that needs to be talked about.

6. Amanda Zahui B.

Amanda Zahui B. of the New York Liberty is in her fifth season with the Liberty. Zahui B. not only has the ability to make field goal shots, but she is also is an incredible sharpshooter beyond the three-point line. The Liberty has seven rookies on the roster, so her leadership and veteran type play is valued on this team. She is currently averaging 11.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 1.3 BLK. Her three-point shot is a little over 42%. She is a huge asset to this team and will continue to be. Zahui B. is one of these underrated players that should be discussed.

5. Layshia Clarendon

Layshia Clarendon is only in her first season with the New York Liberty, she has already stepped up to the plate as a leader. With seven rookies on the team, Clarendon is needed as a veteran and leader to help guide these rookies. She is currently averaging 13.3 PPG, 5.1 APG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.1 STL. She has been a huge asset to this team. Her game has drastically improved after coming off of an injury last season. Clarendon is so underrated and needs to be talked about.

4. Sylvia Fowles

Sylvia Fowles is in her fifth season with the Minnesota Lynx and thirteenth for the league. Fowles earned MVP in 2017 and she is on the path to win again soon. During this season Fowles overtook Rebekkah Brunson for the All-Time Leading Rebounder. Sylvia is a huge key player for this team. With only playing six games thus far due to injury. She is averaging 16.7 PPG, 11.3 RPG, and 1.5 BLK. Sylvia has been a huge leader for years and is continuing to do so. Although Fowles has had MVP before she isn’t being talked about as much in this year’s candidate talk and should be talked about more.

3. Dearica Hamby

Dearica Hamby of the Las Vegas Aces is coming off of the bench in full force. Hamby was last year’s Sixth Woman of the Year and she is still the frontrunner for it again. Her energy off of the bench is unmatched. She is a versatile post and can play the three, four, and five positions. She is currently averaging 12.8 PPG, 2.1 AST, 1.5 STL, 7.6 RPG. Hamby is so consistent in her playing style. Lately, she has been stretching the floor and hitting shots from anywhere. Hamby needs to be talked about more because she is still underrated.

2. Kelsey Mitchell

Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever is a huge player for this team. Mitchell is only in her third season but is playing on a huge level as a leader on and off the court. She is a huge impact player and is a huge asset behind the team. Kelsey is currently averaging 19.1 PPG and 2.9 APG. Kelsey can stretch the floor and create her own shot. She also has speed and the ability to get past defenders with ease. Mitchell is a huge underrated player that is not given enough recognition for her talent.

1. Bria Hartley

Bria Hartley of the Phoenix Mercury is a force to be reckoned with. In only six game appearances, she has been showing her true skills. Hartley has stepped up to the plate and taken on a role as being an energy player. She is currently averaging 16.7 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 STL, and 3.5 RPG. Bria is a frontrunner for the Sixth Woman of the Year if she doesn’t end up in the lineup. She has a game-changing way of playing that is helping the Mercury win games. Bria Hartley is for sure one of the most underrated players you need to know and needs to be talked about more.

Here was my Underrated Players You Need to Know. Make sure to follow my Twitter @aislynjowers for more of my content and follow @beyondwsports for more content. Read my latest article Week 2: Players of The Week for the WNBA. Make sure to keep a lookout for my next article. Be sure to check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.

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About Aislyn Jowers

I've grown up going to NCCAW games, when Tiffany Mitchell was drafted to the Indiana Fever in 2016 it opened the doors to the WNBA for me. Ever since then, I have been an avid watcher of both the WNBA and NCAAW games. Instead of bothering my family and friends with my thoughts about the game, I decided I will write about it instead.

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