Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Every WNBA season produces a few players who take a major leap, transforming from role players into stars, young prospects into franchise cornerstones, or overlooked veterans into award winners. The WNBA Most Improved Player (MIP) award recognizes those remarkable year-to-year improvements, but many breakout campaigns extend beyond the official winners.
Here are some of the greatest WNBA Most Improved Player breakouts, ranked by the size of the leap, statistical growth, and long-term impact on the league.
1. Jackie Young (2022)
Team: Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young made one of the biggest offensive jumps in recent WNBA history. Already known as a solid defender, she developed into an elite scorer and one of the league’s most efficient guards while helping lead Las Vegas to a championship.
Breakout highlights
- Increased scoring by nearly seven points per game
- Became one of the WNBA’s best three-point shooters
- First-time All-Star
- Won Most Improved Player
Why it stands out
Young evolved from a complementary starter into a legitimate All-WNBA caliber player almost overnight.
2. Crystal Dangerfield (2021)
Team: Minnesota Lynx
After winning Rookie of the Year in 2020, Dangerfield reinvented herself as a highly efficient reserve, earning the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award by expanding her playmaking and overall consistency.
Career leap
- Greater offensive efficiency
- Improved decision-making
- Valuable backcourt contributor
3. Kelsey Mitchell (2018)
Team: Indiana Fever
Mitchell entered the league as an elite scorer but took a massive leap during her second season, becoming one of the WNBA’s premier perimeter threats.
Why she broke out
- Significant scoring increase
- Improved shooting efficiency
- Became Indiana’s offensive centerpiece
4. Jonquel Jones (2017)
Team: Connecticut Sun
Jones transformed from an intriguing young forward into one of the league’s most dominant players. Her breakout eventually led to an MVP award just a few years later.
Breakout achievements
- Huge increases in scoring and rebounding
- Elite rim protection
- First All-Star appearance
5. Natasha Howard (2018)
Team: Seattle Storm
Howard blossomed after joining Seattle, becoming one of the league’s best two-way forwards while helping the Storm capture a championship.
Career breakthrough
- Defensive versatility
- Efficient scoring
- Elite rebounding
- First All-Star selection
6. Alyssa Thomas (2017)
Team: Connecticut Sun
Thomas evolved from a defensive specialist into one of basketball’s premier all-around players. Her ability to fill every box score category became her trademark.
Known for
- Triple-double potential
- Elite rebounding from the forward position
- Outstanding playmaking
7. Dearica Hamby (2019)
Team: Las Vegas Aces
Hamby became one of the league’s most productive sixth players before eventually growing into a full-time star.
Breakout season
- Improved scoring efficiency
- Dominant rebounding
- High-energy impact off the bench
8. Betnijah Laney (2020)
Team: Atlanta Dream
Laney delivered one of the most surprising improvements in league history after spending several seasons as a role player.
Highlights
- Career-best scoring
- First All-Star selection
- Became Atlanta’s primary offensive option
9. Brionna Jones (2021)
Team: Connecticut Sun
Jones stepped into a starting role and quickly established herself as one of the WNBA’s most efficient post scorers.
Strengths
- Excellent interior scoring
- Strong rebounding
- Reliable defensive presence
10. Marina Mabrey (2023)
Team: Chicago Sky
After years of showing flashes, Mabrey developed into a complete offensive weapon capable of carrying Chicago’s offense.
Breakout improvements
- Career-high scoring
- Better playmaking
- Increased leadership responsibilities
11. Kahleah Copper (2019)
Team: Chicago Sky
Copper’s athleticism finally translated into consistent production as she became one of Chicago’s most dangerous transition scorers before eventually winning Finals MVP.
Career leap
- Explosive scoring
- Elite transition play
- Defensive versatility
12. Satou Sabally (2023)
Team: Dallas Wings
Healthy for the first time in several seasons, Sabally emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic forwards.
Why she improved
- Career-best scoring
- Elite rebounding
- All-WNBA First Team selection
- Won Most Improved Player
13. Ezi Magbegor (2022)
Team: Seattle Storm
Magbegor developed into one of the WNBA’s premier defensive centers while improving her offensive efficiency around the basket.
Breakout strengths
- Elite shot blocking
- Efficient finishing
- Defensive Player of the Year candidate
14. Odyssey Sims (2019)
Team: Minnesota Lynx
Given a larger offensive role, Sims enjoyed the finest season of her career while earning her second All-Star selection.
Highlights
- Career-high scoring
- Improved playmaking
- Offensive leader
15. Napheesa Collier (2024)
Team: Minnesota Lynx
Already an outstanding player, Collier elevated herself into the MVP conversation with a dominant two-way campaign.
Breakout accomplishments
- Career-best offensive production
- Elite defense
- MVP finalist
- All-WNBA First Team
Honorable Mentions
- Tiffany Hayes
- Rhyne Howard
- Lexie Brown
- Erica Wheeler
- Ariel Atkins
- Allisha Gray
- Brittney Sykes
- Courtney Williams
- Chennedy Carter
- Tyasha Harris
Biggest WNBA Most Improved Player Winners
| Player | Season | Breakout Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Jackie Young | 2022 | Became an All-WNBA star and champion |
| Satou Sabally | 2023 | Emerged as an MVP candidate |
| Crystal Dangerfield | 2021 | Expanded into a complete backcourt contributor |
| Jonquel Jones | 2017 | Began rise toward league MVP |
| Natasha Howard | 2018 | Championship-caliber two-way forward |
| Alyssa Thomas | 2017 | Developed into elite all-around star |
| Betnijah Laney | 2020 | From role player to All-Star |
| Dearica Hamby | 2019 | Elite Sixth Woman to future star |
| Brionna Jones | 2021 | Became one of the league’s top centers |
| Marina Mabrey | 2023 | Developed into primary offensive weapon |
Final Thoughts
The WNBA’s biggest breakout players often redefine both their careers and their franchises. Some, like Jackie Young and Satou Sabally, transformed into All-WNBA superstars almost immediately. Others, including Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and Natasha Howard, used their breakout seasons as launching pads toward MVP-level careers and championship success. Their rapid development demonstrates how opportunity, health, experience, and skill refinement can completely change a player’s trajectory.