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.