WNBA Awards Summary: Bueckers Named Rookie of the Year, Burton Awarded Most Improved Player
The WNBA honors players as Paige Bueckers secures Rookie of the Year and Veronica Burton claims Most Improved Player, along with Natalie Nakase as Coach of the Year.
Award season is upon the WNBA, and Natalie Nakase, head coach, was recently recognized as Coach of the Year after leading the Golden State Valkyries to be the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their debut season.
Major Award Winners:
- Rookie of the Year: Paige Bueckers
- Most Improved Player: Veronica Burton
The upcoming award announcements include:
- Sept. 18: Defensive Player of the Year
- Sept. 19: MVP Finalists Revealed
- Sept. 20: Sixth Player of the Year
- Sept. 21: Most Valuable Player
- Sept. 22: Sportsmanship Award
- Sept. 23: Executive of the Year
- Sept. 29: All-Rookie Team
- Oct. 1: All-Defensive Teams
- Oct. 7: All-WNBA Teams
Rookie of the Year: Paige Bueckers
As the first-overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers was just two votes short of a unanimous selection after an impressive first season, averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game on 47.7% shooting.
Most Improved Player: Veronica Burton
Burton played all 44 games this season, achieving career highs with averages of 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and six assists, proving invaluable in getting the Valkyries into the playoffs.
Coach of the Year: Natalie Nakase
Hiring Nakase was pivotal for the Valkyries, and under her direction, they built a solid defense and utilized their roster effectively, finishing with a 23-21 record.
