WNBA Eastern Conference Preview:

A group of newcomers are fueling the most anticipated season of the WNBA’s 27-year history. Of course, the driver of most that attention is Caitlin Clark, the top pick of the draft by the Indiana Fever. You won’t have to see her on TV as her first three games will be nationally televised. Also driving interest are fellow rookies, Cameron Brink, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Will one of them be the catalyst for their team to be a title contender? Or will the league standard bearers, the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty repeat their finals appearance? Here is the first of our two-part look at the teams as they enter the new season.

Atlanta Dream (2023 record: 19-21)

The Dream’s biggest addition didn’t come from the draft as center Tina Charles returns after missing last season, who will help with their inside scoring. Charles will feature a nucleus that includes guard Rhyne Howard, who turned around the Dream’s spotted first-round selection history, Cheyenne Parker and guard Alisha Gray. They added guard depth by picking up Jordin Canada from the Los Angeles Sparks and Aerial Powers from the Minnesota Lynx. The Dream just scraped their way into the playoffs last year, If Charles is rejuvenated, the Dream hope to have an easier road to the postseason.

Chicago Sky (2023 record: 18-23) - The Sky were busy in the offseason, completely revamping the team. Eight players from last year are gone. The only returners are center Elizabeth Williams, and guards Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans. Mabrey is one of the top-three point shooters in the league, while Evans takes over at the point and could be one of the bigger surprises around. They hope the defense will be improved by drafting Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. However. they will have to do without Cardoso for at least the first month due to a shoulder injury. Other newcomers include forwards Isabelle Harrison and Brianna Turner and guard Lindsay Allen.

Connecticut Sun (2023 record: 27-13)

The Sun challenged the Liberty all season and finished second to them in the standings and fell to them in the playoffs. Forward Alyssa Thomas, who was second in the MVP voting, returns and is expected to have another tremendous season. Center Brionna Jones returns from an Achilles injury and is looked to be a rim protector and add scoring help for Thomas. DiJonai Carrington hopes to have a breakout campaign as a two-way wing. Veteran DeWanna Bonner will also provide depth in the frontcourt. University of Connecticut alum Moriah Jefferson comes home to run the point.

Indiana Fever (2023 record: 13-27)

If Clark performs halfway to expectations, the Fever will make the playoffs, if she exceeds them, they will contend for a championship. The Fever will have the last two top picks suiting up for them in Clark and Aliyah Boston, who was the unanimous Rookie of the Year pick last season. Clark’s three-point range should help open up the inside for Boston. Clark should also help Kelsey Mitchell, who made the All-Star team.
Clark should make as much of an impact to a defense that finished 11th in the 12-team league last season. Second-round pick Celeste Taylor of Ohio State, will also help out with the perimeter defense.

New York Liberty (2023 record - 32-8)

The burgeoning superteam returns after winning the inaugural Comissioner Cup, before losing to Las Vegas in the finals last season. Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart is back to lead the attack, along with Courtney Vandersloot, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu. Stewart averaged over 23 points last season. The Liberty proved vulnerable on the perimeter in the finals, so they added defensive whiz Marquesha Davis in the draft to shore up that deficiency. Jones is fully healthy and is hoping for a tremendous year to complement Stewart. They hope to have more depth this year with the additions of Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally and Kennedy Burke.

Washington Mystics (2023 record: 19-21)

The Mystics had one of the rougher offseasons, losing three key pieces. Tianna Hawkins, a rebounding dynamo, retired, Guard Natasha Cloud signed with the Phoenix Mercury and Elena Delle Donne is sitting out this season to recover from injuries and illness. Brittany Sykes, a member of the All-Defense Team for the last four years, highlights the players who are returning. Center Shakira Austin is expected to be available despite having hip surgery in the offseason, although she will be on a minutes restriction early. Stefanie Dolson was brought in to provide depth in the pivot. First-round pick Aaliyah Edwards is one of the best all-around rookies in the league and should provide immediate help.