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Plum and Cloud Lead WNBA Newcomer Impact Rankings | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory | Plum and Cloud Lead WNBA Newcomer Impact Rankings | Mikal Bridges Struggles with Inconsistency, Plagued by Foul Trouble | Nazar's PPG Wins It in Overtime: Blackhawks Beat Mammoth | Pacers-Clippers Trade: Mathurin and Zubac's Impact | Troy Wins Sun Belt Tournament, Earns NCAA Berth | RMU Men's Hockey Advances to AHA Semifinals After Tense Series | Oregon State Basketball: The End of the Wayne Tinkle Era | Mexico vs. USA: Intense Rivalry at the World Baseball Classic 2026 | Italy vs. Great Britain in 2026 World Baseball Classic: Espresso-Fueled Victory

Sports / WNBA

Plum and Cloud Lead WNBA Newcomer Impact Rankings

The 2025 WNBA season is witnessing significant impacts from offseason player movements, with Kelsey Plum and Natasha Cloud leading the newcomer impact rankings. Their performances are revitalizing the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty...

Which WNBA offseason moves are making the biggest impact -- and who still has work to do?
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Plum and Cloud Lead WNBA Newcomer Impact Rankings Image via ESPN

Key Insights

  • Kelsey Plum's arrival in Los Angeles has brought star power back to the Sparks, averaging 25.2 points per game, ranking second in the league.
  • Natasha Cloud's playmaking and defense have been crucial for the New York Liberty, becoming a reliable scoring option and a vocal leader.
  • Alyssa Thomas is excelling in Phoenix, delivering as a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Mercury.
  • Satou Sabally is thriving in her new city, contributing significantly to the Mercury's strong start.
  • Brionna Jones has adapted well to the Atlanta Dream, averaging a double-double and improving the team's offense.

In-Depth Analysis

Kelsey Plum's move to the Los Angeles Sparks has been transformative. Her scoring prowess and playmaking abilities have quickly made her a central figure in the Sparks' offense. Plum's ability to score and assist has accounted for a significant portion of the team's points, placing her in the early conversation for the MVP award.

Natasha Cloud's trade to the New York Liberty has provided the team with a versatile player who excels in both scoring and defense. Cloud's toughness and playmaking have relieved pressure on other stars, making the Liberty a more formidable contender.

Other notable newcomers include Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, who are both contributing to the Phoenix Mercury's strong start. Brionna Jones has also made a significant impact on the Atlanta Dream, showcasing her versatility and improving the team's overall performance.

However, not all offseason moves have immediately paid off. Jewell Loyd, DeWanna Bonner, Courtney Vandersloot, and Ariel Atkins are still adjusting to their new teams and have yet to reach their full potential.

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FAQ

Why is Kelsey Plum considered a top MVP candidate?

Plum's high scoring average and playmaking ability have made her a key player for the Sparks, despite the team's mixed record.

How has Natasha Cloud impacted the New York Liberty?

Cloud's scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills have made her a valuable addition to the Liberty, enhancing their competitiveness.

What makes the Hexagon defense strategy special?

The Hexagon strategy focuses on positioning the team in line with the ball, to keep opponents out of the paint, it's designed to simplify defensive footwork, promote better spacing, and reduce points allowed in the paint.

Takeaways

  • The WNBA's offseason moves have significantly reshaped team dynamics, with players like Kelsey Plum and Natasha Cloud making immediate impacts. These changes highlight the importance of player versatility and adaptability in achieving team success. WNBA fans should monitor these players and their teams throughout the season to see how these transformations evolve.

Discussion

Do you think these newcomer impacts will sustain throughout the season? Which WNBA newcomer do you think will have the biggest impact by the end of the season? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

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