awards and predictions

Seattle Storm big wing Breanna Stewart stands with her hands on her hips, photographed from a side angle.

The Next’s 2023 free agency projections, part 2: Unrestricted free agents

By Em Adler / January 20, 2023

Where will Stewie sign? Our team predicts it all.

Two images side-by-side. On the left, Dallas Wings wing Marina Mabrey dribbles the ball up the court. On the right, Seattle off-ball guard Gabby Williams points ahead while running up the court as teammates celebrate on the Storm bench to her right and fans celebrate beyond the baseline in the background.

The Next’s 2023 free agency projections, part 1: Restricted free agents

By Em Adler / January 19, 2023

Projecting Pancake Gustafson’s landing spot and much more

Four images of All-WNBA selections in a collage: on the top-left, a shot of Las Vegas point guard Kelsey Plum from behind, holding her follow-through as the ball falls through the hoop, with fans in the background celebrating but out of focus; on the top-right, Phoenix Mercury point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith drives from the key past Connecticut Sun combo guard Natisha Hiedeman, who is falling over towards her; on the bottom-left, Los Angeles Sparks big Nneka Ogwumike jogs up the court while pointing ahead; on the bottom-right, a shot of New York Liberty combo guard Sabrina Ionescu from behind, holding a finger up while looking out towards her teammates and Washington Mystics players

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Awards: All-WNBA

By Em Adler / September 14, 2022

The Next’s official 2022 WNBA awards wrapping up with All-WNBA

Two pictures side-by-side, of Seattle Storm big wing Breanna Stewart on the left and a smiling and jogging-upcourt Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson on the left

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Awards: MVP

By Em Adler / September 7, 2022

Our unofficial tally has Stewart-Wilson as close as it gets

Four pictures in a collage: on top, Las Vegas Aces wing Jackie Young has the ball at the top of her dribble while looking out the court; on the bottom-left, Minnesota point guard Moriah Jefferson drives downhill from the slot around a pick-and-roll screen from Lynx center Sylvia Fowles, who is beginning to roll after screening Dallas Wings wing Marina Mabrey off of Jefferson; on the middle of the bottom, Seattle Storm big Ezi Magbegor celebrates a teammate's three from the bench, while the crowd celebrates in the background; on the bottom-right, New York Liberty combo guard Sabrina Ionescu holds the ball above her head while releasing a jumper

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Awards: Most Improved Player

By Em Adler / August 29, 2022

The Next’s 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player is Las Vegas’ Jackie Young

Chicago Sky forward/center Candace Parker walks up the court while flashing the "three" symbol with both hands. Sky wing Kahleah Copper walks up confidently behind her, and Las Vegas Aces players walk away from them towards the bench for a huddle.

Daily Briefing — July 12, 2022: Second-half predictions from The Next staff

By Em Adler / July 12, 2022

It’s always Han Xu O’Clock somewhere