In the latest WNBA awards voting, guard Carla Leite of the Portland Fire secured the Most Improved Player award. Leite’s leap in production this season outpaced the impressive gains posted by Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin and Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard, making her the clear choice for voters.
Statistical surge that set Leite apart
Leite moved from a bench role with the Golden State Valkyries last year—averaging just 17.2 minutes per game—to a starting position with the Fire this season. Her scoring jumped from 7.2 points per game to 16 points, while her assists rose from 2 to 6.3 per game. Perhaps most striking was her shooting efficiency: she improved her field‑goal percentage from 38.7% to 46.3% and her three‑point accuracy from 17.3% to 40%.
Those numbers represent the largest combined gains in points, assists and efficiency among the three candidates. Leite also proved clutch, delivering key performances in close games, including a decisive win against her former Valkyries squad.
How Austin and Shepard performed
Shakira Austin continued to anchor the Mystics’ defense, playing 6.5 more minutes per game and boosting her scoring from 12.7 to 17 points, rebounds from 6.4 to 9.4, and assists from 1.8 to 2.6. Her shooting efficiency also rose, with field‑goal percentage climbing to 49.1% and three‑point percentage to 32.7%.
Jessica Shepard transformed from a backup big on the Minnesota Lynx into an All‑Star with the Dallas Wings. She increased her scoring average to 14.3 points, rebounds to 10.9, and assists to 5.1 per game. While her field‑goal percentage slipped slightly to 57.9% from 63.8% the prior season, her overall impact helped fuel the Wings’ turnaround.
Why winning matters despite team record
Leite’s Fire finished the season without a playoff berth, whereas Austin and Shepard helped guide their teams into the postseason. Historically, the Most Improved Player award has placed less emphasis on team success, focusing instead on individual growth. The precedent set by last year’s winner, Veronica Burton, who also thrived after changing teams, supports that approach.
Voters noted that while staying with the same team can be a factor, the magnitude of Leite’s improvement—especially her shooting efficiency and playmaking—made her the most deserving candidate.
What the award means for the Fire
Leite’s recognition highlights the Fire’s ability to develop talent and could boost the franchise’s profile as it looks to build a more competitive roster. Her breakout season provides a strong foundation for the team’s future aspirations.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, stories like Leite’s underscore the league’s depth of talent and the importance of rewarding hard work and development.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
