2025 WNBA awards check in: Overseas opportunities benefitted the leading Sixth Player of the Year candidates

Several WNBA bench players are making strong cases for the Sixth Player of the Year award midway through the 2025 season. While no single player is definitively ahead, three standouts deserve recognition for their impactful performances.

Jade Melbourne (Washington Mystics) is enjoying her best WNBA season after a stellar WNBL campaign with Canberra, where she averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Coming off the bench for Washington, she has started only four games but consistently displays her all-around game in 23 minutes per contest, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while setting the pace for the Mystics' second unit.

Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream) also benefited from significant WNBL playing time, averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Southside Flyers. Back with Atlanta, she now plays 20 minutes per game off the bench, averaging 7.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her improved numbers, despite moving from a starter last season, highlight her valuable contribution to the Dream's second unit.

Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx) demonstrated her capability as a focal point during EuroBasket Women, leading the competition in points (22.7) and rebounds (11.3) for Slovenia. Her return to the Lynx after a year away has been impactful; her season averages of 6.7 points and 6.4 rebounds surpass her career numbers. Shepard's strong play off the bench is a significant factor in the Lynx leading the league and being championship favorites.