20. Alanna Smith, Big, Minnesota Lynx (Previous Rank: Honorable Mention)

Smith is a tremendous screener and finisher, effective passer, and a capable three-point shooter. More importantly, she’s a DPOY-level defender due to her length, quickness, physicality and spatial awareness. She was the league’s stingiest pick-and-roll defender (0.77 PPP) among high volume options (minimum 500 picks), an elite rim protector (46% FG allowed at the rim, 3rd among 39 players to contest at least 75 shots), and an invaluable communicator on the backline. The jury’s out on if she’ll actually win Defensive Player of the Year, but she’d be worthy if she does.

19. Bri Jones, Big, Atlanta Dream (Previous Rank: 17)

Since our midseason check-in, Jones has continued to score efficiently (12.3 points on 58.9 True Shooting), crush teams on the offensive glass (3.1, 2nd to Angel Reese’s 4.9) and work hard to hold up her end of the bargain defensively (1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks). She remains a monster on the block: the Dream generated an absurd 1.13 points per possession on trips featuring a Jones post-up.

18. Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces (Previous Rank: Honorable Mention)

Gray seems to be fully back as a shot-maker and magician-like playmaker. On top of that, she’s played a big role — figuratively and literally — in the Aces’ defensive turnaround during their 16-game winning streak. Opponents have generated 0.63 PPP on trips featuring a post-up against Gray during this run, second only to Jonquel Jones (0.52 PPP) among players to defend at least 20 of them. Jones has defended 21; Gray has defended 46.

17. Courtney Williams, Guard, Minnesota Lynx (Previous Rank: Honorable Mention)

Williams is quite the pick-and-roll maestro these days. She doesn’t need much room to uncork pull-ups. If you overcorrect for those, she’s adept at slipping in pocket passes or getting her Tyrese Haliburton on with jump-passes. She’s quietly shooting 40.7% from three (on low volume) since the All-Star break — something to keep an eye on this postseason.

16. Kahleah Copper, Wing, Phoenix Mercury (Previous Rank: Honorable/Injury Mention)

Copper is rounding back into form after missing all but six games before the All-Star break. Her transition play and half-court cutting remains electric, and you always have to be prepared for her drives. I’ve been especially encouraged by her energy defensively, as well as her three-point shooting (36.1% on 5.5 attempts). If Copper’s able to complement her slashing with legitimate pull-up chops, the Mercury are going to be even more difficult to deal with this postseason.