We are about a week into this WNBA season, and we're already seeing some fun storylines play out. The Aces look like a juggernaut again, the Liberty are right there with them, and the much-anticipated rookie class is making a splash. And, of course, we are already seeing players outproducing expectations in the early season.
This all leads to an exciting product on the court, and a plethora of players who you, as a fantasy hoops manager, should really be paying attention to. Let's go through some of the more interesting names among lightly rostered players for this week.
DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut Sun (58.6% rostered in ESPN leagues): Just a few days ago, Carrington was rostered in only 6.0% of ESPN leagues. Her percentage rostered has skyrocketed based on her big production as a starter through the first two games, with averages of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 block and 0.5 3-pointers in 34.0 minutes. Carrington appears to be stepping up as an impact starter for the Sun this season, and should be universally rostered as long as she is playing at this level.
Diamond DeShields, Chicago Sky (51.3%): DeShields joined the Sky this offseason, and has stepped up as a go-to scorer for the team. Through two games, DeShields is at 15.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 2.0 APG and 1.0 BPG in only 21.0 MPG.
Dana Evans, Chicago Sky (43.6%): Evans flashed periods of elevated production in her role off the bench last season, and has continued to play well as a starter this year. With several of the main contributors on last season's Sky squad having moved on, Evans has a larger role and could develop into an impact player this season. Through two games, Evans is at 11.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.0 3PG, 1.0 BPG and 0.5 SPG in 30.5 MPG.
Layshia Clarendon, Los Angeles Sparks (21.9%): Clarendon has started all 26 games she has played for the Sparks over the past two seasons and has shown she can be a high-variability double-digit scorer with solid peripheral categories. She opened this season with a bang, notching her first career triple-double. While her second game was more pedestrian, she gets a bit of a pass because it was in Las Vegas against the Aces. Clarendon has fantasy flex upside if she can become more consistent this season.
Natasha Mack, Phoenix Mercury (7.4%): Mack moved into the starting lineup with Brittney Griner (foot) injured, and has shown she can crash the glass. She grabbed 11 boards against the Dream on Saturday, and through two games is at 8.5 RPG, 4.5 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.5 BPG and 1.0 SPG. Mack has strong upside in the defensive categories for as long as she holds the starting job.