Full Breakdown
Naz Hillmon Named 2025 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year
9/21/2025, 2:11:28 PM
Historic Achievement for Atlanta Dream
Naz Hillmon, a forward for the Atlanta Dream, has been awarded the 2025 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, marking the first time a player from the franchise has received this honor. Hillmon's performance throughout the season was instrumental in helping the Dream achieve a franchise-record 30 wins, finishing with a 30-14 record and securing the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.
Performance Highlights
In her fourth season, Hillmon averaged career highs of 8.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. She played in all 44 regular-season games, coming off the bench in 27 of those contests. Notably, she transformed her perimeter shooting, making 53 three-pointers at a 32.1% success rate, a significant improvement from her previous three seasons where she made only one. Hillmon's ability to stretch the floor contributed to the Dream's offensive efficiency, as the team recorded a 110.2 offensive rating when she was on the court.
Voting and Recognition
Hillmon received 44 out of 72 first-place votes in the Sixth Player of the Year voting, significantly outpacing her closest competitor, Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman, who garnered 22 votes. Other nominees included Jessica Shepard (4 votes), Dominique Malonga, and Sami Whitcomb, each receiving one vote. Hillmon's impact was further underscored by her ranking first in plus-minus (+5.7) among players who came off the bench in at least 20 games.
Official Statements
Dan Padover, the general manager of the Atlanta Dream, praised Hillmon, stating, "Naz embodies everything we want the Atlanta Dream to stand for—toughness, consistency, and growth." He credited the coaching staff, particularly head coach Karl Smesko, for facilitating Hillmon's development and positioning her for success.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite her accolades, some critics pointed out that Hillmon started 17 of the 44 games this season, leading to debates about the appropriateness of her receiving the Sixth Player award. Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with some fans suggesting that her starting role in the latter part of the season made her eligibility questionable.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Hillmon's recognition as the Sixth Player of the Year not only highlights her individual achievements but also signifies a pivotal moment for the Atlanta Dream as they look to build on their successful season. With her continued growth and impact on the court, Hillmon is poised to play a crucial role in the team's future endeavors.
As the Dream prepare for the next season, Hillmon's performance will be a focal point in their strategy to enhance their competitiveness in the WNBA.
