The best player in the WNBA right now is someone no one is talking about

The 2025 WNBA season has been nothing short of electric. From Angel Reese’s rebounding clinic, to Paige Bueckers igniting Dallas’ playoff hopes to Caitlin Clark struggling to stay healthy  - the league has never seen this kind of consistent national buzz.

But while the league’s biggest names continue to dominate the spotlight, a different kind of superstar is quietly putting together one of the best all-around seasons we’ve seen in recent years.

Meet Napheesa Collier. Or better yet, recognize her.

The Minnesota Lynx forward is leading her team the best record in the league — currently 22–5 after Sunday night's loss to the Atlanta Dream. She’s not doing it with flashy dunks or viral moments. She’s doing it with pure dominance.

And yet, somehow, Collier is flying under the radar in the MVP conversation.

Let’s talk about the numbers. Collier is first in the WNBA in points per game (23.5), fourth in blocks (1.6), fifth in steals (1.8) and fifth in field- goal percentage (52.1). If you play fantasy basketball, you already know she’s been the most valuable player all season — ranked No. 1 overall in standard fantasy formats. She's doing everything: scoring, defending, facilitating, leading.

And most importantly? She’s winning.

The Lynx don’t have the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles. They don’t have a viral media machine like Indiana’s. They just have one of the most efficient, hard-working and complete rosters in the league — led by a player who does it all, night in and night out.

While debates rage on about Clark, Reese and Bueckers, Collier is stacking wins and stats that should have her at the top of the MVP shortlist.

It’s not just her numbers — it’s her impact. When Collier is on the court, the Lynx look like a machine. She stretches defenses, protects the rim and plays with the type of poise you expect from a Finals MVP — not just a regular season standout. The Lynx as a team currently rank first in both offensive and defensive efficiency. And she’s doing this while mentoring younger players and shouldering the leadership role for one of the most balanced teams in the league.

If you asked her, she’d probably credit her teammates first. But there’s no denying what’s happening here. This is her team. And right now, this league might be hers too.

So why isn’t Collier getting more love?

It’s the same old story: media market, rookie hype and headline-chasing. That’s not a knock on any of the young stars dominating the WNBA narrative this season — they’re earning every bit of that attention. But it’s also time to look past the marketing and recognize what we’re witnessing on the court.

This is what greatness looks like. And if Collier were playing in a bigger market or had the benefit of a viral campaign, we’d be talking about her as a lock for MVP.

Instead, she’s just quietly dominating everyone — and letting her play do the talking.

In a season defined by flash, Collier is all substance. And if the WNBA season ended today, there’s a real case that she’d be the most deserving name on the MVP trophy – her first ever.

So here’s the real question fans should be asking:

Is Collier the best player in the WNBA right now?

Maybe the better question is: How could she not be?