Three Lynx stars crack ESPN’s top 25 — including No. 1 Napheesa Collier

With the best record in the WNBA, it should come as no surprise that insiders rank Minnesota Lynx stars among the best (including the best) in the league. In the latest player rankings from ESPN's WNBA experts, three Lynx stalwarts are in the top 25. 

MVP favorite Napheesa Collier comes in at No. 1 in the 25 best players rankings. Collier leads the league in scoring at 23.9 points per game. The reigning defensive player of the year is also fourth in blocks per game (1.6) and seventh in steals per game (1.7).

Collier finished runner-up to A'ja Wilson in MVP voting last season, but she's on pace to claim her first career MVP this season. She's currently the odds-on favorite to win the ward, according to BetMGM. 

Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams are ranked 17th and 25th, respectively. 

McBride was recently named as an injury replacement to the All-Star roster, marking her second consecutive All-Star Game selection. She joins both Collier and Williams as All-Stars, as well as Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who will lead Team Caitlyn Clark Saturday in Indianapolis.

Among the team's starters, McBride leads Minnesota in three-point shooting accuracy, hitting on 37.9% of her attempts. McBride is tied with Williams for second on the Lynx in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per game.

"There's no doubt that for Minnesota to bring home its fifth championship later this fall, it can't rely on only Napheesa Collier. It will also need veteran leader McBride to be at her best," said ESPN's Alexa Philippou.

Williams leads Minnesota in assists (6.0 per game), which ranks fourth in the WNBA.

"Williams is one of the motors for the first-place Lynx, and they need her at both ends of the court," said ESPN's Michael Voepel. "Williams also does a good job rebounding from the guard position, and that can help push Minnesota's offense."

Collier moved up one spot after being voted No. 2 in ESPN's preseason rankings.  McBride actually dropped two spots from No. 15, while Williams was unranked at the time.