Why Napheesa Collier Deserves More

Napheesa Collier is among the most skilled players in the WNBA. Hailing from UConn, Collier is a four-time WNBA All-Star, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection. Most of all, she is a joy to watch. As a six-foot-one forward for the Minnesota Lynx, Collier averaged 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last season. Although she is one of the best players in the league and a runner-up for the 2024 WNBA MVP Award, Collier is usually off the radar when it comes to mainstream conversation surrounding the sport. That needs to change.

Collier’s play style can be described as highly technical and silky smooth. She has no issue getting to her spots on the floor, and once she is there, will use her nimble footwork to strategically position herself for the most efficient shot. Her signature move is a turn and fadeaway, and it is a truly beautiful sight to see. Not only is she harmonious to watch on offense, but clearly, given her accolades, is a menace on the defensive end as well. Collier is an elite rim protector and is always beating her player to every turn they make, timing her incoming block to seal the deal. Napheesa Collier excels on the court and is just as impressive off of it. She is rarely, if ever, caught in drama and scandal, and one quickly understands why when exposed to her humble, kindhearted, and determined personality. Collier most recently co-founded the Unrivaled Basketball League, which launched in January 2025 alongside fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart. By design, this league offers WNBA players with a competitive and well-compensated off-season alternative to playing overseas, embodying the ideal for workers to own their means of production. Not only is Collier involved in the WNBA as a great basketball player, but she seeks to create opportunities for her fellow players and co-workers as well. Collier is also a mom to her daughter, who she gave birth to in May 2022, and quickly returned back to playing in August 2022. Only a year later, she made her first All-WNBA First Team.

So why don’t we see Napheesa Collier in the same media space as players like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, and Sabrina Ionescu? If I knew the answer, I wouldn’t be writing this. In my opinion, Collier is a gold mine when it comes to not only promoting the WNBA as a product but any other product as well. She is the whole package when it comes to both personality and basketball-playing ability and is a role model to those who know her. Everyone needs to start investing in Napheesa Collier.