Sun's Carrington wins Most Improved Player
Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player for 2024, the league announced Wednesday.
Known for her defense, Carrington started 39 games for Connecticut and made major improvements in nearly every statistical category this year, averaging career highs in points (12.7), steals (1.9), assists (1.6), and rebounds (five).
From rising star to unstoppable force 🌟 DiJonai Carrington is your 2024 WNBA Kia Most Improved Player 🏆
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 25, 2024
2023: 8.3 PTS | 2.9 REB | 0.6 STL | 1.3 AST
2024: 12.7 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.6 STL | 1.6 AST#KiaMIP | @Kia pic.twitter.com/mbArvMKmTr
Carrington, 26, received 28 of 67 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. She beat out Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (18 votes), Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton (15 votes), and Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (three votes).
Seattle Storm forward Jordan Horston, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, and Lynx forward Alanna Smith each received a single vote.
As a result of winning this award, Carrington will receive a $5,150 bonus.
This is the fifth time a member of the Sun has received the Most Improved Player honor.
Carrington's strong two-way play helped the Sun finish third in the regular season with an impressive 28-12 record. Connecticut has a 1-0 series lead against the Indiana Fever and will have a chance to advance to the semifinals with a win Wednesday night.