Why Jacy Sheldon Is a Strong Bet for WNBA Most Improved Player in 2025

Jacy Sheldon is entering her second WNBA season in the perfect situation for a breakout. After being traded from the Dallas Wings to the Connecticut Sun as part of a massive four-team deal, Sheldon is now positioned for a major role on a team in full rebuild mode. And with DraftKings listing her at +5000 for Most Improved Player, she’s one of the best value picks on the board.

1. Clear Opportunity for Increased Role

Connecticut is hitting the reset button hard. The entire 2024 starting lineup is either gone or likely leaving:

• Alyssa Thomas → Traded to Phoenix
  
• Tyasha Harris → Traded to Phoenix
  
• Bri Jones → Signed with Atlanta
  
• DiJonai Carrington → Traded to Dallas
  
• DeWanna Bonner → Signed with Indiana
  
• Head Coach Stephanie White → Gone to Indiana
  

That leaves massive usage and minutes up for grabs. Sheldon is primed to benefit immediately — not just by getting starter minutes, but by being handed the ball as a potential offensive initiator under new head coach Rachid Meziane.

2. Steady Rookie Year Foundation

Sheldon wasn’t flashy in her rookie season, but she was solid and consistent: 5.4 points, 2.5 assists, and standout perimeter defense in 40 games. She earned the trust of her coaches in Dallas, and that stability is rare for rookies. That base gives her a strong launchpad for a leap in Year 2 — especially with more touches and a leadership role ahead.

3. Underrated Two-Way Skill Set

Sheldon was known as a tough, high-IQ defender at Ohio State, and she’s already translated that to the pro level. But she also has scoring upside — she averaged 17+ PPG in college and can shoot off the dribble, create in transition, and knock down open looks.

In a system where she’ll have more freedom and more responsibility, expect her to push her averages into the 10–12 PPG range with 4–5 assists per game, plus strong defensive metrics. That kind of jump is exactly what voters love in a Most Improved campaign.

4. Narrative on Her Side

The MIP award often rewards players who step into the spotlight after flying under the radar. Sheldon fits the mold:

• Former lottery pick ✅
  
• Moving from backup to key starter ✅
  
• On a rebuilding team that needs a new identity ✅
  

If she helps steady the Sun and flashes leadership on both ends, her storyline will be hard to ignore.

Final Thought: High Upside, Low Risk

At +5000 odds, Sheldon is a low-risk, high-upside bet in the Most Improved race. She’s got the minutes, the opportunity, the tools — and now the narrative. Don’t be surprised if Jacy Sheldon becomes the face of the Sun’s rebuild and one of the league’s breakout players.

Dan Karpuc

Dan Karpuc is the Founder of Sleeper Central and a seasoned sports betting expert. Previously, he served as the Director of Digital Content at BetQL (acquired by Audacy) and has contributed to top sports media outlets, including GiveMeSport, 12Up, TradeSports, HuffPost, Bleacher Report, and ESPN. With millions of words published across the industry, Dan is a leading voice in sports betting analysis and strategy. His passion for longshot player prop bets fueled the creation of Sleeper Central, where he continues to provide sharp insights and innovative betting content.