Naz Hillmon Shines as WNBA Playoffs Approach

ATLANTA, Ga. — Naz Hillmon is having a standout season with the Atlanta Dream as the WNBA playoffs near. A key player from the University of Michigan, Hillmon has emerged as a frontrunner for individual honors in her fourth season.

ESPN recently reported that Hillmon is a leading candidate for the league’s Most Sixth Player of the Year award. The Dream’s belief in her capability as the No. 15 pick in the 2022 draft is paying off, according to analyst Michael Voepel. Hillmon has tallied an average of 8.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in her regular season performance.

During the regular season, she participated in all 44 games, starting in 17 of them. Notably, the 6-foot-2 forward transformed her shooting, making 52 three-pointers this season after previously making just one in her career.

The Atlanta Dream finished the regular season with a 30-14 record, securing the No. 3 seed for the playoffs. They are set to face the Indiana Fever in a best-of-three series, starting Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Hillmon has become an indispensable part of Atlanta’s second unit, providing a much-needed spark off the bench. She leads her team in net rating and ranks among the top ten in plus-minus for reserves this season.

Although ESPN recognized Veronica Burton for Most Improved Player, multiple outlets, including USA Today, have chosen Hillmon for the Sixth Player award. As the league’s awards announcement typically occurs during the playoffs, fans are eager to see how the recognition unfolds.

Hillmon’s accolades extend beyond her professional career. At Michigan, she was a two-time All-American and holds records for the most career rebounds and points in a single game. She helped lead Michigan to its first Elite Eight appearance in 2022.