What happened: Gabby Williams is being touted as an early Defensive Player of the Year favorite, with the case built on her standing as one of the WNBA's most disruptive defenders. The Golden State Valkyries forward has long anchored her game in on-ball pressure and the ability to guard across multiple positions.

Why it matters: Defensive Player of the Year recognition would mark a career milestone for Williams and reinforce the defensive identity the expansion Valkyries have leaned on. Elite individual defense often forms the backbone of a contender, and Williams' two-way value raises the team's ceiling as the season unfolds.

What to watch: The question is whether Williams can sustain the disruption to stay in the DPOY conversation as the 2026 award races take shape.