​Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston and Las Vegas Aces standout A’ja Wilson sit at the top of many conversations about the 2026 WNBA MVP race. Boston is posting solid numbers this season, averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, while Wilson is putting up eye-popping averages of 25.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. In another glimpse of preseason projections, WNBA legend Candace Parker shared her predicted end-of-season awards on a graphic posted to her podcast’s X account. Parker forecasted Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles to take home Rookie of the Year, and she pegged Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White as the Coach of the Year. For Defensive Player of the Year, Parker named both Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson, with Parker also listing Boston or New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart as a potential MVP.
The graphic detailing Parker’s predictions was later reposted by a Wilson admirer on Thursday, which sparked a wave of reactions from fans. One commenter joked, “She be glazing AB and the Fever for that podcast cheque 😭😭😭,” reflecting the idea that Parker’s dual role as a content creator on the Post Moves podcast may have influenced her picks. Parker and Boston’s shared platform on the Post Moves podcast has fueled speculation among fans that Parker’s relationship with Boston could have swayed her MVP prediction.
Beyond the current season, Aliyah Boston’s respect for Candace Parker runs deep. The Fever rookie or reigning star has publicly praised Parker’s career, especially during Parker’s Naismith Hall of Fame induction. In a video on the podcast’s YouTube channel, Boston lauded Parker’s achievements, enumerating Parker’s storied résumé: back-to-back national championships at Tennessee, seven-time All-Star status, two-time WNBA MVP, Olympic gold medals, and the distinction of being the only player to win a WNBA championship with three different franchises. Boston’s admiration for Parker underscores the enduring influence Parker has had on generations of players, including Boston herself.
Parker’s career is often cited as the gold standard in women’s basketball. Her 12-year tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks, from 2008 to 2020, solidified her reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Meanwhile, Boston has emerged as a prominent figure for the Fever, showcasing a combination of scoring ability, rebounding tenacity, and defensive versatility that makes her a prominent MVP candidate as the league moves through the 2026 season.
As the season unfolds, discussions surrounding MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year will continue to evolve, with fans closely watching how Boston, Wilson, and their peers perform on the court. The interplay between Parker’s expert analysis, Boston’s development, and the broader narrative of the WNBA’s 2026 campaign will keep fans engaged as awards season approaches.