Kiah Stokes

Stokes began 2023 off the bench, but started the second half of the year due to Candace Parker's ankle injury. Coming off the bench, Stokes averaged 2.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 18.6 minutes. In her starts, she averaged 2.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 22.2 minutes. Though her scoring is inconsistent, Stokes is one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the WNBA. Per 40 minutes, she averaged 11.8 boards and 2.0 swats. Stokes will have added competition for playing time in the frontcourt after Megan Gustafson signed with Las Vegas. Stokes also missed Game 4 of the WNBA Finals due to a foot injury but shed her walking boot in February. It's unclear whether she'll have any limitations to begin the season, but if she's healthy, she could take on a starting role once again following Candace Parker's retirement.

Stokes is not a player to turn to when looking for scoring, tallying 2.3 points over 15.4 minutes per game last year, and that mark actually exceeded her output in the two previous campaigns. However, she has seen regular playing time at center and protects the rim, averaging 11.4 boards per 40 minutes (10th in WNBA) and 2.1 blocks per 40 (eighth in WNBA), keeping her in the mix. While it doesn't translate to much in points leagues, Stokes has provided a bit more for managers in category formats. Also weighing on her fantasy outlook for 2023 are the additions of Candace Parker and Alysha Clark to the frontcourt, who will presumably absorb some minutes. The Aces also signed Cayla George to a contract this offseason, so Stokes will have to earn her way to a roster spot and minutes.

The Liberty released Stokes in late June last season, but she quickly found a new home with the Aces. Although she started eight of her 15 appearances with Las Vegas, she had a minimal impact, averaging just 1.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game despite shooting 58.8 percent from the floor. She'll compete with Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum for a starting role ahead of the 2022 season but could have a good case to take over the starting spot from the departed Liz Cambage. Even if that's the case, Stokes' lack of scoring ability caps her fantasy upside.