Han Xu, a 22-year-old center for the New York Liberty, is already one of the most talented young players in the game. Her 1.12 points-per-possession average ranks her fifth in the WNBA among players with at least five games played, just ahead of Sylvia Fowles and Nneka Ogwumike. But even that list requires more context since it includes players who mostly finished around the rim. Nneka Ogwumike and Liz Cambage have combined for a collective 11 All-Star Game appearances, an MVP, and the single-game points record since 2013.
Remarkable performance
Han has hit 14 of her 29 3-point attempts this season, a 48.3 percent clip. Brondello: It was amazing what she could do at such a young age. Han is one of 15 players with a block rate of at least 3 percent and a steal rate of 1 percent or higher, one on a list with some of the considerable impactful position defenders in the WNBA. Despite her youth, Han has a turnover rate of just 8.4 percent, good for fifth in the league. Han made 11 of her 12 shot attempts, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in New York’s win over Las Vegas Aces.
WNBA’s one of the best histories
Han is seventh all-time among players 22 or younger with a 55.9 effective field-goal percentage in 441 minutes this season.
Since the 2013 season, Nneka Ogwumike and Liz Cambage, the only players ahead of Han, have combined for a total of 11 All-Star Game appearances, one MVP, and the single-game points record.
At Han’s age, neither of them was proficient from beyond the arc, but this season, Han has made 14 of her 29 3-point tries for a 48.3 percent success rate.
Han’s turnover rate of just 8.4% places her seventh in the league despite her inexperience and the heightened defensive scrutiny she has received as teams adjust to her newfound confidence.
She is one of 15 players, including some of the most important post defenders in the WNBA like Brianna Turner and Cambage, who have a block rate of at least 3% and a steal rate of 1% or higher.
Han finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in New York’s 116-107 victory after making 11 of her 12 shot attempts.
