The Connecticut Sun's future hinges on a critical transformation. After a significant roster shakeup following the 2024 season, with key players like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner departing, the Sun are in a rebuilding phase. They've strategically brought in fresh talent, including Leila Lacan (their 2024 first-round pick), Aneesah Morrow, and Saniya Rivers, drafted in 2025. Furthermore, they acquired Aaliyah Edwards mid-season. This youth movement is the cornerstone of their future. But how can they accelerate their path to success?
The rebuild, however, is projected to be a lengthy process. With Rachid Meziane just completing his first season as head coach, and despite the promising potential of their young core, the team currently lacks a standout star to build around. The Sun also don't possess a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. This sets the stage for the 2026 season to be a crucial period of player development, with the ultimate goal of securing a high draft pick in 2027.
But here's where it gets interesting: The key to the Sun's future could lie in unlocking Saniya Rivers's offensive potential during the 2026 season. If the coaching staff can achieve this, they could have a young star sooner than anticipated.
Saniya Rivers is already a defensive powerhouse.
Before entering the WNBA, Rivers was a two-time ACC All-Defensive Team member. She quickly translated her defensive prowess to the professional level. Notably, she led all rookies and all guards, even surpassing veterans, in total blocks. Her combination of size, speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes her a formidable defensive presence.
Rivers further solidified her defensive reputation with a record-setting performance in Unrivaled. She recorded an impressive six blocks against a Breeze team featuring notable players. In the unique three-on-three setting of Unrivaled, defenders often face the challenge of guarding their opponents with minimal help, making Rivers's defensive achievements even more remarkable.
Rivers has plenty of room to grow as a scorer.
Offensively, Rivers's rookie season showed promise, but also areas for development. She averaged 8.8 points, shooting 40.7% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range. While solid for a rookie, there's significant room for improvement.
If Rivers can elevate her scoring ability, she has the potential to become one of the league's top young two-way guards, a true star in the making.
Playing in Unrivaled provides a valuable platform for Rivers to hone her offensive skills. So far, she's had one standout scoring game, achieving 12 points. In her debut, she scored four points, and followed up with two points in another game. Across these three games, she is yet to make a three-pointer.
As Rivers adjusts to the unique format of Unrivaled, including its fast pace and physicality, she's expected to get ample opportunities to refine her scoring skills. In a three-on-three environment, offensive involvement is crucial, providing Rivers with the platform to work on her scoring ahead of her second WNBA season.
Aaliyah Edwards is also showing great potential early in her second Unrivaled season, which could be beneficial for the Sun this year.
What do you think? Do you believe Rivers can become a star? What are your expectations for the Sun's rebuild? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
