Jessica Shepard

Shepard didn't have a fantasy-relevant role during her first two seasons in the league but took a step forward last year. She drew her first career starts to begin the regular season, and while she settled for a bench role over a month-long span between June and July, her overall production was much better than it had been in the past. The 26-year-old averaged 8.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 26.1 minutes per game over 36 appearances (22 starts), and she has a path toward a prominent role in Minnesota's frontcourt now that Sylvia Fowles has retired. That said, Napheesa Collier returns to the fold after missing most of 2022, so Shepard still has some hurdles to clear, but she should still claim a healthy role in 2023.