DNS Podcast: Most Improved Player? Atlanta's Elizabeth Williams leads the pack

Every year there are some great candidates for the WNBA Most Improved Player award. Some have just gotten better, some have moved to better situations, some are healthier than before, and some are getting more opportunities to show their skills.

So which category does Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams fit into? All of the above, thank you very much.

Drafted number four overall last year, Williams had an inconsistent rookie season in Connecticut, which ended early with a return of recurring leg and foot problems. She started the season sharing time with Kelsey Bone, but with Bone having an all-star season and coach Anne Donovan struggling to squeeze every win out of the team, she saw her playing time reduced.

With a new coaching staff in place and a change in system, Connecticut decided Williams did not fit, and sent her to Atlanta for the fourth pick in this year's draft. The trade worked out really well for Williams, and the Dream.

Williams is playing without pain in her troublesome leg and foot problems from the past, and thriving in Michael Cooper's offensive and defensive game plans in Atlanta.

It is a pleasure to welcome Elizabeth Williams to the Dishin & Swishin podcast!

Even Williams admits surprise in the podcast that with her health history, for her to be second in minutes per game in the entire league right now at over 34 minutes per game. Defense has always been her strength, and with gambling backcourt and wing players like Angel McCoughtry and Layshia Clarendon, Williams is the anchor, swatting shots away at 2.6 per game, also second in the league. She is currently seventh in the league in rebounding at 7.6 per game.

Some of the topics covered in the podcast include:

• Being healthy, the better situation in Atlanta and enjoying her role
• The playoff picture, single game eliminations and approaching regular season games
• The return of back to the basket posts to the WNBA