Crystal Dangerfield is the 2020 WNBA Rookie of the Year

Minnesota Lynx point guard Crystal Dangerfield was named the 2020 WNBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday, officially becoming the first second-round draft pick to win the award.

Dangerfield was drafted at No. 16 overall. With 44 votes, she beat out No. 4 pick Chennedy Carter (two votes) and No. 2 pick Satou Sabally (one vote).

Dangerfield was a great leader and 3-point threat at Connecticut and translated that to the WNBA in her first season. With star center Sylvia Fowles out for much of the season due to injury, Dangerfield picked up a great deal of the scoring load with the confidence of a more seasoned player.

In 30.0 minutes per contest in the 22-game season, Dangerfield:

• Averaged 16.2 points (11th in the league) and 3.6 assists (second among rookies)
• Shot 92.2 percent form the free throw line (third in the league)
• Scored in double figures 19 times
• Notched at least 20 points eight times
• Had at least four assists 12 times
• Recorded a season-high of 29 points on Aug. 9 against the Los Angeles Sparks
• Was named WNBA Rookie of the Month for August and September

Dangerfield is the fifth member of the Lynx to win Rookie of the Year. Betty Lennox (1999), Seimone Augustus (2006), Maya Moore (2011) and Dangerfield's former college and current pro teammate Napheesa Collier (2019) won the award before her.

To celebrate her Rookie of the Year season, Dangerfield will receive $5,150 and a trophy designed by Tiffany & Co.