Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever Catchings leads her team in scoring (14.8 ppg), rebounding (8.1 rpg), steals (2.8 spg) and assists (4.3 apg). Each of those stats puts her in the top ten in the WNBA. If that's not value, what is?
	Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs The best player on the best team in the Western Conference, Griffith won the 1999 WNBA MVP and could win it again in 2005. Her 13.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg are not the best numbers she has put up in her career, but as far as value to her team's overall success, few players, if anyone, can compare.
	Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm The league's second-leading scorer (18.2 ppg), second-leading rebounder (9.4 rpg), Jackson is also fourth in blocks and leads the league in double-doubles this season with 11. She has the highest efficiency rating in the WNBA as well, which accounts for a player's all-around statistical game.
	Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Connecticut Sun The workhorse for the league's best team this season, McWilliams-Franklin is a scorer, a rebounder and a leader. Her tenacity on the defensive and offensive ends is contagious and allows her teammates to do what they do best. Of course, Nykesha Sales and Lindsay Whalen will also get MVP votes and hurt Taj's chances.
	Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets The 2005 WNBA All-Star MVP, Swoopes is back in a major way this season after a disappointing 2004. She leads the league in scoring once again (18.7 ppg), plays more minutes than anyone else, is second in steals per game and has made more free throws than anyone else this season. She has carried this team on her back to the playoffs.

(All statistics through games played on August 22.)