When assessing the state of basketball in the US, it has been hard to ignore the rise of the women’s game in particular. The WNBA is now an in-demand competition that is watched by thousands of diehard fans on a regular basis, with some truly amazing talent shining in the professional league since its formation in 1996.
Of course, the WNBA has a long way to go before it matches the overall offering and general hype surrounding the NBA, but there is certainly evident progress being made. More fans still tune in to watch men’s basketball and place bets on the NBA action, but the women’s counterpart to the National Basketball Association serves up the entertainment basketball fans want on the whole. Over the years, some truly talented players have shone on the biggest stage also. In fact, the WNBA has played host to an extensive selection of skilled players who have helped improve its all-around package and earned themselves legendary status in the process.
The debate on who is the very best WNBA player of all time will rumble on for decades, but the fact that it’s even a discussion highlights the wealth of talent that has graced the competition throughout its relatively short history. Here’s hoping there’s more to come, with some of today’s stars undoubtedly being inspired by those who came before them. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the WNBA’s greatest ever players who have helped contribute to the league’s apparent growth.
Lisa Leslie
Playing for the Los Angeles Sparks between 1997 and 2009, Lisa Leslie is remembered for being a WNBA original alongside other legendary names from the sport such as Sheryl Swoopes and Rebecca Lobo. Leslie was a tough competitor and a defender who simply loved to put out fires, while also chipping in with the occasional basket. Career highlights include winning four golds for Team USA, while also picking up two WNBA championships.
Tamika Catchings
Regarded by many fans as the best offensive player in WNBA history, Tamika Catchings had a fearsome reputation due to her ability to battle against the very best. Arguably her most impressive achievement of all is to be the only player to finish a season in the top 10 in terms of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Quite remarkably, Catchings did it twice, too. A natural-born winner and a true professional, Indiana Fever’s success can be credited to the impact Catchings had on the team.
Sheryl Swoopes
We couldn’t really leave Sheryl Swoopes out, could we? The former Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock player is an undoubted WNBA legend. A tenacious competitor with a natural flair for basketball, Swoopes is the first player in WNBA and NBA history to win three MVP awards and three DPOY awards. Swoopes is also the first female player to win an NCAA championship, a WNBA title, and an Olympic gold medal. Regarded by many as the Michael Jordan of the WNBA, Sheryl Swoopes’ impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
Cynthia Cooper
When looking at some of the best points scorers in WNBA history, Cynthia Cooper simply can’t be ignored. Winning four championships and becoming a two-time MVP winner, Cooper also goes down in the record books with the highest career scoring average (20.98 PPG) in history. Put simply, Cooper could create off the dribble, score inside over taller players and she was a more than willing passer also. Cynthia Cooper’s impact on the women’s game cannot be underestimated.
Other WNBA greats include Maya Moore, Lauren Jackson, Yolanda Griffith, Seimone Augustus, Tina Thompson, Katie Smith, Lindsay Whalen, Cappie Pondexter, Becky Hammon, Penny Taylor, and Rebekkah Brunson.
