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Introduction
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been captivating basketball fans around the world since its inception in 1996. Over the years, the league has seen some of the most talented and skilled female basketball players in the world. These players have dominated the game with their skills, athleticism, and sheer determination. In this article, we will take a look at the best WNBA players of all time.
The Top 5 WNBA Players
1. Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie is widely considered as the best WNBA player of all time. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009 and led the team to two championships. Leslie won the league’s MVP award three times and was also selected to the All-Star team eight times. She retired in 2009 as the league’s all-time leading scorer with 6,263 points.
2. Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is a living legend in the world of basketball. She has won three WNBA championships with the Phoenix Mercury and has been named the league’s MVP four times. Taurasi is also a nine-time All-Star and is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer with over 8,000 points.
3. Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings is one of the most versatile players in the history of the WNBA. She spent her entire career with the Indiana Fever and led the team to a championship in 2012. Catchings was named the league’s MVP in 2011 and was selected to the All-Star team 12 times. She retired in 2016 as the league’s all-time leader in steals.
4. Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia Cooper is a pioneer of women’s basketball. She played for the Houston Comets from 1997 to 2000 and led the team to four consecutive championships. Cooper was named the Finals MVP in all four championship series and was also the league’s MVP in each of those seasons. She retired in 2000 as the league’s all-time leading scorer in the playoffs.
5. Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes is a three-time WNBA MVP and a four-time champion with the Houston Comets. She was the first player to sign with the WNBA when it was founded in 1997 and helped to establish the league as a major force in women’s basketball. Swoopes was also a six-time All-Star and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Other Notable Players
Tina Thompson
Tina Thompson is one of the most consistent players in the history of the WNBA. She played for the Houston Comets, Los Angeles Sparks, and Seattle Storm during her career and won four championships. Thompson was named to the All-Star team nine times and retired in 2013 as the league’s second all-time leading scorer.
Chamique Holdsclaw
Chamique Holdsclaw was a dominant force during her time in the WNBA. She played for the Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, and Atlanta Dream and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 1999. Holdsclaw was also a six-time All-Star and led the league in scoring in 2002.
Maya Moore
Maya Moore is one of the most exciting players in the WNBA today. She has won four championships with the Minnesota Lynx and has been named the league’s MVP twice. Moore is also a five-time All-Star and has led the league in scoring twice.
Lindsay Whalen
Lindsay Whalen is one of the most successful players in the history of the WNBA. She played for the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx during her career and won four championships. Whalen was also named to the All-Star team five times and retired in 2018 as the WNBA’s all-time leader in wins.
Conclusion
The WNBA has seen some of the most talented and skilled female basketball players in the world. These players have dominated the game with their skills, athleticism, and sheer determination. Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, and Sheryl Swoopes are some of the best WNBA players of all time. However, there are many other notable players who have left their mark on the league. The WNBA continues to grow and evolve, and it will be exciting to see who the next generation of great players will be.
