Introduction
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a professional basketball league in the United States. It was established in 1996, and since then, many legendary players have graced the court. These players have set numerous records and won many accolades. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and look at the top 10 WNBA legends that you need to know in 2021.
Top 10 WNBA Legends
Here, we will take a closer look at each of these legends, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport.
1. Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie is one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009 and was the first player in the WNBA to dunk in a game. She won two WNBA championships, four Olympic gold medals, and was a three-time league MVP. Leslie also has an impressive list of records, including being the first player to reach 6,000 career points, 3,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists.
2. Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion. She played most of her career with the Houston Comets and was the first player to sign with the WNBA when it was founded. Swoopes was also named the league’s MVP three times and the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year three times. She is known for her offensive prowess and is considered one of the best players to grace the court.
3. Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings is a ten-time WNBA All-Star and four-time Olympic gold medalist. She played for the Indiana Pacers and was known for her defensive skills, winning the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award five times. Catchings was also named the league’s MVP in 2011 and won a championship with the Indiana Pacers in 2012.
4. Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia Cooper is a four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She played most of her career with the Houston Comets and is known for her offensive abilities. Cooper was named the league’s MVP four times and was also the Finals MVP four times. She also holds the record for the most points scored in a single WNBA game (44 points).
5. Lauren Jackson
Lauren Jackson is a two-time WNBA champion and three-time Olympic silver medalist. She played for the Seattle Storm and was known for her versatility, playing both forward and center positions. Jackson was named the league’s MVP three times and led the league in scoring five times. She was also named the Finals MVP twice.
6. Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon is currently a head coach in the NBA, but before that, she played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA. Hammon was a six-time WNBA All-Star and was named to the All-WNBA First Team twice. She is known for her scoring abilities and was the first player to score 700 three-pointers in her career.
7. Tina Thompson
Tina Thompson is a four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She played most of her career with the Houston Comets and was known for her scoring abilities. Thompson was named to the All-WNBA First Team four times and was the first player to reach 7,000 career points in the WNBA.
8. Yolanda Griffith
Yolanda Griffith is a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. She played for the Sacramento Monarchs and was known for her defensive skills, winning the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice. Griffith was also named the league’s MVP in 1999 and led the Monarchs to their only championship win in 2005.
9. Candace Parker
Candace Parker is a two-time WNBA MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and WNBA champion. She currently plays for the Chicago Sky and is known for her versatility, playing both forward and center positions. Parker was the first WNBA player to win both the league MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.
10. Sue Bird
Sue Bird is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, and an eleven-time WNBA All-Star. She has spent her entire career with the Seattle Storm and is known for her leadership and playmaking abilities. Bird is also the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists.
FAQs
1. What is the WNBA?
The WNBA is a professional women’s basketball league in the United States.
2. Who is the greatest WNBA player of all time?
Lisa Leslie is widely considered the greatest WNBA player of all time.
3. How many teams are in the WNBA?
Currently, there are twelve teams in the WNBA.
4. How long is the WNBA season?
The WNBA season typically runs from late May to early October.
5. What are the rules of the WNBA?
The rules of the WNBA are similar to those of the NBA, with a few minor differences, such as a shorter shot clock and a smaller basketball.
6. How much do WNBA players make?
The average salary for a WNBA player is around $75,000 per year.
7. When was the WNBA founded?
The WNBA was founded in 1996.
Conclusion
From pioneers like Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes to modern stars like Candace Parker and Sue Bird, the WNBA has seen some of the best basketball players in the world. These legends have not only revolutionized the game of basketball but have also inspired future generations to pursue their dreams. Now, as we enter the 25th season of the WNBA, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the rich history of the league. Which of these legends do you look up to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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