1999 WNBA draft

1999 WNBA draft was the third annual draft for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Held on May 4, 1999, at the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, the event was televised nationally on ESPN. The Washington Mystics, who had finished with the league's worst record in 1998, held the first overall pick and selected collegiate superstar Chamique Holdsclaw.

Background

The 1999 WNBA season marked a period of significant expansion for the league, with the addition of two new franchises: the Orlando Miracle and the Minnesota Lynx. This expansion increased the total number of teams to twelve, creating a greater demand for talent and making the draft pool particularly crucial. The draft order was determined by the previous season's standings, with the non-playoff teams selecting first in inverse order of their records. The draft was also notable for being the first to include a significant number of players from the defunct American Basketball League (ABL), which had folded earlier in the year, injecting experienced professional talent into the selection process. This influx included established stars like Natalie Williams and Yolanda Griffith, who were made available through a special allocation draft prior to the main event.

Draft selections

The draft consisted of four rounds, with each of the twelve teams making selections for a total of 48 players chosen. The Washington Mystics used the coveted first overall pick to select Chamique Holdsclaw from the University of Tennessee, a three-time NCAA champion under legendary coach Pat Summitt. The Sacramento Monarchs, selecting second, chose Yolanda Griffith, an ABL MVP and dominant center. Other first-round selections included Natalie Williams (Utah Starzz), Ukari Figgs (Los Angeles Sparks), and Tamika Catchings, who was selected by the Indiana Fever but deferred her debut until 2002 to recover from an injury. Later rounds saw teams add depth, with picks like Andrea Stinson (Charlotte Sting) and Teresa Weatherspoon (New York Liberty) providing veteran leadership.

Notable players

The draft class produced several players who would become defining figures in WNBA history and USA Basketball. Chamique Holdsclaw quickly became the face of the Washington Mystics and a six-time WNBA All-Star. Yolanda Griffith led the Sacramento Monarchs to a WNBA Finals title in 2005, earning WNBA Finals MVP honors. Tamika Catchings, despite her delayed start, became a ten-time WNBA All-Star, the 2011 WNBA MVP, and a key member of multiple Olympic gold medal teams. Natalie Williams was a consistent force, earning multiple WNBA All-Star selections. Other impactful players included defensive stalwart Teresa Weatherspoon, a fan favorite for the New York Liberty, and sharp-shooter Ukari Figgs, who won a championship with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Aftermath and impact

The 1999 draft is widely regarded as one of the most talent-rich in league history, fundamentally altering the competitive landscape. The immediate infusion of ABL stars and elite college prospects accelerated the WNBA's growth and quality of play. Several draftees became cornerstones for their franchises, with Chamique Holdsclaw in Washington and Yolanda Griffith in Sacramento elevating their teams to new heights. The success of players like Tamika Catchings and Natalie Williams helped solidify the league's reputation for showcasing world-class talent. The draft's legacy is evident in the numerous Hall of Fame considerations, WNBA's Top 20@20 list inclusions, and the lasting impact these players had on the Women's National Basketball Association's popularity and credibility during a critical phase of its development.

Category:WNBA drafts Category:1999 in basketball Category:1999 in American sports