WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time

WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time is an official list of the greatest players in the history of the Women's National Basketball Association, selected in 2011 to commemorate the league's 15th season. The list was determined through a combination of fan voting, input from a panel of national media members, and selections from current WNBA players and coaches. These fifteen athletes represent the foundational pillars of the league, having set records, won championships, and elevated the profile of women's professional basketball in the United States.

● Introduction

The announcement of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time was a landmark event during the league's 2011 All-Star festivities in San Antonio. This honor was designed to celebrate the pioneers and superstars who defined the first decade and a half of the WNBA, which began play in 1997. The selection process aimed to identify individuals whose on-court excellence and off-court influence were instrumental in the league's growth and sustainability. The resulting list includes a mix of dominant post players, dynamic guards, and versatile forwards from various eras of the league's early history.

● Selection Criteria

The selection committee for the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time employed a multi-faceted approach to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Key factors included individual statistics, such as points per game and rebounds, along with major accolades like the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award and selections to the All-WNBA Team. Championship success with franchises like the Houston Comets and Los Angeles Sparks was heavily weighted, as was a player's longevity and consistency over their career. Additionally, the panel considered each candidate's impact on the global growth of the sport and their role as an ambassador for the league, recognizing contributions beyond pure statistics.

● The Top 15 Players

The fifteen honorees, listed in alphabetical order, are: Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Ticha Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi, and Tina Thompson. This group collectively boasts numerous WNBA Finals MVP awards, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award honors, and Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball. Pioneers like Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets dynasty are featured alongside contemporaries like Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm, showcasing the evolution of talent across generations.

● Legacy and Impact

The legacy of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time is deeply woven into the fabric of the league and women's sports globally. These players set the standard for professional excellence, inspiring subsequent generations of athletes in the NCAA and internationally. Their visibility and success have been crucial in advocacy for gender equity in sports, influencing discussions around compensation and media coverage. The list itself has become a historical benchmark, with later honors like the WNBA Top 20@20 and the W25 list building upon this foundational group to celebrate the league's continued growth and the emergence of new superstars.

● See Also

* Women's National Basketball Association * WNBA awards * List of WNBA All-Stars * Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame * Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Category:Women's National Basketball Association lists Category:Basketball-related lists Category:Sports awards and honors