The WNBA is home to some of the greatest female basketball players in history. From dominant centers like Lisa Leslie to lethal scorers like Maya Moore, the league has produced numerous iconic athletes who have etched their names into the record books. In honor of these outstanding players, we’re taking a look back at some of the best WNBA picks of all time.
When it comes to WNBA picks, few can match the impressive resume of Diana Taurasi. The UConn product was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004 and has gone on to become one of the most successful players in league history. She’s a three-time champion, five-time MVP, nine-time All-Star and the all-time leading scorer with 9,722 points. Taurasi is easily one of the most accomplished players of all time and her selection with the number one pick will be remembered for generations to come.
Meet Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, following an incredible collegiate career in which she set several records while playing for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team. Taurasi went on to become one of the most decorated stars in WNBA history with 3 championship titles, 5 MVP awards and 9 All-Star appearances under her belt. Her total career points tally stands at an astonishing 9722, making her not only a standout among all other WNBA players, but also one of the best basketball players of all time, regardless of gender or race!
Lisa Leslie: reigning queen of the paint
Few can match Lisa Leslie when it comes to dominating the paint for extended periods of time. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997, she made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor that year, winning Rookie of the Year honours while also playing a key defensive role in the Sparks’ first championship run that season! Over the course of the next decade, she continued her excellence, leading the Sparks to 2 more championships and 4 Finals appearances. On the individual front, she won the regular season MVP award twice and another 3 times the All Star Game MVP award, capping off a stellar career that was finally crowned with induction into the Hall Of Fame this year!
Candace Parker stakes her claim as the league’s best player
Candace Parker was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008 after a stellar performance in the NCAA Tournament, where she led the Tennessee Lady Vols to victory over the Stanford University women’s team, who won the national title that year. Parker had a solid rookie campaign, earning Rookie of the Year honours, but things really picked up pace from her second season onward as she averaged double-doubles for 3 consecutive seasons, becoming only the third player to do so since the inception of the WNBA. Her leadership, however, proved invaluable during postseason runs where every single time the Sparks reached the finals with Parker, they ended up clinching the title victorious, such had been the influence exerted by Parker!
Sue Bird : Ultimate floor general for Seattle Storm
Sue Bird was taken 1st overall pick by Seattle Storm in 2002 draft after leading UCONN Huskies through exceptional 4 years culminating in National Title win in 2000 thanks largely to Bird’s contribution to the success achieved by the team.Since joining Storm Bird has created great legacy herself considering how instrumental role she played in leading Storm to two championships including the legendary ‘Payback Tour’ 2018 where they showcased amazing comeback story against Washington Mystics ultimately lifting the trophy at the end of the night ! On a personal level, Bird also had great moments, the highlight of which was becoming the 8th woman to join the illustrious 5000 point club, setting several franchise records along the way!
Maya Moore – A dynamic scorer & winner
Mayah Moore became part of Minnesota Lynx 2011 Draft when she was chosen No1 spot much heralded class loaded talent included Nneka Ogwumike Glory Johnson among others.Her NBA experience didn’t quite take off initially yet once started gaining confidence after moving guard spot things changed drastically especially when came shooting percentages from beyond the arc not to mention ability to finish strong basket contact even in traffic! On the offensive side, she could score in any way imaginable, while defensive intensity added another dimension to the Lynx’s game that they had never had before, helping them reach 4 Finals appearances in 6 years, resulting in a pair of championship wins in the 2013 and 2014 seasons respectively!
Breanna Stewart takes charge as young superstar
Breanna Stewart completed sweep top 5 picks 2016 draft joining Seattle Storm roster fresh coming NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player Award plus gold medal FIBA World Cup competition prior same year courtesy USA women’s national squad selection .She quickly established herself star calibre performer averaging nearly 18ppg 7rpg 2apg 2bpg through course first two seasons inspiring teammates further pushing limits creating culture success around organisation ultimately culminating in 2019 Championship despite missing entire 2018 campaign due to ACL tear suffered previous April. Stewart definitely living proof of why teams should never hesitate to invest in young talent, as sometimes the return on investment is far greater than expected!
Conclusion
From Diana Taurasi’s dominance in the paint, Lisa Leslie’s post presence, Candace Parker’s all-around playmaking ability, Sue Bird’s leadership and Maya Moore’s scoring prowess, these are just a few examples of why these players were worthy of being selected as top five picks throughout history. Although there have been many great players over the years who aren’t featured here, these ladies have each earned their place among the greatest women’s basketball players of all time and are sure to be some of the greatest WNBA picks of all time!
