{"id":1590,"date":"2021-09-06T01:51:09","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T01:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/?p=1590"},"modified":"2021-09-06T01:51:10","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T01:51:10","slug":"w25-honors-greatest-players-in-wnba-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/2021\/09\/06\/w25-honors-greatest-players-in-wnba-history\/","title":{"rendered":"‘W25’ honors greatest players in WNBA history"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The WNBA has commemorated its landmark 25th<\/sup>\u00a0season<\/a> by announcing the selection of \u201cThe W25,\u201d a collection of the 25 greatest and most influential players in\u00a0WNBA\u00a0history. The unveiling of \u201cThe W25\u201d took place on ABC during halftime of the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Chicago Sky.\u00a0 As part of this historic moment, next up, the league is launching the first ever \u201cVote for the GOAT\u201d program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThroughout this season, the WNBA and our fans are celebrating the impact the WNBA has made on sports and society over a quarter of a century,\u201d said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. \u201cI can think of no better way to honor those responsible for that impact than by unveiling the members of this prestigious group, The W25. These athletes have played the game at the highest level on the court \u2013 they are scorers and rebounders, assist makers and defensive stoppers, leaders and mentors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the community, they have powerful voices, individually and collectively, speaking out on important issues in our society. Together, they have transformed the way the game is played, changed the way athletes are viewed, become incredible role models, and inspired generations of young, diverse athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March, the\u00a0WNBA<\/a>\u00a0introduced the \u201cThe W25\u201d platform in order to select and honor the 25 most dominant, skilled and entertaining players in league history.\u00a0 These game-changing athletes were selected based on their overall contribution to the league and community by a panel of select media and women\u2019s basketball pioneers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The W25\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0includes 10 current players: Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifteen retired players are also among the honorees: Seimone Augustus, Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings, Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Becky Hammon, Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Maya Moore, Ticha Penicheiro, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Smith, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson and Lindsay Whalen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The W25<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The selection of the “W25\u201d began with a list of 72 nominees chosen based on factors such as on-court performance and ability, leadership, sportsmanship and community service, and contributions to team success. A select panel of media members and women\u2019s basketball pioneers and advocates then cast the votes that determined \u201cThe W25.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nominees were required to have been a member of a WNBA team for at least two seasons and met four of the following seven criteria: won a major individual award; selected to either the All-WNBA First Team or All-WNBA Second Team; selected to either the WNBA All-Defensive First Team or WNBA All-Defensive Second Team; selected to the WNBA All-Star Game; a member of a WNBA Championship team; currently ranked among the top 40 career leaders in at least one major statistical category; and\/or a recipient of the WNBA\u2019s season-long Community Assist Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a huge honor to be named among the top 25 players in league history and I\u2019m in awe that I\u2019m a part of such a prestigious list,\u201d said Bird. \u201cIt\u2019s been incredible to experience the rise in the level of competition in the past 25 years and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this league.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’m extremely honored to be included in such an amazing group of 25 trailblazers,\u201d added Catchings, \u201cand I\u2019m thankful to have had an opportunity to be a part of the growth and strength of our league from both sides \u2013 as a player and as an executive. The momentum continues to grow because of those players who came before us and the players of today who continue to push this league to greater heights, paving the road for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am so grateful to have my name listed amongst past and present legends who\u2019ve pioneered the W over these amazing 25 years,\u201d said Ogwumike. \u201cAs an athlete on the court, I’m proud of my career and hope to continue to leave a legacy of greatness. What I’ve been able to contribute to the game along with the phenomenal women of this league through generations is one of my greatest accomplishments. Being recognized for any impact I’ve made is a true honor.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an amazing honor to be selected as one of the top 25 players in the history of the WNBA,\u201d said Penicheiro. \u201cWith so many amazing players that have been a part of this league, I\u2019m grateful and humbled to be among them. Growing up in Portugal I used to have big dreams and I can only say that I have surpassed all of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of \u201cThe W25\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seimone Augustus\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Minnesota Lynx (2006-19), Los Angeles Sparks (2020)<\/em>
A four-time champion with the Lynx, Augustus was an eight-time All-Star selection, five-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick, Finals MVP and\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Rookie of the Year. She scored 6,005 points (15.4 ppg) over 391 regular-season games. Augustus is currently an assistant coach with the Sparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sue Bird*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Seattle Storm (2002-present)<\/em>
The\u00a0WNBA\u2019s career leader in assists and games played also holds the record for most All-Star Game selections (12). A four-time champion with the Storm, Bird also is an eight-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and three-time Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swin Cash\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Detroit Shock (2002-07), Seattle Storm (2008-11), Chicago Sky (2012-13), Atlanta Dream (2014), New York Liberty (2014-16)<\/em>
The three-time champion (twice with the Shock and once with the Storm) was a four-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick. Cash also was an All-Defensive choice and Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tamika Catchings\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Indiana Fever (2002-16)<\/em>
A five-time\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Defensive Player of the Year, Catchings was also a 12-time All-WNBA\u00a0selection, 12-time All-Defensive pick and 10-time All-Star. The 2011 MVP won a title and Finals MVP award, was a Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner, and was part of the 2020 Naismith Hall of Fame Induction Class. Catchings is currently the Vice President of Basketball Operations\/General Manager of the Indiana Fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tina Charles*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Connecticut Sun (2010-13), New York Liberty (2014-19), Washington Mystics (Current)<\/em>
The 2010 No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year was the 2012\u00a0WNBA\u00a0MVP. She is an eight-time All-WNBA\u00a0selection, eight-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive pick. She led the league in rebounding four times and in scoring once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cynthia Cooper\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003)<\/em>
A four-time champion with the Comets, Cooper earned four Finals MVP honors and was a two-time regular-season MVP. She led the league in scoring in three different seasons and was a three-time All-Star. Cooper averaged 21.0 points and 4.9 assists for her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elena Delle Donne*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Chicago Sky (2013-2016), Washington Mystics (2017-Current)<\/em>
The only player to be named\u00a0WNBA\u00a0MVP with two different teams (Chicago, 2015; Washington, 2019). Delle Donne is a five-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and six-time All-Star. She won a championship with Washington in 2019,\u00a0 led the league in scoring in 2015, and is the only player in\u00a0WNBA\u00a0history to achieve a 50-40-90 season, shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three-point and a 90% free throw percentage during the 2019 season..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sylvia Fowles*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Chicago Sky (2008-14), Minnesota Lynx (2015-present)<\/em>
The league\u2019s career leader in total rebounds and defensive boards, Fowles has won two championships and two Finals MVPs with the Lynx. She is a three-time\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Defensive Player of the Year, six-time All-WNBA\u00a0choice, seven-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive pick and MVP in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yolanda Griffith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Sacramento Monarchs (1999-2007), Seattle Storm (2008), Indiana Fever (2009)<\/em>
A former league MVP, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Griffith won a championship with the Monarchs. She also was a five-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick, seven-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brittney Griner*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Phoenix Mercury (2013-present)<\/em>
A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Griner led the league in blocks each year from 2013-19. The league\u2019s career dunks leader is a two-time scoring champ, five-time All-WNBA\u00a0choice, seven-time All-Star, six-time All-Defensive Team pick, and won a\u00a0WNBA\u00a0championship in 2014.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Becky Hammon\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
New York Liberty (1999-2006), San Antonio Stars (2007-2014)<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
After entering the\u00a0WNBA\u00a0as an undrafted free agent, Hammon became a six-time\u00a0WNBA\u00a0All-Star and four-time All-WNBA\u00a0selection in 16 seasons. She led the league in assists once and won the\u00a0WNBA\u2019s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. In 2014, the San Antonio Spurs made Hammon the NBA\u2019s first full-time female assistant coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lauren Jackson                
Seattle Storm (2001-12)
<\/em>One of only three players to earn MVP honors three times, Jackson won two championships with the Storm. She was a Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time All-WNBA selection, five-time All-Defensive Team pick and seven-time All-Star. Jackson led the league in scoring three times and in rebounding once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lisa Leslie                       
Los Angeles Sparks (1997-2006, 2008-09)
<\/em>Leslie was a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. She led the league in rebounding three times and her 12 All-WNBA selections are tied for second most. She won two championships with the Sparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Angel McCoughtry*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Atlanta Dream (2009-2016, 2018-19), Las Vegas Aces (2020-present)<\/em>
The No. 1 pick in the 2009\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Draft and the 2009\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Rookie of the Year, McCoughtry is a two-time league scoring leader and steals leader. She also is a six-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick, five-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maya Moore\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Minnesota Lynx (2011-18)<\/em>
Moore is a four-time champion and seven-time All-WNBA\u00a0selection after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Draft and 2011 Rookie of the Year. The 2014 MVP and league scoring leader, as well as the 2013 Finals MVP, Moore was a six-time All-Star and a two-time All-Defensive team pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nneka Ogwumike*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Los Angeles Sparks (2012-present)<\/em>
The 2016\u00a0WNBA\u00a0MVP is a five-time All-WNBA\u00a0and All-Defensive team selection and won a championship with the Sparks in 2016. She also won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award the last two seasons and the 2018\u00a0WNBA\u00a0season-long\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Community Assist Award. Ogwumike was also Rookie of the Year in 2012 and currently serves as the President of the WNBPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candace Parker*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Los Angeles Sparks (2008-20), Chicago Sky (Current)<\/em>
Parker began her career by winning Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 2008. She is a two-time MVP, the 2016 Finals MVP with the champion Sparks, a nine-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick, six-time All-Star and three-time league rebounding leader. She is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ticha Penicheiro\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Sacramento Monarchs (1998-2009), Los Angeles Sparks (2010-11), Chicago Sky (2012)<\/em>
Penicheiro ranks second in\u00a0WNBA\u00a0history in total assists, leading the league in the category in seven seasons. She earned one title with the Monarchs, was a four-time All-Star and three-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick. Penicheiro logged 2,599 career assists (5.7 apg).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cappie Pondexter\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Phoenix Mercury (2006-09), New York Liberty (2010-14), Chicago Sky (2015-17), Los Angeles\/Indiana (2018)<\/em>
Pondexter won two championships and a Finals MVP honor in her first four seasons in the league with Phoenix. A four-time All-WNBA\u00a0selection and seven-time All-Star, Pondexter\u2019s 6,811 career points rank fifth in league history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katie Smith\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005), Detroit Shock (2005-2009), Washington Mystics (2010), Seattle Storm (2011-12), New York Liberty (2013)<\/em>
Smith won two championships and a Finals MVP award with the Shock. She ranks eighth in league history with 6,452 points. The four-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and seven-time All-Star earned All-Defensive honors once and led the league in scoring in one season.\u00a0 Smith is currently an assistant coach with the Lynx.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breanna Stewart*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Seattle Storm (2016-present)<\/em>
In four full seasons in the league, Stewart has earned two championships, two Finals MVPs and a regular-season MVP award. A former\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Rookie of the Year, she has been voted to the All-WNBA\u00a0Team three times and All-Defensive Team twice. She also was MVP of the inaugural\u00a0WNBA\u00a0Commissioner\u2019s Cup Championship Game in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sheryl Swoopes\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2002-2007), Seattle Storm (2008), Tulsa Shock (2011)<\/em>
Swoopes is the only player in\u00a0WNBA\u00a0history to be the regular-season MVP three times\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0Defensive Player of the Year three times. Swoopes, who won four titles with the Comets, was a two-time scoring leader, seven-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and six-time All-Star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diana Taurasi*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Phoenix Mercury (2004-2014, 2016-Current<\/em>
The\u00a0WNBA\u2019s career leader in points in the regular season and postseason, Taurasi\u2019s 14 All-WNBA\u00a0selections are the most in league history and her 10 All-Star selections are tied for second. A five-time scoring champ and one-time assists leader, Taurasi has won three championships, one MVP award and two Finals MVPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tina Thompson\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Houston Comets (1997-2008), Los Angeles Sparks (2009-11), Seattle Storm (2012-13)<\/em>
Thompson\u2019s 7,488 career points rank second in\u00a0WNBA\u00a0history. A four-time champion with the Comets, she was an eight-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and was selected to participate in nine All-Star Games. Thompson is currently the head coach of the women\u2019s basketball team at the University of Virginia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lindsay Whalen\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
Connecticut Sun (2004-09), Minnesota Lynx (2010-18)<\/em>
Whalen, who won four championships with the Lynx, ranks third in league history with 2,348 assists. A five-time All-WNBA\u00a0pick and five-time All-Star, she was the league\u2019s season assists leader three times. Whalen is currently the head coach of the women\u2019s basketball team at the University of Minnesota.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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