Everyone tends to focus on the scores in basketball, but without great passing, there wouldn’t be any baskets. And, in the WNBA, some players have elevated passing to an art form, using their court vision, creativity, and decision-making to rack up assists and control the game. Here are the 10 best passers in WNBA history.
10. Cappie Pondexter
Cappie Pondexter was known for her scoring ability, but her passing was an equally valuable asset. In fact, she totaled 1,522 assists throughout her career. And, because she was such a dynamic playmaker, she had the unique ability to both create her own shot and facilitate for others.
9. Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Despite a pretty short WNBA career, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke’s impact was legendary. Known for leading the Houston Comets to four consecutive championships, Cooper-Dyke had over 600 assists in just four seasons in the WNBA!
8. Chelsea Gray
Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray is arguably the most eye-catching passer in the WNBA. Her ability to find teammates in extremely tight windows is incredible, but she isn’t afraid to throw in a behind-the-back pass every once in a while too.
7. Caitlin Clark
It may seem crazy to have Caitlin Clark on this last after only playing one season in the WNBA, but there is no question she will go down as one of the greatest — if not the greatest — WNBA passers of all time. In fact, she broke the WNBA single-season assist record…as a rookie!
6. Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon’s sharp basketball mind made her one of the most effective floor generals in WNBA history. Known for her quick reads and instinctual decision-making, she had more than 1,700 assists throughout her very storied basketball playing career.
5. Lindsay Whalen
Lindsay Whalen’s fierce competitiveness and leadership were central to the Minnesota Lynx dynasty in the 2010s. Along with winning multiple championships, she had nearly 2,000 assists in her career.
4. Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is better known for her scoring ability, but there’s no question she can pass. In fact, it’s her intensity, precision, and killer instinct that have allowed her to find open teammates in critical moments.
3. Courtney Vandersloot
Courtney Vandersloot has developed into one of the most efficient passers the league has ever seen. In fact, only WNBA legend Sue Bird has more assists in the league than Vandersloot.
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2. Tina Penicheiro
Known for her flashy passes, Ticha Penicheiro ranks third on the all-time assists list and remains one of the most entertaining passers in league history. In fact, her assists are what fueled the Sacramento Monarchs’ success during her years with the team.
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1. Sue Bird
All the players on this list are amazing, but let’s be real — Sue Bird had to be #1! Widely regarded as the best passer in WNBA history, Bird leads the league in career assists. Throughout her 20-year career with the Seattle Storm, Bird’s passing ability made her a total nightmare for defenses.
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