The 2000s were a special time for the WNBA, showing off some of the best players the league has ever seen. These players not only dominated on the court but also helped grow the league and inspired the next generation of athletes. Here are the 25 best WNBA players of the 2000s, ranked from 25 to 1.
23. Tangela Smith (1998-2012)
Tangela Smith was a forward and center who played 15 seasons in the WNBA. She won two championships with the Phoenix Mercury in 2007 and 2009. Smith was known for her scoring, both inside and outside, and finished her career with over 5,000 points and 2,400 rebounds.
22. Chasity Melvin (1999-2010)
Chasity Melvin played 12 seasons in the WNBA as a forward and center. She was a great rebounder and a consistent scorer, earning a spot in the All-Star Game in 2001. Melvin played for several teams, including the Cleveland Rockers and Chicago Sky.
21. Ticha Penicheiro (1998-2012)
Ticha Penicheiro was one of the best passers in WNBA history. She was known for her amazing assists and court vision. Penicheiro played 15 seasons and helped the Sacramento Monarchs win a championship in 2005, and she retired as the all-time leader in assists.
20. Becky Hammon (1999-2014)
Becky Hammon started her career as an undrafted player but became one of the top guards in the league. She was a six-time All-Star and known for her scoring and playmaking. After her playing career, Hammon made history by becoming a successful coach in the NBA.
19. Swin Cash (2002-2016)
Swin Cash was a versatile forward who won three WNBA championships. She played a big role in the Detroit Shock’s titles in 2003 and 2006, and later won another title with the Seattle Storm in 2010. Cash was a four-time All-Star and known for her leadership on and off the court.
18. Deanna Nolan (2001-2010)
Deanna “Tweety” Nolan was known for her athleticism and clutch plays. She was a key player in the Detroit Shock’s three championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008. Nolan was a five-time All-Star and won Finals MVP in 2006.
17. Ruth Riley (2001-2014)
Ruth Riley was a center who helped lead the Detroit Shock to two championships in 2003 and 2006. She was named Finals MVP in 2003 for her strong play. Riley was known for her rebounding, shot-blocking, and her work off the court for charity.
16. Cheryl Ford (2003-2009)
Cheryl Ford was a dominant rebounder and physical player. She won three championships with the Detroit Shock and was named Rookie of the Year in 2003. Ford was a four-time All-Star and one of the best rebounders in the league.
15. Taj McWilliams-Franklin (1999-2012)
Taj McWilliams-Franklin played 13 years in the WNBA and was known for her leadership. She won two championships, one with the Detroit Shock in 2008 and one with the Minnesota Lynx in 2011. McWilliams-Franklin was a six-time All-Star and could play multiple positions.
14. Nicole Powell (2004-2014)
Nicole Powell played 10 seasons in the WNBA and was a versatile forward. She was a key part of the Sacramento Monarchs’ 2005 championship team and was named the Most Improved Player that same year. Powell was known for her three-point shooting and all-around game.
13. Katie Smith (1999-2013)
Katie Smith was one of the best shooters in WNBA history and finished as the second all-time leading scorer. She won two championships with the Detroit Shock and was named Finals MVP in 2008. Smith was a seven-time All-Star and earned multiple All-WNBA honors.
12. Cappie Pondexter (2006-2018)
Cappie Pondexter was a guard known for her scoring and clutch play. She won two championships with the Phoenix Mercury in 2007 and 2009 and was named Finals MVP in 2007. Pondexter was a seven-time All-Star and one of the best one-on-one players of her time.
11. Yolanda Griffith (1999-2009)
Yolanda Griffith was a powerful center who helped the Sacramento Monarchs win their first championship in 2005. She was named Finals MVP that year and was a seven-time All-Star. Griffith was known for her rebounding, defense, and scoring inside.
10. Sheryl Swoopes (1997-2011)
Sheryl Swoopes was one of the first stars of the WNBA and led the Houston Comets to four straight championships from 1997 to 2000. She was a three-time league MVP and a six-time All-Star. Swoopes was known for her scoring, defense, and all-around skills.
9. Tina Thompson (1997-2013)
Tina Thompson was the first player ever drafted in the WNBA and had an amazing career. She won four championships with the Houston Comets and was a nine-time All-Star. Thompson was known for her scoring, versatility, and leadership.
8. Penny Taylor (2001-2016)
Penny Taylor was a key player for the Phoenix Mercury during their championship runs in 2007 and 2009. She was known for her scoring, passing, and defense. Taylor was a three-time All-Star and earned multiple All-WNBA honors.
7. Cynthia Cooper (1997-2003)
Cynthia Cooper was the main reason the Houston Comets won four straight championships from 1997 to 2000. She was a two-time league MVP and won Finals MVP four times. Cooper was known for her scoring and ability to perform in big moments.
6. Lauren Jackson (2001-2012)
Lauren Jackson was a forward and center for the Seattle Storm and was known for her scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. She led the Storm to championships in 2004 and 2010 and was named league MVP three times. Jackson was a seven-time All-Star and one of the most talented post players in WNBA history.
5. Lisa Leslie (1997-2009)
Lisa Leslie was one of the biggest names in the WNBA during the 2000s. She led the Los Angeles Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002 and was named league MVP three times. Leslie was an eight-time All-Star and was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game.
4. Maya Moore (2011-2019)
Maya Moore was one of the most dominant players of her time, leading the Minnesota Lynx to four championships during her career. She was named league MVP in 2014 and was a six-time All-Star. Moore was known for her scoring, defense, and ability to shine in important moments.
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3. Diana Taurasi (2004-Present)
Diana Taurasi is considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She led the Phoenix Mercury to three championships in the 2000s, in 2007, 2009, and 2014, and was named league MVP in 2009. Taurasi is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and has earned many All-WNBA honors.
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2. Sue Bird (2002-Present)
Sue Bird is one of the most successful point guards in WNBA history, known for her leadership and playmaking. She led the Seattle Storm to four championships, including two in the 2000s, and is an 11-time All-Star. Bird’s impact on the game goes beyond her stats, as she is also a role model and advocate for women’s basketball.
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1. Tamika Catchings (2002-2016)
Tamika Catchings was the heart and soul of the Indiana Fever for over a decade. She led the team to their first WNBA championship in 2012 and was named Finals MVP. Catchings was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the most complete players the league has ever seen.
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