20 of the Tallest WNBA Players in 2021

20 of the Tallest WNBA Players in 2021

Basketball players are known for their height, but the tallest WNBA players take that meaning to an entirely new level. They were gifted with incredible height and use it to their advantage every single time they step foot on the basketball court. They truly are one-of-a-kind players out there. 

The WNBA got its start back in 1996 and has continued to gain popularity ever since. Although not as dominant or popular as its NBA counterpart, the WNBA has played an important role in the rise of women’s sports as female basketball players get better, faster, stronger, and taller. 

Today, the tallest WNBA players are known for their dominant play down low. With that said, we’re seeing taller females start to evolve their game outside of the paint in today’s WNBA. Some play better down low, some play better outside, and some do both of them well. 

RELATED: 25 Best WNBA Players of All-Time

Who Are the Tallest WNBA Players Right Now?

20 of the Tallest WNBA Players in 2021
Keeton Gale / Shutterstock

We all have that same thought when we see an extremely tall person in public, “I wonder if they play basketball.” Some of us have the courage to ask them, but most of us just quietly assume they play basketball while we admire their height from a distance — don’t judge, it’s what we do. 

We know WNBA players are usually tall, but have you ever wondered who the tallest WNBA players are in the league right now? It might surprise you just how tall some of these women are, even if they don’t play a lot of minutes or aren’t a regular contributor on their team. 

Today, the average height of a WNBA player is right around 6’0’’ tall. The tallest WNBA player right now stands 6’10’’, while the shortest player stands 5’5’’. Of the eight players listed at least 6’6’’, six of them were born in the United States — the other two are from Hungary and Australia.

Honorable Mentions: Bella Alarie, Alanna Smith, Awak Kuier, Beatrice Mompremier, Cheyenne Parker, Ezi Magbegor, Jantel Lavender, Jessica Shepard, Kia Vaughn, Kristine Anigwe, Kylee Shook, Lauren Cox, Satou Sabally, Ruthy Hebard, Monique Billings, DeWanna Bonner

20. Candace Parker – 6’4’’

Years: 2008-present (14 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky

2021 Stats: 23 games, 26.7 minutes, 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Career Stats: 360 games, 30.9 minutes, 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Candace Parker will go down as one of the greatest WNBA players of all-time, but for now she continues to dominate the league as one of the tallest WNBA players. She was originally drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, spending her first 13 years with the team. 

Parker has been nothing short of consistent since joining the WNBA on both ends of the floor. She has averaged more than 11.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in all 14 of her seasons, including a career-high 20.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 2010.

19. Tina Charles – 6’4’’

Years: 2010-present (11 seasons)

Teams: Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics

2021 Stats: 27 games, 33.3 minutes, 23.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks per game

Career Stats: 357 games, 32.5 minutes, 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 block per game

Speaking of former No. 1 overall draft picks, Tina Charles was chosen first overall in the 2010 WNBA Draft — two years after Candace Parker. In addition to being one of the tallest WNBA players, she has been one of the most dominant players since entering the league 11 years ago.

In fact, she had her best season as a professional in 2021, finishing with a career-high 23.4 points per game — her previous career-high was 21.5 points per game in 2016. It was her first year with the Washington Mystics, so you can expect her success to continue next season. 

18. Breanna Stewart – 6’4’’

Years: 2016-present

Teams: Seattle Storm

2021 Stats: 28 games, 33.4 minutes, 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.7 blocks per game

Career Stats: 149 games, 32.8 minutes, 20.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Keeping the run of first overall draft picks going, let’s talk about Breanna Stewart — the No. 1 draft pick in 2016. Everyone knew she was going to be great when she entered the league and she has proven everyone right thus far, averaging 20.0 points per game through five seasons. 

She’s already a three-time All-Star and one-time MVP (2018). She shoots lights out from beyond the arc, hitting 37% of her shots from long range, and is reliable on defense — averaging more than 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks in each of her first five seasons. She’s truly one-of-a-kind. 

17. A’ja Wilson – 6’4’’

Years: 2018-present (4 seasons)

Teams: Las Vegas Aces

2021 Stats: 32 games, 31.9 minutes, 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Career Stats: 113 games, 30.7 minutes, 19.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

We’ve already mentioned three former No. 1 draft picks, so why stop now. A’ja Wilson was drafted first overall in 2018 and has spent her entire four-year career with the Las Vegas Aces thus far. She’s already a three-time All-Star and won the Most Valuable Player award in 2020. 

She won’t shoot three pointers, but she’s a force down low and has one of the most consistent mid-range jump shots in the league. There’s a reason the Aces are one of the best teams in the entire league and it’s because of A’ja Wilson’s leadership and continued excellence on the floor.

16. Theresa Plaisance – 6’5’’

Years: 2014-present

Teams: Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics

2021 Stats: 31 games, 18.0 minutes, 6.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks per game

Career Stats: 187 games, 13.2 minutes, 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.5 blocks per game

Theresa Plaisance wasn’t a first overall pick — drafted in the third round in 2014 — and isn’t a star player like the other four women we talked about thus far, but she’s still one of the tallest WNBA players in the league right now. She’s currently a role player off the Mystics’ bench. 

It should be encouraging that 2021 was her best season since 2017. She finished her most recent campaign with 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds — the latter of which was a career-high. On average through her career, she shoots 36% from the field and 33% from long range. 

15. Stefanie Dolson – 6’5’’

Years: 2014-present (8 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics

2021 Stats: 24 games, 20.0 minutes, 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Career Stats: 235 games, 23.6 minutes, 9.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.0 blocks per game

Stefanie Dolson is our first of seven WNBA players listed at 6’5’’. She was drafted by the Washington Mystics with the sixth overall pick in 2014. She hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations, but she’s still a solid player for the Chicago Sky and a defending champion. 

While she has only averaged double-digit points in two of her eight seasons, she’s a two-time All-Star and is efficient from the floor. She shoots a career 50% from the field and 38% from beyond the three-point line. She’ll continue to produce for the Sky as they look to repeat. 

14. JiSu Park – 6’5’’

Years: 2018-present (3 seasons)

Teams: Las Vegas Aces

2021 Stats: 25 games, 8.9 minutes, 2.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.6 blocks per game 

Career Stats: 82 games, 9.8 minutes, 1.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.5 blocks per game 

JiSu Park was originally drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the 2018 WNBA Draft, but was involved in a draft-day trade that sent the 6-foot-5 center to Las Vegas — where she has been A’ja Wilson’s teammate for three years. She doesn’t receive a lot of playing time. 

The good news is her minutes were up for the Aces this past season after missing the entire 2020 season. She averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game, appearing in 25 games for Las Vegas. As one of the tallest WNBA players, she’s a quality player to have. 

13. Elena Delle Donne – 6’5’’

Years: 2013-present (8 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics

2021 Stats: 3 games, 17.3 minutes, 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 blocks per game

Career Stats: 193 games, 30.8 minutes, 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Elena Delle Donne was the second overall draft pick by the Chicago Sky in 2013 and she has been nothing short of dominant since then — playing four years in Chicago and the past four seasons with the Washington Mystics. She’s a world class player and has been for eight years.

She posted a career-high 23.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 2015, winning the Most Valuable Player award that same season. She would win that award again in 2019 and had another strong 2020 season before suffering season-ending nerve pain just three games into the year.

12. Charli Collier – 6’5’’

Years: 2021-present (1 season)

Teams: Dallas Wings

2021 Stats: 28 games, 12.3 minutes, 3.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.2 blocks per game

Career Stats: 28 games, 12.3 minutes, 3.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.2 blocks per game

Charli Collier entered the 2021 season as the Dallas Wings’ first overall draft pick, but didn’t have a big role in her first season with the team. While she played in 28 games her rookie year, she only started 18 of those games and only played an average of 12.3 minutes per game. 

After her tremendous career at the University of Texas, Collier will have a long and fruitful career in the league as one of the tallest WNBA players. The Dallas Wings will continue to find ways to utilize her talent and we’ll see her continue to grow in the coming years — so be prepared for it!

11. Astou Ndour-Fall – 6’5’’

Years: 2014-present (8 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, San Antonio Stars

2021 Stats: 20 games, 17.1 minutes, 6.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Career Stats: 114 games, 14.0 minutes, 5.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Astou Ndour-Fall has been a reliable role player since entering the WNBA as a second round draft pick of the San Antonio Stars in 2014. Although she has never put up huge numbers on the stat sheet, she knows how to utilize her height on the floor and receives consistent minutes. 

She was a key member of the 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky this past season, posting a career-high 4.8 rebounds per game and almost posting a career-high with 6.6 points per game — she had 6.8 points per game during her 2019 campaign in her first stint with the Chicago Sky.

10. Amanda Zahui B – 6’5’’

Years: 2015-present (7 seasons)

Teams: New York Liberty, Tulsa Shock, Los Angeles Sparks

2021 Stats: 30 games, 23.8 minutes, 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.2 blocks per game

Career Stats: 197 games, 15.7 minutes, 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Our final player listed at 6’5’’ is Amanda Zahui B, a Swedish player that was drafted second overall by the Tulsa Shock in the 2015 WNBA Draft. While she has never really lived up to her hype, she has built herself to be a consistent starter over her past three seasons in the WNBA. 

Her numbers have improved over time, posting a career-best 9.2 points per game in 2021 with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her rebounding numbers were lower than normal, but she still managed to finish the season with 5.1 rebounds per game and 1.2 blocks per game. 

9. Sylvia Fowles – 6’6’’

Years: 2008-present (14 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx

2021 Stats: 31 games, 30.1 minutes, 16.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Career Stats: 378 games, 30.4 minutes, 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Sylvia Fowles has been one of the most dynamic players in the WNBA since entering the league as the second overall draft pick in 2008. She boasts strong play on both the offensive and defensive end, piling up a consistent amount of steals, blocks, points, and rebounds. 

She has never averaged less than 10.5 points per game in her 14 seasons in the WNBA and has averaged a double-double in seven of those seasons. Her career-highs include 20.0 points per game in 2011, 11.9 rebounds per game in 2018, and 2.6 blocks per game in 2010. 

8. Mercedes Russell – 6’6’’

Years: 2018-present (4 seasons)

Teams: New York Liberty, Seattle Storm

2021 Stats: 30 games, 24.7 minutes, 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 stelas, 0.4 blocks per game

Career Stats: 110 games, 18.6 minutes, 5.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks per game

Mercedes Russell was originally drafted by the New York Liberty in the second round of the 2018 WNBA Draft. After just two games with the team, she was waived and eventually picked up by the Seattle Storm. That same season, she won the WNBA Championship with the Storm.

She has since become a regular starter for Seattle and is a great complimentary piece to Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, and Jewell Loyd. During her 2021 campaign, Russell finished with a career-high in rebounds and assists, and came up 0.2 points per game short of a career-best.

7. Jonquel Jones – 6’6’’

Years: 2016-present (5 seasons)

Teams: Connecticut Sun

2021 Stats: 27 games, 31.7 minutes, 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Career Stats: 163 games, 24.4 minutes, 13.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks per game

Jonquel Jones entered the league as the sixth overall draft pick by the Connecticut Sun in 2016. She has spent her entire five-year career with them and has continuously improved her game each year. She recently emerged as the Sun’s top player after a strong 2021 campaign.

Despite opting to sit out the 2020 season, Jones returned in 2021 and put on quite the show. She finished the season with a career-high 19.4 points per game, as well as setting career-highs in assists, steals, and minutes per game. She’ll likely do even better next season.

6. Azura Stevens – 6’6’’

Years: 2018-present (4 seasons)

Teams: Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky

2021 Stats: 30 games, 19.6 minutes, 7.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks per game

Career Stats: 86 games, 20.8 minutes, 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks per game

Azura Stevens was the sixth overall draft pick by the Dallas Wings in 2018 and played well off the bench in her first two seasons. Prior to the 2020 season, she was traded to the Chicago Sky in a deal that sent Katie Lou Samuelson to Dallas. So far, it has been a good trade for Chicago.

In her first season with the Sky, she posted career-highs in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, minutes, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. While her numbers and minutes took a dive during the 2021 season, she helped them win the WNBA Championship.

5. Teaira McCowan – 6’7’’

Years: 2019-present (3 seasons)

Teams: Indiana Fever

2021 Stats: 32 games, 26.5 minutes, 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Career Stats: 88 games, 23.4 minutes, 10.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks per game

Coming in at No. 5 on our list of the tallest WNBA players is Teaira McCowan. At 6’7’’, there aren’t many women as tall as her in the WNBA. She was drafted by the Indiana Fever with the third overall pick in the 2019 draft and has rewarded them with strong play early in her career. 

She has improved in each of her first three seasons, setting career-highs in points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, and minutes in 2021. She’ll continue to get better as she learns how to manipulate her opponents and utilize her height as a strength.

4. Kalani Brown – 6’7’’

Years: 2019-present (3 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream

2021 Stats: 1 game, 5 minutes, 2 points, 1 rebound, 33% field goal percentage

Career Stats: 39 games, 11.4 minutes, 4.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Kalani Brown is the other 6’7’’ player in the WNBA and was drafted just four spots after Teaira McCowan. After being drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Sparks and spending her first season with them, she was traded to the Atlanta Dream for Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich.

The move hasn’t gone well for Brown and she has only played in 11 games since that trade — despite playing in 28 games with the Sparks her rookie season. In her lone game of the 2021 season, she finished with two points and one rebound in just five minutes of action for Atlanta.

3. Liz Cambage – 6’8’’

Years: 2011-present (5 seasons)

Teams: Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces

2021 Stats: 25 games, 23.8 minutes, 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steales, 1.6 blocks per game

Career Stats: 142 games, 24.7 minutes, 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Liz Cambage had an awkward start to her career after she was drafted second overall by the Tulsa Shock in 2011. She made it clear she didn’t want to play for Tulsa and while she had a productive rookie season, she decided not to play for the team the following season. 

She returned to Tulsa in 2013 and had an incredible season, but signed a contract to play in China. She eventually made another return to the WNBA in 2018 and had her best season to date with the Dallas Wings. She has been a key contributor for the Las Vegas Aces ever since.

2. Brittney Griner – 6’9’’

Years: 2013-present (9 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix Mercury

2021 Stats: 30 games, 32.8 minutes, 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.9 blocks per game

Career Stats: 254 games, 30.9 minutes, 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.8 blocks per game

Brittney Griner is one of the most exciting and entertaining players in the WNBA right now. At 6’9’’, she has always been among the tallest WNBA players and is known for dominating the paint with her incredible size. She was the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013.

Since entering the league, Griner has never averaged less than 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. She has scored north of 20 points per game in four of the past five seasons, has averaged more than 3.0 blocks in four seasons, and has made seven All-Star appearances.

1. Bernadett Hatar – 6’10’’

Years: 2021-present (1 season)

Teams: Indiana Fever

2021 Stats: 7 games, 15.1 minutes, 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.4 blocks per game

Career Stats: 7 games, 15.1 minutes, 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.4 blocks per game

Listed at 6’10’’, Bernadett Hatar isn’t just one of the tallest WNBA players in the league right now, but one of the tallest of all-time. She’s a unique talent that combines speed and size, but has spent a majority of her career overseas — mostly in her home country of Hungary. 

She was originally signed by the Indiana Fever in 2020, but her contract was suspended and she was forced to sit out the entire year. She made her WNBA debut in 2021, but only played in seven games — starting two of those games — before suffering an injury that ended her season.

Who Are the Tallest WNBA Players of All-Time?

The tallest WNBA players hold a unique advantage and can truly dominate the league when they learn how to best utilize their size — along with their other skills. As we see from the list of tallest WNBA players in the league right now, a majority of them are a top player for their team.

Tall players are nothing new to the WNBA, though. In fact, some of the tallest WNBA players of all-time include Malgorzata Dydek (7’2’’), Liz Cambage (6’10’’), Zheng Haixia (6’9’’), Brittney Griner (6’9’’), Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova (6’8’’), and Lindsay Corine Taylor (6’8’’). 

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As the WNBA continues to evolve and players continue to grow taller, stronger, and more skilled, the game will continue to improve. As time goes on, the WNBA will only draw more viewers and fans as more people open up to just how amazing the sport has become. 

25 Greatest WNBA Players of All-Time

Women’s basketball wouldn’t be as popular as it is today if it weren’t for the greatest WNBA players of all-time. They’re the reason why basketball fans around the world respect women and what they bring to the game, especially considering the sport is largely dominated by men. 

Women have been playing basketball ever since the game was invented in the early-1890s, but it wasn’t until the late-1970s that they began playing professionally in the United States. The Women’s Basketball League was founded in 1978, but it only lasted three years before folding.

Over the next 15 years, we saw several professional women’s leagues come and go, but it was the NBA that eventually hit the ground running with the creation of the WNBA – also known as the Women’s National Basketball Association. It was approved in 1996 and began play in 1997. 

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Who Are the Greatest WNBA Players of All-Time?

25 Greatest WNBA Players of All-Time
Dmitriy Argunov / Shutterstock

The WNBA just finished celebrating its 25th season and it’s truly amazing just how far the league has come in such a short time. What once consisted of eight teams now consists of 12 teams – six in each conference – and the regular season has expanded from 28 to 32 games.

The league has evolved greatly over the past 25 years and the players have evolved with it, resulting in a much more exciting and entertaining season. Of course, that doesn’t mean women in the past weren’t talented. In fact, most of the greatest WNBA players of all-time are retired. 

Whether you’re new to the WNBA or a veteran fan of the sport, there’s nothing better than reminiscing about some of the greatest WNBA players of all-time. There are several names that stand out above the rest, but let’s break down the 25 greatest WNBA players of all-time.

25. Swin Cash

Years Active: 2002-2016 (15 seasons)

Teams: New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, Detroit Shock

Career Stats: 479 games, 28.1 minutes, 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks per game

Swin Cash was drafted by the Detroit Shock with the second overall pick in 2002. She’s a four-time All-Star and two-time All-Star MVP. Throughout her 15-year career, she finished with double-digit points in 10 different seasons and at least five rebounds in 10 different seasons. 

24. Becky Hammon

Years Active: 1999-2014 (16 seasons)

Teams: San Antonio Silver Stars, New York Liberty

Career Stats: 450 games, 27.9 minutes, 13.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.1 blocks per game

Becky Hammon went undrafted in 1999, but eventually signed with the New York Liberty. It didn’t take long for her to take over the starting point guard role and was named a team captain in 2004. She’s a six-time All-Star and finished with double-digit points in 11 different seasons. 

23. Nneka Ogwumike

Years Active: 2012-present (10 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Sparks

Career Stats: 286 games, 29.2 minutes, 16.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Nneka Ogwumike was the first overall draft pick in the 2012 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks and has been one of the top players in the league ever since. She has averaged at least 13.3 points per game in each of her 10 seasons, is a fierce rebounder, and steals the ball often. 

22. Ticha Penicheiro

Years Active: 1998-2012 (15 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Spark, Chicago Sky, Sacramento Monarchs

Career Stats: 454 games, 28.2 minutes, 6.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.1 blocks per game

Ticha Penicheiro might not have the scoring numbers as some of the other women on this list, but her contributions as a playmaker and defender are unmatched. She averaged at least 6.9 assists per game in each of her first five years and has a career mark of 1.7 steals per game.

21. Cappie Pondexter

Years Active: 2006-2018 (13 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Spark, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty

Career Stats: 416 games, 30.7 minutes, 16.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.2 blocks per game

Cappie Pondexter was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury with the second overall pick in 2006. She was a seven-time All-Star, averaged double-digit points in each of her first 11 seasons, and amassed 20 points per game three times in her career – including 21.4 points per game in 2010.

20. Angel McCoughtry

Years Active: 2009-present (12 seasons)

Teams: Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces

Career Stats: 309 games, 28.1 minutes, 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Angel McCoughtry was drafted by the Atlanta Dream with the first overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft. After scoring 12.8 points per game as a rookie, she went on to score above 21 points per game in the next four seasons. She only played 24 games in the past three years.

19. Tina Charles

Years Active: 2010-present (11 seasons)

Teams: Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics

Career Stats: 357 games, 32.5 minutes, 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 blocks per game

Tina Charles was the No. 1 overall pick by the Connecticut Sun in 2010, spending her first four years with the team and averaging above 15.5 points per game each season. She averaged above 16.9 points per game over the next six seasons before a career-high 23.4 points per game last season. 

18. Lindsay Whalen

Years Active: 2004-2018 (15 seasons)

Teams: Connecticut Sun, Minnesota Lynx

Career Stats: 480 games 28.3 minutes, 11.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.1 blocks per game

Lindsay Whalen was the fourth overall draft pick by the Connecticut Sun in 2004. She finished with double-digit points in 10 of her first 12 seasons and was among the league leaders in assists each year. She was a five-time All-Star before retiring in 2018 after nine years in Minnesota. 

17. Brittney Griner

Years Active: 2013-present (9 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix Mercury

Career Stats: 254 games, 30.9 minutes, 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.8 blocks per game

Brittney Griner was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013 and has spent her entire nine-year career with the team. She’s one of the best scorers, rebounders, and rim defenders of all-time. She has scored more than 20 points per game in four of the past five seasons and had a career-high 9.5 rebounds per game last season.

16. Katie Smith

Years Active: 1999-2013 (15 seasons)

Teams: Minnesota Lynx, Detroit Shock, Washington Mystics, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty

Career Stats: 482 games, 32.6 minutes, 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.2 blocks per game

Katie Smith was a dominant player at Ohio State and in the ABL before joining the Minnesota Lynx via the 1999 Allocation Draft. She’s a seven-time All-Star, averaged double-digit points in her first 11 seasons, and finished above 20 points per game in back-back seasons in 2000 and 2001.

15. Yolanda Griffith

Years Active: 1999-2009 (11 seasons)

Teams: Sacramento Monarchs, Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever

Career Stats: 311 games, 28.8 minutes, 13.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks per game

Yolanda Griffith was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs with the second overall pick in 1999. She won the MVP that season and was a seven-time All-Star in her 11-year career. She finished north of 16 points per game in her first four seasons and had double-digit points in each of her first eight seasons.

14. Tina Thompson

Years Active: 1997-2013 (17 seasons)

Teams: Houston Comets, Los Angeles Sparks, Seattle Storm

Career Stats: 496 games, 32.4 minutes, 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Tina Thompson was the first overall draft pick by the Houston Comets in 1997 – the WNBA’s inaugural season. Throughout her 17-year career, she was a nine-time All-Star and one-time All-Star MVP. She averaged double-digit points in all but two seasons and averaged 20.0 points per game in 2004. 

13. Elena Delle Donne

Years Active: 2013-present (8 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics

Career Stats: 193 games, 30.8 minutes, 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Elena Delle Donne was drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013 and has completely dominated the WNBA ever since. She finished with more than 20 points per game in three seasons, including 23.4 points per game in 2015. She’s a six-time All-Star and two-time MVP.

12. Seimone Augustus

Years Active: 2006-2020 (15 seasons)

Teams: Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks

Career Stats: 391 games, 28.8 minutes, 15.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks per game

Seimone Augustus was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2006 and was the team’s starting guard for the next 13 seasons. She averaged more than 21 points per game in three of the first four seasons and scored double-digit points in each of her first 13 seasons in the WNBA. She’s an eight-time All-Star.

11. Breanna Stewart

Years Active: 2016-present (5 seasons)

Teams: Seattle Storm

Career Stats: 149 games, 32.8 minutes, 20.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Breanna Stewart was the first overall pick by the Seattle Storm in 2016 and has only played five seasons in the WNBA, but she has quickly emerged as one of the greatest WNBA players of all-time. She scores, rebounds, passes the ball, steals, blocks – she does it all! She’s a three-time All-Star and one-time MVP. 

10. Lauren Jackson

Years Active: 2001-2012 (12 seasons)

Teams: Seattle Storm

Career Stats: 317 games, 32.0 minutes, 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Speaking of first overall picks by the Seattle Storm, Lauren Jackson was the GOAT before the arrival of Breanna Stewart. She’s a seven-time All-Star, three-time MVP, and scored at least 20 points per game in five different seasons – including a career-high 23.8 points per game in 2008.

9. Sylvia Fowles

Years Active: 2008-present (14 seasons)

Teams: Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx

Career Stats: 378 games, 30.4 minutes, 15.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.8 blocks per game

Sylvia Fowles was drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2008 and spent her first seven years in the league with the team. She has averaged a double-double in seven seasons, including a career-high 20.0 points per game in 2011 and 11.9 rebounds per game in 2018. She’s a seven-time All-Star and one-time MVP.

8. Candace Parker

Years Active: 2008-present (14 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky

Career Stats: 360 games, 30.9 minutes, 16.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks per game

Candace Parker is one of the biggest names the WNBA has ever seen, both on and off the court. She was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, is a six-time All-Star, a two-time MVP, and a one-time All-Star MVP. She’s one of the most versatile players of all-time.

7. Sheryl Swoopes

Years Active: 1997-2011 (12 seasons)

Teams: Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, Tulsa Shock

Career Stats: 324 games, 32.7 minutes, 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.7 blocks per game

Sheryl Swoopes joined the Houston Comets for the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997, but missed most of the season after giving birth to her son. She played the final nine games and led her team to the 1997 WNBA Championship. She’s a six-time All-Star, a three-time MVP, and one-time All-Star MVP. 

6. Sue Bird

Years Active: 2002-present (18 seasons)

Teams: Seattle Storm

Career Stats: 549 games, 31.4 minutes, 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.1 blocks per game

Among the long list of all-time Seattle Storm greats lies Sue Bird – the legend herself. She was the first overall pick by the team in 2002 and has spent her entire 18-year career with them. She’s a 12-time All-Star, one of the best passers of all-time, and scored double-digit points in all but one of her seasons.

5. Cynthia Cooper

Years Active: 1997-2003 (5 seasons)

Teams: Houston Comets

Career Stats: 124 games, 35.2 minutes, 21.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.3 blocks per game

Cynthia Cooper joined the Houston Comets as a 34-year-old in 1997 – the WNBA’s inaugural season. She had already enjoyed an amazing career overseas and continued that success in the WNBA. She scored at least 22 points per game in her first three seasons, won two MVP awards, and led the Comets to four titles. 

4. Lisa Leslie

Years Active: 1997-2009 (12 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Sparks

Career Stats: 363 games, 32.0 minutes, 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.3 blocks per game

Lisa Leslie joined the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997 for the WNBA’s inaugural season. She spent her entire 12-year career with the team, scoring more than 15.1 points per game each season and averaging a double-double three times. She was an eight-time All-Star, three-time MVP, and three-time All-Star MVP. 

3. Maya Moore

Years Active: 2011-2018 (8 seasons)

Teams: Minnesota Lynx

Career Stats: 271 games, 31.2 minutes, 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.6 blocks per game

Maya Moore was the first overall draft pick by the Minnesota Lynx in 2011. She has scored at least 13.2 points per game in each season since, including a career-high 23.9 points per game in 2014. She’s a six-time All-Star, one-time MVP, and three-time All-Star MVP. She’s a career 38% three point shooter.

2. Tamika Catchings

Years Active: 2002-2016 (15 seasons)

Teams: Indiana Fever

Career Stats: 457 games, 31.5 minutes, 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.8 blocks per game

Tamika Catchings was drafted by the Indiana Fever with the third overall pick in 2001 and spent her entire 15-year career with the team. She was a 10-time All-Star, one-time MVP, and averaged more than 12.7 points per game every single season. She could steal the ball better than anyone.

1. Diana Taurasi

Years Active: 2004-present (17 seasons)

Teams: Phoenix Mercury

Career Stats: 472 games, 30.9 minutes, 19.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steal, 0.7 blocks per game

Diana Taurasi was the first overall draft pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004 and has spent her entire 17-year career with the team. She’s a 10-time All-Star and one-time MVP. She averaged more than 20 points per game seven times in her career, including 25.3 points in 2006 and 24.1 points in 2008. 

Who Are the Greatest WNBA Players Right Now?

Considering how new the WNBA is, especially compared to other professional sports leagues in the United States, it’s no surprise that some of the greatest WNBA players of all-time are currently active. The league today has a balanced mix of all-time greats and future superstars. 

Players like Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Tina Charles, Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Nneka Ogwumike (among others on the list above) are currently active. That means they continue to add to what has already been an incredible career.

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Outside of those players, some of the best WNBA players in the league today include A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, Jonquel Jones, DeWanna Bonner, Diamond DeShields, Courtney Vandersloot, Liz Cambage, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Chelsea Gray.

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