In the world of basketball, the point guard position is often considered the most crucial, as they dictate the pace of the game and control the flow of the offense. With the WNBA's 30th anniversary upon us, it's time to take a look at the 10 greatest point guards the league has ever seen. While the list is subjective and open to debate, one thing is clear: these players have left an indelible mark on the league and have helped to shape its history. So, let's dive into the top 10, starting with the legendary Sue Bird.
Sue Bird: The GOAT of Point Guards
Sue Bird is widely regarded as the greatest point guard in WNBA history, and for good reason. Her 19-year career with the Seattle Storm has been nothing short of remarkable. With 3,234 assists, she's the league's all-time leader, averaging 5.6 assists per game. Bird's dominance is further evidenced by her 13 All-Star selections and nine All-Star starts, as well as her four WNBA championships. What makes Bird truly special is her longevity; she's the only player to win three championships in three different decades. Her impact on the game is undeniable, and she's a true icon of the WNBA.
Chelsea Gray: The Point Gawd
Chelsea Gray, also known as the Point Gawd, is a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to score and facilitate makes her an easy pick for this list. Gray's 2,048 career assists rank sixth all-time in the WNBA, and she's only getting better. Her 6-foot frame and quick release make her a dangerous offensive weapon, and her court vision is unparalleled. Gray's 6-time All-Star selection and four WNBA championships speak to her consistency and dominance. Her impact on the Las Vegas Aces is undeniable, and she's a true leader on and off the court.
Courtney Vandersloot: The Assist Machine
Courtney Vandersloot is a point guard who has consistently been at the top of her game. Her 2,918 career assists rank second all-time behind Sue Bird, and she's the only player in WNBA history to average double-digit assists in a single season. Vandersloot's 5-foot-8 frame doesn't deter her from being a dominant force on the court. Her ability to control the pace of the game and her precision passing make her a true asset to any team. Vandersloot's 7-time assist leader and 5-time All-WNBA team selection speak to her consistency and impact on the league.
Lindsay Whalen: The Floor General
Lindsay Whalen was a floor general who could control the pace of the game and make precise passes. Her 15-year career was highlighted by her lightning-quick release and her ability to lead her team to success. Whalen's 323 regular-season wins rank second all-time behind Sue Bird, and her 2,345 career assists rank fifth. Her impact on the Minnesota Lynx was undeniable, as she led them to four championships in six Finals appearances. Whalen's 5-foot-9 frame didn't stop her from being a dominant force on the court, and her 5 All-Star selections and 5 All-WNBA honors speak to her consistency and impact.
Ticha Penicheiro: The Playmaker
Ticha Penicheiro was a playmaker who could make no-look passes and captivate audiences with her signature spin pass. Her 5-foot-11 frame didn't stop her from being a dominant force on the court, and her 764 steals rank second all-time. Penicheiro's 7-time assist leader and 4-time All-Star selection speak to her consistency and impact on the league. Her ability to control the pace of the game and her precision passing make her a true asset to any team.
Teresa Weatherspoon: The Defensive Playmaker
Teresa Weatherspoon was a defensive playmaker who could lock down her opponents and control the pace of the game. Her 5-foot-8 frame didn't stop her from being a dominant force on the court, and her 5-time All-Star selection and 4-time second-team All-WNBA honors speak to her consistency and impact. Weatherspoon's ability to make precise passes and her suffocating defense made her a true asset to the New York Liberty. Her iconic buzzer-beating half-court shot in the 1999 WNBA Finals will forever be seared into WNBA history.
Caitlin Clark: The Rising Star
Caitlin Clark is a rising star who has already made a significant impact on the league. At just 24 years old, she's already in the league's best playmakers conversation. Her ability to pull up from the logo and find her teammates wide-open shots make her a dangerous offensive weapon. Clark's 3-time All-Star selection and WNBA single-season assist record speak to her consistency and impact. Her ability to control the pace of the game and her precision passing make her a true asset to the Indiana Fever.
Becky Hammon: The Undrafted Legend
Becky Hammon is widely considered the greatest undrafted player in WNBA history. Her 16-year career with the New York Liberty and San Antonio Silver Stars has been nothing short of remarkable. Hammon's 5-foot-6 frame didn't stop her from being a dominant force on the court, and her 6-time All-Star selection and 4-time All-WNBA honors speak to her consistency and impact. While she never won a title as a player, her 3 championships as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces speak to her leadership and impact on the league.
Skylar Diggins: The Versatile Playmaker
Skylar Diggins is a versatile playmaker who can score and facilitate. Her 5-foot-9 frame doesn't deter her from being a dominant force on the court. Diggins' 6-time All-WNBA team selection and 7-time All-Star nod speak to her consistency and impact. Her ability to control the pace of the game and her precision passing make her a true asset to any team.
Dawn Staley: The Underrated Leader
Dawn Staley is an underrated leader who has consistently been at the top of her game. Her 5-foot-6 frame didn't stop her from being a dominant force on the court, and her 5-time All-Star selection and 3 Olympic gold medals speak to her consistency and impact. Staley's ability to control the pace of the game and her precision passing make her a true asset to any team. Her impact on the Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets is undeniable.
In conclusion, these 10 point guards have left an indelible mark on the WNBA and have helped to shape its history. From the legendary Sue Bird to the rising star Caitlin Clark, these players have consistently been at the top of their game and have impacted the league in significant ways. As the WNBA continues to evolve, these players will forever be remembered as some of the greatest to ever play the game.
