In the world of basketball, the point guard position is often considered the conductor of the orchestra, orchestrating the flow of the game and setting the pace for their team. As the WNBA celebrates its 30th anniversary, it's only fitting to take a closer look at the 10 greatest point guards the league has ever seen. From the legendary Sue Bird to the rising star Caitlin Clark, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport. But what makes a point guard truly great? Is it their ability to dish out assists, or their court vision, or perhaps their leadership on the court? Let's dive into the world of point guards and explore the stories and achievements that have shaped the WNBA.
The Legends
Sue Bird
Sue Bird is a name that needs no introduction in the world of basketball. Standing at just 5-foot-9, she has dominated the court with her precision passing and tenacious defense. Bird's 19-year WNBA career with the Seattle Storm has been nothing short of remarkable. She holds the league's all-time assists record with 3,234, and her 13 All-Star selections and nine All-Star starts are a testament to her consistent excellence. But it's not just her assists that make Bird so great. Her five Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team speak to her global impact, and her four WNBA championships with the Storm showcase her ability to lead and win at the highest level. In my opinion, Bird's longevity and dominance make her the ultimate point guard, and her place on the Mount Rushmore of point guards is well-deserved.
Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray, also known as the Point Gawd, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Her ability to score and facilitate makes her an easy pick for the top spot. Gray's 2,048 career assists rank sixth all-time in the WNBA, and her six-time All-Star nods showcase her consistent excellence. But it's not just her assists that make Gray so great. Her four WNBA championships with the Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas Aces, including a Finals MVP award in 2022, speak to her ability to lead and win. In my opinion, Gray's versatility and impact make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Courtney Vandersloot
Courtney Vandersloot is a point guard who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout her 16-year career. Her ability to average double-digit assists in a single season is a testament to her exceptional court vision and passing skills. Vandersloot's 2,918 career assists rank second all-time behind Sue Bird, and her seven league assist titles are a record in themselves. But it's not just her assists that make Vandersloot so great. Her five All-WNBA team nods and two championship titles with the Chicago Sky and New York Liberty showcase her ability to lead and win. In my opinion, Vandersloot's consistency and impact make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
The Rising Stars
Lindsay Whalen
Lindsay Whalen was a point guard who was known for her lightning-quick release and precise passes. Her 15-year career with the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx was filled with highlights, including four championships and eight WNBA Finals appearances. Whalen's 323 regular-season wins and 2,345 career assists are a testament to her impact on the court. In my opinion, Whalen's leadership and ability to lead her teams to success make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Ticha Penicheiro
Ticha Penicheiro was a point guard who was known for her playmaking and court vision. Her 15-season career with the Sacramento Monarchs, Los Angeles Sparks, and Chicago Sky was filled with highlights, including a WNBA Championship and four All-Star nods. Penicheiro's 2,599 career assists and 764 steals showcase her exceptional skills on the court. In my opinion, Penicheiro's impact and ability to lead her teams to success make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Teresa Weatherspoon
Teresa Weatherspoon was a point guard who was known for her suffocating defense and playmaking abilities. Her seven-season career with the New York Liberty was filled with highlights, including four WNBA Finals appearances and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Weatherspoon's 1,708 assists and 1,078 steals showcase her exceptional skills on the court. In my opinion, Weatherspoon's impact and ability to lead her teams to success make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
The Rising Stars
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark is a point guard who is already making waves in the WNBA. Her ability to score and dish out assists has made her a fan favorite, and her rookie records for points and assists speak to her exceptional skills. Clark's 600 assists in 72 games and 14 20-point, 10-assist games showcase her ability to lead and impact the game. In my opinion, Clark's potential and impact make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon is a point guard who is widely considered the greatest undrafted player in WNBA history. Her 16-year career with the New York Liberty and San Antonio Silver Stars was filled with highlights, including six All-Star nods and four All-WNBA picks. Hammon's 1,708 assists and three championship titles as a head coach with the Las Vegas Aces showcase her impact and ability to lead. In my opinion, Hammon's consistency and impact make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
Skylar Diggins
Skylar Diggins is a point guard who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout her career. Her ability to score and dish out assists has made her a fan favorite, and her six All-WNBA team nods showcase her exceptional skills. Diggins' 1,861 career assists and seven All-Star nods speak to her impact on the court. In my opinion, Diggins' leadership and ability to lead her teams to success make her one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game.
The Takeaway
As we reflect on the 10 greatest point guards in WNBA history, it's clear that each of these players has left an indelible mark on the sport. From the legendary Sue Bird to the rising star Caitlin Clark, each of these players has brought something unique to the court. But what makes a point guard truly great? In my opinion, it's a combination of their ability to lead, their impact on the game, and their consistency over time. As the WNBA continues to evolve, these point guards will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of players, and their legacies will live on for years to come.
