My WNBA ALL-Decade Team

[thirty-two]

In honor of the WNBA's 10th season, wnba.com is having fans vote for their top 10 players of the past 10 years. Click here to vote.

My top 5 of the past 10 years:

1. Sheryl Swoopes (F/G) - She's a two time MVP, and one of the best defensive players in the WNBA. As a young girl, I loved watching her play. I even bought her shoes. To me, she he was like the female version of Michael Jordan. One of my first role models in women's basketball.

2. Lisa Leslie (C) - One of the most recognized female basketball players. First player to dunk in WNBA history. First in wnba history to score 3,000 points, has one an MVP and a WNBA title.

3. Tina Thompson (F) - This is one player who I wish was still playing. Dominate force under the paint, averaging about 7 rebounds and 15 points a game. She's got a few WNBA championships under her belt.

4. Chamique Holdsclaw (F) - When she was drafted in '99 out of Tennessee, it was exactly what the WNBA needed. There was this buzz about her. She averaged 17 and 8 a night her rookie season on her way to winning rookie of the year. Her 2003 season, by far, was her best, averaging 20 and 11 a night. She's slowed down a bit, but she still brought so much to the WNBA.

5. Sue Bird (G) - Another great Connecticut product (along with Turasi ). Averages 12 points, 6 assists and 3 rebs a night. Very solid all-around player.

Honorable Mentions: Jennifer Gillom, Cynthia Cooper, Diana Turasi, Yolanda Griffith, Ticha Penicheiro, Lauren Jackson, Tamika Catchings, Dawn Staley

 

[Dback Jon]

to Kate's first thread as a moderator.



YOU ROCK KATE!!!

 

[Alan]

Judging by my interviews with these players last season....

1. Sheryl Swoopes (F/G) - very nice.

2. Lisa Leslie (C) - didn't care for her at all

3. Tina Thompson (F) - very nice

4. Chamique Holdsclaw (F) - can't remember

5. Sue Bird (G) - Not a happy person

Honorable Mentions: Jennifer Gillom (out of league), Cynthia Cooper (out of league), Diana Turasi (the best interview, so nice), Yolanda Griffith (pain in the butt, but nice - in her own way), Ticha Penicheiro (respectful), Lauren Jackson (so-so), Tamika Catchings (awesome), Dawn Staley (drawing a blank).

So I'd vote for:

Taurasi
Swoopes
Yo
Tamika
Ticha

And yes, I realize how they interview has nothing to do with the poll

 

[thirty-two]

OKay the results are in! Here are the WNBA's All-Decade team, voted in by the fans/coaches/etc:

Sue Bird - Seattle Storm (2002-Current)
Tamika Catchings - Indiana Fever (2001-Current)
Cynthia Cooper* - Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003)
Yolanda Griffith - Sacramento Monarchs (1999-Current)
Lauren Jackson - Seattle Storm (2001-Current)
Lisa Leslie - Los Angeles Sparks (1997-Current)
Katie Smith - Detroit Shock (2005-Current) Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005)
Dawn Staley - Houston Comets (2005-Current) Charlotte Sting (1999-2005)
Sheryl Swoopes - Houston Comets (1997-Current)
Tina Thompson - Houston Comets (1997-Current)

My list is pretty close to what the fans picked, although I really thought Chamique Holdsclaw would make it.

Here are the Honorable Mentions (including our own Diana Taurasi):

Ruthie Bolton* - Sacramento Monarchs (1997-2004)
Chamique Holdsclaw - Los Angeles Sparks (2005-Current) Washington Mystics (1999-2004)
Ticha Penicheiro - Sacramento Monarchs (1998-Current)
Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury (2004-Current)
Teresa Weatherspoon* - Los Angeles Sparks (2004) New York Liberty (1997-2003)