CATCHING FEVER
Catchings Fights McCoughtry For Loose Ball
We've all heard it said: it's not whether you win or lose it's how you play the game. Tough to take if you're a longtime Liberty or Fever fan, a little easier when Tamika Catchings brings home the MVP or Teresa Weatherspoon is named one of the 15 greatest WNBA players.
There are all sorts of reasons why the greats in team sports haven't won it all -- lack of chemistry with teammates, differences with the coach, inadequate management, injury woes and so on. Other times all the the right ingredients will be there but were also there for a slightly better team. Nevertheless, win or lose, no one can doubt these players will to win.
Here are my top eight all time WNBA players who have yet to wear a ring. Some have retired, some are still doing their thing. They've all played more than five years and poured their heart and soul into every or almost every season.
THE GREAT EIGHT
Teresa Weatherspoon NY, LA (1997-2004) Feisty spark-plug whose buzzer beater bank shot versus the Houston Comets in the 1999 Finals is now the stuff of legend. Never a big scorer, she once led the league in assists and steals in the same season. She also holds the record for most steals in a season with 100. Made four trips to the Big Dance, sadly came up short every time. In 2011 she was named one of the 15 Greatest Players in WNBA History.
Sophia Young SAS (2006-Pres) This woman exemplifies tough. Career points per game average: 15.5. Career rebounds: 6.2 a game. Career FG%: .461. Only missed four games in six seasons. Made it all the way to the 2008 Finals after hitting a game winning shot against the Sparks in that year's Western Conference Finals. The woman means everything to the Silver Stars.
Katie Douglas ORL/CON, IND (2001-Pres) Another scrappy player who's been denied time and time again with both the Sun and the Fever. Katie Douglas has one of the sweetest shots in the game. A perennial three point threat, she's also recognized for her ability to force the turnover, making the All Defensive Team five times.
Nykesha Sales ORL/CON (1999-2007) She was one of UConn most feared players and brought much of that same ferociousness to the Miracle/Sun, making them a respectable franchise in the post season. I've never seen her not give it her best. She appeared in every game her first seven years, collecting 490 steals and also leading the league in steals in '04. Made it to the All Star game an impressive eight times.
Dawn Staley CHA, HOU (1999-2006) One of the most respected women in the game. Everybody loves Dawn. She did so much to promote the league in a positive way during its formative years. Ranks seventh all time in assists with a whopping 1,337. Was brought schoolyard to the court as only a player from the rough and tumble streets of Philadelphia would. No, she's never won a championship, but thank God for the Olympics (she has three Gold Medals).
Becky Hammon NY, SAS (1999-Pres) She's won our hearts since her days subbing for Teresa Weatherspoon on the NY Liberty. Undrafted in 1999, it seemed like she came out of nowhere. It's been said that the Liberty letting her go was the biggest mistake the franchise has ever made. Her impressive play for them turned into magnificent play for the San Antonio Silver Stars. One of the game's all-time perimeter players, she ranks second in career field goals made from behind the arc. Also fourth in career assists. Teams know not to put her on the free throw line at a crucial time. She's first in career percentage from the charity strike. Listed as one of the top 15 WNBA Players ever and it's no question why.
Chamique Holdsclaw WAS, LAS, ATL, SAS (1999-2010) If the WNBA could have included a sixteenth player in their All Time list it would be this woman. From her days as a Lady Vol, Cham has always been a warrior and a winner. The 1999 Rookie Of The Year would go on to put up stellar numbers for every team she was a part of and become a six time All-Star in the process. The epitome of hustle, few were better at owning the boards when she was at her best. Led the league in points and rebounds in 2002. Seventh all time in the same categories.
Tamika Catchings IND (2002-Pres) This seven time All Star is perhaps the most versatile player the league has yet seen. She can do it all. Shoot, rebound, dish, and steal. Rock steady from the free throw line with hands as quick as lightning, her 775 steals is second to ... you guess it, no one. It's no wonder she's been a staple on the All Defensive Team and named Defensive Player of The Year four times. Her 2010 season was simply a gem: 18.2 pts per game, four assists per game, a field goal percentage of .484, and a 3pt percentage of .448. Couldn't ask for a better single season performance.
It would be awesome to see those still active get a ring before they retire. For those who have since retired, there's always coaching a championship team.
- WNBA Jones
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