Australian Superstar Profile: Michele Timms

• Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024
• First player to have her jersey retired by the Phoenix Mercury
• Olympic medallist with the Australian national team (bronze in 1996, silver in 2000)
• Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2008) and FIBA Hall of Fame (2016)

Michele Timms was a trailblazing Australian point guard who helped establish the WNBA's global appeal and set new standards for playmaking excellence.

Overview

Michele Timms blazed a trail for international players in the WNBA, becoming one of the league's first global stars during its inaugural seasons. Her electrifying play and court vision made her a fan favourite with the Phoenix Mercury, where she spent her entire five-year WNBA career. Timms' impact extended far beyond the WNBA, as she represented Australia with distinction in multiple Olympic Games and World Championships.

Career Snapshot

Timms' professional career spanned nearly two decades, with success in Australia's WNBL, Europe, and the WNBA. In the WNBL, she made 285 appearances and won five championships with various teams. Her European stint included a FIBA Women's European Champions Cup victory with BTV Wuppertal in 1996.

Timms joined the WNBA in its inaugural 1997 season, assigned to the Phoenix Mercury. She quickly established herself as one of the league's premier point guards, averaging 12.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 steals per game in her rookie season. Over five seasons with the Mercury, Timms helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a trip to the WNBA Finals in 1998.

Playing Style

Known for her exceptional court vision and playmaking ability, Timms was a true floor general. Her quick hands and anticipation made her a defensive menace, consistently ranking among the league leaders in steals. Timms possessed a reliable outside shot, keeping defences honest and creating space for her teammates to operate.

What set Timms apart was her basketball IQ and leadership. She had an innate ability to control the tempo of the game, knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down. Her communication and on-court direction were invaluable to the Mercury's success.

Why Michele Timms is on our list

Michele Timms earns her place among the WNBA's most dominant players for several reasons:

1. Pioneering international presence: Timms was one of the first international stars to make a significant impact in the WNBA, helping to globalise the league and pave the way for future overseas talent.
2. Statistical excellence: Despite playing only five seasons, Timms left an indelible mark on the Mercury's record books. Upon retirement, she was the franchise's all-time leader in assists.
3. Leadership and impact: Timms' influence extended beyond statistics. Her leadership and basketball IQ were crucial in establishing the Mercury as a perennial contender in the league's early years.
4. Historical significance: Being the first Mercury player to have her jersey retired speaks volumes about her importance to the franchise and the league as a whole.
5. International success: Timms' accomplishments with the Australian national team, including Olympic medals and a World Championship bronze, underscore her world-class talent.

Five Fast Facts

1. Timms was the first player to have her jersey (No. 7) retired by the Phoenix Mercury.
2. She represented Australia in three Olympic Games (1988, 1996, 2000), winning bronze in 1996 and silver in 2000.
3. Timms made 264 appearances for the Australian national team over her career.
4. She was named Women's International Player of the Year in both 1994 and 1996.
5. Timms was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.

Career Highlights Timeline

1984: Debuted in the WNBL with the Bulleen Boomers

1988: Participated in her first Olympic Games in Seoul

1989: Began playing professionally in Europe with Lotus Munich

1996: Won FIBA Women's European Champions Cup with BTV Wuppertal

1996: Captured Olympic bronze medal with Australia in Atlanta

1997: Joined the Phoenix Mercury for the inaugural WNBA season

1998: Led the Mercury to the WNBA Finals

2000: Captained the Australian Olympic team to a silver medal in Sydney

2001: Played her final WNBA game and announced retirement

2002: Had her No. 7 jersey retired by the Phoenix Mercury

2008: Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

2016: Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame

Michele Timms' impact on women's basketball extends far beyond her playing days. Her post-playing career has included coaching stints with the Phoenix Mercury, the Chinese national team, and various Australian teams. She continues to be a respected figure in the sport, inspiring new generations of players both in Australia and around the world.

Timms' legacy as one of the WNBA's most dominant players is secure. Her combination of skill, leadership, and pioneering spirit helped establish the league's global appeal and set new standards for point guard play. As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, Michele Timms will always be remembered as one of the trailblazers who helped make it all possible.