6

Nov

5 mins

WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Breanna Stewart

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basketball.com.au

WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Breanna Stewart
WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart poses for a portrait during the Team USA Tokyo 2020 Olympic shoot on November 22, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. Photo: by Harry How/Getty Images

Breanna Stewart is a 4-time champion, 2x MVP and Olympic Gold Medalist

  • 4-time WNBA champion (2018, 2020, 2024)
  • 2-time WNBA MVP (2018, 2023)
  • 3-time Olympic gold medalist (2016, 2020, 2024)

Breanna Stewart is one of the most accomplished and dominant players in WNBA history, winning four championships and two MVP awards in her first eight seasons.

Overview

Breanna Stewart has established herself as one of the greatest and most versatile players in WNBA history since being drafted first overall in 2016. At 6'4" with guard skills, Stewart's unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism has made her nearly unstoppable.

Career snapshot

Stewart burst onto the WNBA scene by winning Rookie of the Year in 2016. She quickly ascended to superstar status, winning her first MVP and championship in 2018. After missing 2019 with an Achilles injury, Stewart returned to win another title in 2020. She captured her second MVP award in 2023 after joining the New York Liberty in free agency. In 2024, Stewart led the Liberty to their first WNBA championship.

Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty shoots a three against Bridget Carleton #6 of the Minnesota Lynx during the second quarter of Game Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024 in New York City. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Playing style

Stewart's versatile skillset allows her to impact the game in every facet. She's an elite scorer from all three levels who can also defend multiple positions and rebound at a high level. Her length and mobility make her a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Why Stewart is on our list

Few players in WNBA history have been as dominant and accomplished as Stewart in their first eight seasons. With four championships, two MVPs, and three Olympic gold medals already, Stewart has cemented her legacy as an all-time great at just 30 years old. Her combination of individual and team success is nearly unmatched.

Jonquel Jones #35 of the Connecticut Sun attempts a jump shot while being defended by Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm during the first half of the 2021 Commissioner's Cup Championship Game at Footprint Center on August 12, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Norm Hall/Getty Images

Five Fast Facts

  1. Only player in WNBA history to win 4 championships in first 8 seasons
  2. One of only four players ever to win multiple regular season and Finals MVPs
  3. Holds WNBA record for most defensive rebounds in a season (277 in 2016)
  4. First player to be named NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player 4 times
  5. Helped lead Team USA to gold medals in 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympics

Career Highlights Timeline

2016: Selected 1st overall by Seattle Storm, wins Rookie of the Year

2018: Wins first WNBA MVP and championship, named Finals MVP

2020: Returns from Achilles injury to win second WNBA title and Finals MVP

2023: Signs with New York Liberty, wins second regular season MVP award

2024: Leads Liberty to franchise's first WNBA championship

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