WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Cynthia Cooper

• First WNBA player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
• Only player to win WNBA Finals MVP in each of her first 4 seasons
• 3-time WNBA scoring champion (1997-1999)

Cynthia Cooper was a prolific scorer and champion who helped establish the WNBA as a premier women's basketball league in its early years.

Overview

Cynthia Cooper is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most impactful players in WNBA history. As a member of the Houston Comets from 1997-2000, Cooper led the league in scoring for three straight seasons while guiding the Comets to four consecutive WNBA championships. Her combination of scoring prowess, clutch performances, and winning pedigree made her the face of the WNBA in its formative years.

Career Snapshot

Cooper joined the WNBA in its inaugural 1997 season at age 34 after a successful international career. She immediately established herself as the league's premier player, winning the scoring title and league MVP award in both 1997 and 1998. Cooper averaged over 20 points per game in each of her first four seasons, peaking at 22.7 ppg in 1998.

Her playoff performances were even more impressive, as she elevated her game when it mattered most. Cooper won Finals MVP honors in all four of Houston's championship runs from 1997-2000, becoming the first WNBA player to win four titles. She briefly retired after the 2000 season before returning for a final campaign in 2003 at age 40.

Playing Style

Cooper was an explosive and creative offensive player who could score from anywhere on the court. At 5'10", she had the size and strength to post up smaller guards, but also possessed the quickness and ball-handling skills to blow by defenders. Cooper excelled at creating her own shot off the dribble and was deadly in catch-and-shoot situations.

Her basketball IQ and court vision made her an excellent playmaker as well. Cooper averaged nearly 5 assists per game for her career in addition to her scoring output. She was known for her clutch play and competitive fire, consistently raising her game in big moments.

Why Cooper is on Our List

Cynthia Cooper's impact on the early WNBA cannot be overstated. As the league's first true superstar, she helped legitimise women's professional basketball in the United States through her incredible performances. Cooper's four championships and Finals MVPs in the WNBA's first four seasons established a winning culture and high standard of play.

Her scoring ability and exciting style of play drew fans to the league and inspired a generation of young female basketball players. Cooper paved the way for future WNBA stars and proved that women's basketball could be successful and entertaining at the professional level.

Five Fast Facts

1. First player in WNBA history to score 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 2,500 career points
2. Scored 30+ points in 16 of her 120 career WNBA games
3. Had a 92-game double-figure scoring streak from 1997 to 2000
4. Named to the WNBA's 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th Anniversary Teams
5. Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009

Career Highlights Timeline

1997: Wins first WNBA championship and Finals MVP with Houston Comets

1998: Repeats as league MVP and Finals MVP as Comets win second title

1999: Leads Comets to third straight championship, wins third Finals MVP

2000: Caps career with fourth consecutive WNBA title and Finals MVP

2010: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Cynthia Cooper's dominant run from 1997-2000 set a standard of excellence that has rarely been matched in WNBA history. Her scoring ability, clutch performances, and sustained success make her one of the most influential players in the development of women's professional basketball. Cooper's legacy as a pioneer and champion cements her status as one of the most dominant forces the WNBA has ever seen.