WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Lisa Leslie

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WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Lisa Leslie is a 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist and 3-time WNBA MVP

First player to dunk in a WNBA game
3-time WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006)
4-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)

Lisa Leslie was a pioneering force in women's basketball, dominating the WNBA for over a decade with her exceptional skills and athleticism.

Leslie played her entire 12-year WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997-2009. She was a cornerstone of the league from its inception, helping to establish the WNBA as a premier professional sports league. Leslie's impact on and off the court made her one of the most recognizable and influential players in women's basketball history.

Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks is being guarded by Elena Baranova #28 as she drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Sol at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, in 2001. The Sparks defeated the Sol 86-60. Photo: Jeff Gross /Allsport

Overview

Standing 6'5", Leslie possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and mobility that made her nearly unstoppable in the post. She was an elite scorer and rebounder, with the ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor. Leslie's shooting touch extended beyond the paint, allowing her to stretch defenses with her mid-range game.

Career Snapshot

3-time WNBA MVP (2001, 2004, 2006)
2-time WNBA Champion (2001, 2002)
8-time WNBA All-Star
4-time Olympic gold medalist
First player to dunk in a WNBA game (2002)
WNBA all-time leader in total rebounds (3,307) and blocks (822) at retirement

Lisa Leslie #9 of the Los Angeles Sparks shoots a tough, contest lay-up ball during the game against the Charlotte Sting at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, in 2001. The Sparks defeated the Sting 73-69. Photo: Jeff Gross /Allsport

Playing Style

Leslie dominated the centre position in women's basketball. Her combination of height, athleticism, and skill allowed her to dominate in multiple facets of the game:

Elite post scorer with an array of moves
Excellent rebounder and shot-blocker
Surprisingly agile for her size, able to run the floor
Developed a reliable mid-range jump shot
Strong passer out of double teams

Lisa Leslie #9 of the United States shoots over Suzy Batkovic #8 of Australia during the women's basketball gold medal game at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on Day 15 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 23, 2008 in Beijing, China. Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Why Lisa Leslie is on our list

Lisa Leslie's impact on women's basketball cannot be overstated. She was the face of the WNBA in its early years, helping to grow the league's popularity through her stellar play and marketable persona. Leslie's dunking ability brought increased attention to the women's game, showcasing its evolution in athleticism and skill.

Beyond her on-court dominance, Leslie was a pioneer for women's sports. She helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes, proving that women's professional basketball could thrive in the United States.

Five Fast Facts

Scored 101 points in the first half of a high school game in 1990
Won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1994 at USC
First WNBA player to reach 6,000 career points
Inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015
Currently coaches in the BIG3 basketball league, winning a championship in 2019

Lisa Leslie's combination of individual excellence, team success, and lasting impact on the sport solidifies her place among the most dominant players in WNBA history. Her legacy as a groundbreaking athlete and ambassador for women's basketball will endure for generations to come.