WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Teresa Weatherspoon

• First WNBA player to record double-digit assists in a game
• Two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (1997, 1998)
• Hit iconic half-court shot in 1999 WNBA Finals

Teresa Weatherspoon was a trailblazing point guard known for her tenacious defence and playmaking ability during the WNBA's early years with the New York Liberty.

Overview

Teresa Weatherspoon established herself as one of the WNBA's premier point guards and defensive specialists during the league's formative years. Her aggressive on-ball defence, court vision, and leadership helped guide the New York Liberty to four WNBA Finals appearances between 1997-2002. Weatherspoon's legacy as a foundational WNBA star is cemented by her numerous accolades and induction into multiple basketball halls of fame.

Career Snapshot

After a standout collegiate career at Louisiana Tech that included an NCAA championship in 1988, Weatherspoon played professionally overseas for several years before joining the WNBA for its inaugural 1997 season. As the starting point guard for the New York Liberty, she immediately made her mark by becoming the first WNBA player to record double-digit assists in a game.

Weatherspoon's defensive prowess was unmatched in the early years of the WNBA. She won the Defensive Player of the Year award in both 1997 and 1998, setting the standard for perimeter defence in the league. Her ability to disrupt opposing offences and generate steals made her a cornerstone of the Liberty's success.

Offensively, Weatherspoon was a capable scorer but truly excelled as a distributor and floor general. She led the WNBA in assists in 1997 and consistently ranked among the league leaders throughout her career. Her court vision and passing ability helped maximize the talents of her Liberty teammates.

Playing Style

Teresa Weatherspoon was the prototype for the modern defensive-minded point guard. Her quick hands and lateral agility allowed her to be a menace in passing lanes and apply constant ball pressure. Weatherspoon's defensive intensity set the tone for her teams and often sparked fast break opportunities.

On offence, Weatherspoon prioritised getting her teammates involved over looking for her own shot. She had excellent court awareness and the ability to thread passes through tight windows. While not a prolific scorer, Weatherspoon could knock down open jumpers when needed and had a knack for hitting clutch shots in big moments.

Leadership was another key component of Weatherspoon's game. Her fierce competitiveness and vocal presence on the court helped galvanise her teammates. She was the emotional heartbeat of those early Liberty teams that contended for WNBA titles.

Why Weatherspoon is on our list

Teresa Weatherspoon earns her place among the WNBA's most dominant players for several reasons:

1. Defensive excellence: As a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Weatherspoon set the standard for perimeter defence in the WNBA's early years. Her ability to neutralize opposing guards was unmatched.
2. Playmaking prowess: Weatherspoon's court vision and passing ability made her one of the league's top distributors. She led the WNBA in assists in 1997 and consistently ranked near the top throughout her career.
3. Leadership and intangibles: Her competitive fire and vocal leadership were crucial in guiding the Liberty to four WNBA Finals appearances. Weatherspoon's impact went far beyond the box score.
4. Iconic moments: "The Shot" - her half-court game-winner in the 1999 WNBA Finals - remains one of the most memorable plays in league history. Weatherspoon had a flair for rising to the occasion in big games.
5. Longevity and consistency: She was selected to five consecutive All-Star games from 1999-2003 and was a model of durability, starting every game she played in until her final season.

Five Fast Facts

1. Weatherspoon was the first player in WNBA history to record double-digit assists in a game, doing so in the league's inaugural game in 1997.
2. She won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1997 and 1998.
3. Weatherspoon led the WNBA in both assists and steals in 1997.
4. Her half-court shot in Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals is widely considered one of the greatest moments in league history.
5. Weatherspoon was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Career Highlights Timeline

1997: Joined the New York Liberty for the WNBA's inaugural season, leading the league in assists and steals while winning Defensive Player of the Year

1998: Won her second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award

1999: Made her first All-Star team and hit the iconic half-court shot in the WNBA Finals

2000: Selected to her second All-Star game and helped lead the Liberty to another WNBA Finals appearance

2002: Made her fifth consecutive All-Star team and reached the WNBA Finals for the fourth time with New York

2004: Played her final WNBA season with the Los Angeles Sparks

Teresa Weatherspoon's impact on the early years of the WNBA cannot be overstated. Her defensive tenacity, playmaking ability, and leadership helped establish the league's standard of play and paved the way for future generations of point guards. Weatherspoon's legacy as one of the WNBA's pioneering stars is secure, and her influence on the game continues to be felt today.