WNBA stars

[Multi-Billionaire]

I'm watching WNBA Playoffs, they're incredible, it seems they're getting better and better every season.

 

Some of the players are superstars and they're the Kobe, LeBron, and Wade of the WNBA but who is who? I'll break them down:

 

 

2009 WNBA All-First Team: Diana Taurasi (G), Becky Hammon (G), Cappie Pondexter (G), Tamika Catchings (F), Lauren Jackson ( C )

2009 WNBA All-Second Team: Deanna Nolan (G), Katie Douglas (G), Sophia Young (F), Candace Parker (F), Lisa Leslie ( C )

MVP: Diana Taurasi

DPOY: Tamika Catchings

ROY: DeWanna Bonner

6th Woman of the Year: DeWanna Bonner

Most Improved Player of the Year: Crystal Langhorne

 

 

 

The Stars

 

1.) Diana Taurasi - Phoenix Mercury - (NBA comparison: Allen Iverson in his prime)

http://nbcsportsmedia4.msnbc.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070623/070623_taurasi_vmed_5p.widec.jpghttp://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-02/13/xin_390202131250660786210.jpg

The current WNBA leading scorer is the most dominant offensive player in the ladies' basketball world now. Just like AI in his MVP days, she is just unstoppable and has deadly quick release. He can catch, twirl and shoot, he can shake you up with crossover for a pull up jumper or take it to the rim with no fear of the shot blockers patroning the paint. Her game is really the woman version of Allen Iverson's game, the similarities are off the charts. As an extra, she recently wears arm sleeve too and wears the same jersey no as AI.

 

 

 

2.) Candace Parker - Los Angeles Sparks - (NBA comparison: Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan)

http://thestartingfive.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/cp_300_080421.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07hC0HkgLZ9Fs/340x.jpg

http://proathletesonly.com/news/wp-content/uploads/candaceparkerdunk.jpghttp://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07lueqv7qR1Y2/340x.jpg

She has the versatility of KG, that ability to run the floor for a "big" and shake her defenders, and the fundamental post moves of TD. And she possesses the talent to one day be dominant defensively as KG. If not because of her pregnancy (thanks Shelden!) that forced her to miss early season games, she would own the woman's L now, but she'd settle for the second best player behind Taurasi... for now.

 

 

 

3.) Tamika Catchings - Indiana Fever - (NBA comparison: Kobe Bryant)

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2008/08/28/PH2008082804213.jpghttp://www.japantimes.co.jp/images/photos2009/sk20090609a1a.jpg

Like Kobe, she is arguably the most complete player in the L. There is no weakness you can point in her game. She has many moves in her offense that make her almost impossible to defend one-on-one and defensively she is among the best. But unlike Kobe, she doesn't have as much killer instinct to close out games and is probably the only thing keeping her from being the best in the L. She's about the same age as Kobe (30) and has the same jersey number, and like Kobe, she has a tremendous work ethic to improve her game and is known to be the first to arrive and the last to leave the gym.

 

 

 

4.) Cappie Pondexter - Phoenix Mercury - (NBA comparison: Stephon Marbury in his prime)

http://www.wnba.com/media/mercury/cappie_pondexter_drive_060513_220.jpghttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/chris_mannix/05/13/celtics.magic/p1.stephon-marbury.ap.jpg

Everytime I watch her play, I cannot believe the similarities between her game and Marbury's. The shooting off the dribble, the behind the back dribble, the coast-to-coast finishes, the motor to keep going and maintain her speed over long stretches, and the strength to absorb contact and finish over bigger/ taller defenders. Like Marbury, she is a shoot-first PG, but unlike Marbury, Cappie is not selfish and accepts the responsibility of sharing the ball (to her teammates Taurasi, Taylor, Smith) and learns when to attack.

 

 

 

5.) Becky Hammon - San Antonio Silver Stars - (NBA comparison: Chauncey Billups)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/purpleb0n9/becky.jpghttp://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/chauncey1.jpg

Like Billups, a combination of injuries and inconsistent play had people write her as a role player instead of a star early in her career. Like Billups, only in her 6th year she began to settle in and like Billups, who molded Nuggets into contenders, she was traded to the Silver Stars in 2007 and instantly turned them into contenders. They made the Finals last year but only to be defeated by Shock. Behind her marketable good looks, she is one of the toughest and feistiest leader woman basketball has ever seen. Like Billups, she's a deadly three pt and accurate free throw shooter, she's a leader stressing on the intangibles every possession.

 

 

 

6.) Lauren Jackson - Seattle Storm - (NBA comparison: Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol)

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cxecr150L87m/340x.jpghttp://nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060218/060218_nowitzki_vmed_8p.widec.jpg

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/storm/LJ2.jpghttp://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/arash_markazi/04/22/lakers.jazz/p1.pau-gasol.getty.jpg

Lauren is easily the most dominant center in the L (Candace is a PF). Although she does not have Dirk's rainbow, she has a picture perfect shooting form, shooting release and fadeaway jumper off the post for a big "woman". She also possesses the soft touch and footwork of Gasol in the post, possessing the best pair of hands that can catch any kind of pass. Like Dirk, her shooting range extends to the three point line. And like Gasol, her length enables her to play great team defense and sufficient individual defense.

 

 

 

7.) Deanna Nolan - Detroit Shock - (NBA comparison: Dwyane Wade)

http://www.mkrob.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/nolan_300_070720.jpghttp://dresonic.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/t1_0107_dwayne.jpg

Out of all ballers in WNBA, Deanna is arguably its most athletic and is blessed with the most athleticism and game to seriously challenge NBA players. If you were in the park balling at night and she was there, without the lights, you'd mistake her for a he. Her speed, change of direction at full speed, having that full control of the body while changing direction can only be rivaled by male athletes. On the basketball court, she just doesn't move like females (in flattering way). In fact, if you love Wade and Rose's game, chances are you'd like Nolan's game too. Like Wade, she is almost impossible to stay in front of.

 

 

 

8.) Seimone Augustus - Minnesota Lynx - (NBA comparison: Carmelo Anthony)

http://www.wnba.com/media/seimone_300_080605.jpghttp://www.lebasketbawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/carmelo-anthony-1228a.jpg

Natural born scorers do not come in trees. Just like Melo, scoring is Augustus' forte and role. They made her the 1st overall pick to be the fixture of the franchise for a long time just like the Nuggets did Melo half a decade ago. More similarities: the headband, the mid-range, the face to the rim game, the strength, the jump shot. Now finally surrounded with talented teammates, Augustus looks to lead the Lynx to contend for a championship. Unfortunately, her season was cut short by a torn ACL injury. Maybe next season.

 

 

 

9.) Penny Taylor - Phoenix Mercury - (NBA comparison: Paul Pierce)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Ob3e3mcRn44/SrZQQf2guVI/AAAAAAAAKBU/S-_qIpuK3RE/s576/jhines09-wnba-7913s.JPGhttp://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/06/10/1213151705_2547.jpg

Playing in the shadow of Taurasi and Pondexter in Phoenix, Penny is a star in her own right. She is a do-everything forward: a scorer, passer, shooter, penetrator, defender. She's a very good outside shooter who can put the ball on the floor and attacks the rim when the defender bites, she's a facilitator who looks to pass to open teammates. Whatever mode she is in, Penny is in the game with the sole purpose of making things happen for her team, be it making plays for herself or her teammates, or getting to the free throw line when her team struggles. She just wants to break down the opponents' defense and not play for individual accolades.

 

 

 

10.) Katie Douglas - Indiana Fever - (NBA comparison: Tracy McGrady when healthy)

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0cif4ENdFv665/340x.jpghttp://slamonline.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/tracy_mcgrady.jpg

Unlike the previous comparisons, Katie doesn't resemble T-Mac at all. She's rather slow, she's not athletic, she's left handed, she's not explosive like Pondexter or Nolan. So why is the comparison? When you watch her, you will begin to realize she's a scorer. And boy, can she score. She probably has the best feel of the ball on offense of any player in the WNBA. She has a feathery, slow-motion but quicker-than-you-can-blink-your-eye release that when you thought you could block her shot, the ball is already up in the air and swooshes through the net. She's the same as T-Mac in the sense that when you try to stop either from scoring, you can't.

 

 

 

The Role Players

 

1.) Taj McWilliams - Detroit Shock - (NBA comparison: Joe Smith)

http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/sports_impact/2008/09/large_taj-shock.jpghttp://blog.mlive.com/sportsnow_impact/2009/04/large_042409-Joe-Smith.jpg

Like Joe Smith, McWilliams used to be a star early in her career, but is now reduced to a role of a solid player with solid locker room character and a journeyman, having played with 5 different teams. The naturally physical McWilliams is a very good team defender and sufficient individual defender. On offense, her consistent 15-20 footers lure the big defenders away from the paint.

 

 

 

2.) Tangela Smith - Phoenix Mercury - (NBA comparison: Marcus Camby)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Ob3e3mcRn44/Sq7cv0xYITI/AAAAAAAAH_4/c2TltCATUHA/s576/jhines09-wnba-0414s.JPGhttp://clippers.topbuzz.com/albums/marcus-camby/Marcus_Camby_shoots_a_finger_roll_inside.jpg

Tall, lanky, skinny center who thinks they're a guard who can dribble coast-to-coast, shoot perimeter jumpers, and pass/ throw lobs from the top of the key as if they're a tall PG aka Magic Johnson. That's Marcus Camby, but in WNBA, that's Tangela Smith. To Smith's credit, she can knock down outside shots at a pretty consistent rate to the point where she's a threat, unlike Camby who can't but keep jacking them anyway.

 

 

 

 

I'll add more... stay tuned

Edited October 1, 2009 by Snake

[YugoRocketsFan]

Are you seriously that addicted to basketball that you have to watch WNBA?

 

Jeez.

[Multi-Billionaire]

They're exciting what's wrong with that?

[YugoRocketsFan]

They're exciting what's wrong with that?

 

No dunking, 30% shooting is exciting?

[Multi-Billionaire]

Still basketball, their role players can embarrass you blindfolded.

[Mac Dre]

Still basketball, their role players can embarrass you blindfolded.

 

this

 

and yeah, nba offseason is boring. i've been watching the wnba playoffs too. go spars

[YugoRocketsFan]

Still basketball, their role players can embarrass you blindfolded.

 

Who cares? lol.

 

Once im done with college, i'll have the same salary as their role players lolz.

[deestillballin]

I love the WNBA, the only ppl who dont like it are .. nevermind. I love it. its very exciting

[YugoRocketsFan]

I love the WNBA, the only ppl who dont like it are .. nevermind. I love it. its very exciting

 

The only people who dont like it are people who would rather watch real basketball, you know like the NBA?

[Multi-Billionaire]

That's ignorant comment, the only way you can say the game they play is not basketball is if you're better than them, which you are obviously not.

 

And Mac Dre, Sparks suck just like their NBA team.

[Real Deal]

The WNBA isn't as exciting as the NBA, but you still learn from the game, no matter who's playing. That's the main reason I watch the NBA, actually, to learn from it. Others watch it just for the excitement.

[YugoRocketsFan]

The WNBA isn't as exciting as the NBA, but you still learn from the game, no matter who's playing. That's the main reason I watch the NBA, actually, to learn from it. Others watch it just for the excitement.

 

I watch it mainly for excitement but I also want to learn some moves NBA players do, etc.

[Multi-Billionaire]

I never said they're as exciting as NBA, but if you compare them now and them a decade ago, they've transformed greatly. It used to be all teamwork in the past, now they have star system, the go-to players, the shake and bake moves... You can't compare them to NBA, it's not fair, and it's the only thing keeping you from enjoying it.

 

As a substitute, they're pretty damn good. Especially this playoffs, Taurasi is dominating with AI-like performances, watch her take over offensively. It's pretty nice.

[deestillballin]

The only people who dont like it are people who would rather watch real basketball, you know like the NBA?

 

 

Well damn I watch the NBA, WNBA, eetc. I mean I am a basketball fan. all basketball is exiting to me.

[YugoRocketsFan]

Well damn I watch the NBA, WNBA, eetc. I mean I am a basketball fan. all basketball is exiting to me.

 

Even wheelchair basketball?

[Doc]

Man wheelchair basketball is so exciting to watch.

[Real Deal]

Again, it's learning the game. There are exceptionally smart players who are in wheelchairs. I've been to one game of wheelchair basketball in Tulsa, and you'd be surprised at how they manage to set screens (and get around them) and how they can shoot the ball sitting down (just as Yao has been doing with his busted foot, I guess).

[moeroadkill]

yeah wnba isnt as bad as i once thought but i think iv grown out of just nba. i used to hate nbl (australian league) but now i get right into it, same goes with wnba its grown on me and still fun to watch

i watch spark and i cant remember.. haha, today it was better than nothing

[Dr. Feelgood]

Becky Hammon is really freaking cute. She's my favorite WNBA player not just because she's cute as hell, but she's actually a fun player to watch. I also like Sue Bird as well from the Storm.

 

WNBA has grown on me recently. It's basketball, it's the pros, and if you give it a chance, it's somewhat exciting to watch.

[Multi-Billionaire]

^She's cute but a lot other good looking players as well like Penny Taylor and Candace Parker. Who said they're boring? :glasses:

 

 

Catch the East and West Finals foos! I can't wait to see Nolan vs. Catchings and Douglas... and in the West, Taurasi is on fire and with Taylor and Pondexter playing great too, Mercury gelling at the right time I wonder if Sparks have answer for them.

[Dr. Feelgood]

^She's cute but a lot other good looking players as well like Penny Taylor and Candace Parker. Who said they're boring? :glasses:

 

 

Catch the East and West Finals foos! I can't wait to see Nolan vs. Catchings and Douglas... and in the West, Taurasi is on fire and with Taylor and Pondexter playing great too, Mercury gelling at the right time I wonder if Sparks have answer for them.

 

Both Taylor and Parker are cute as hell but I don't know what it is about Hammon...

 

But last night, was watching the Mercury and Sparks game...I only caught the first half but it seemed like Taurasi had more than just 15 points at the end of the half. She was making shots look waaaay to easy.

[Multi-Billionaire]

^Hammon is just active like hamster lol maybe she's cute that way

 

 

Noooo I thought I was getting live games I went to WNBA.com and saw the results

 

And they're not showing the West Finals Game 1 here (Aussie) either! :o

[kingfish]

Mmmmm if you want to see layups, jump shots, passes, and more layups, WNBA is for you.

[moeroadkill]

Mmmmm if you want to see layups, jump shots, passes, and more layups, WNBA is for you.

[Multi-Billionaire]

^Again ignorant comment...

 

Hmmm I didn't get to watch Game 2s of both Conference Finals... both Sparks and Fever won their Game 2 to tie series with Mercury and Shock respectively. They now go to decisive Game 3.

 

Catchings won DPOY, but beating Shock must be first in her mind, if her team loses again, it'll mark the fourth consecutive years her team is beaten by Shock. For Sparks, it'd be interesting to see if they can extend their season, this is Lisa Leslie's final season.

 

I added a few players on the list in post #1.