The Legendary New York Liberty: Celebrating the Top 10 Players of All-Time
By Jocelyn Alano July 18, 2024 16:57
Towering over the league and commanding attention with a style that was more throwback than modern, Tina Charles was the dominant center for eight seasons with the New York Liberty from 2010 to 2017. And her abilities extended far beyond her exemplary rebounding and powerful post moves. She was also a weapon in the mid-range and had a shot-blocking presence that anchored the team’s defense. With two Olympic gold medals, four All-Star appearances, and a top scorer in the league several times in the league, Tina made the team unforgettable. After all, she was a two-time regular-season MVP winner in 2012 and won Rookie of the Year in 2010.
Cappie Pondexter: The Clutch Playmaker
Known for her shot-creating ability and clutch playmaking, Cappie Pondexter transformed the Liberty lineup during her tenure. She was selected to the 2010 WNBA All-Star Team, the All-Defensive First Team, and the All-WNBA First Team. Pondexter also finished in the top 10 in 21 different statistical categories, including second in points per game (21.4) and sixth in assists per game (4.8), making her a true two-way threat on the court.
Vickie Johnson: The Unselfish Leader
Vickie Johnson thrived under pressure and was known for her clutch performances and unselfish playmaking. She was a fan-favorite for her impactful leadership, ball-handling crafts, and scoring instincts, earning three WNBA All-Star selections during her time with the Liberty.
Tari Phillips: The Tactical Maestro
Demonstrating impressive footwork and tactical awareness during her six seasons with the team from 2000 to 2004, Tari Phillips excelled at drawing fouls from defenders and sparking momentum shifts for the Liberty. Additionally, she demonstrated considerable finesse around the rim, making it difficult for opponents to contain her offensively. Being named an All-Star in 2001 and helping guide the team to multiple deep playoff runs secured Phillips' position among the best New York Liberty players.
Becky Hammon: The Beloved Playmaker
Becky Hammon's impactful leadership, ball-handling crafts, and scoring instincts earned her a perennial fan-favorite status, with three WNBA All-Star nods under her belt. Her ability to orchestrate the offense and make clutch plays endeared her to the Liberty faithful, cementing her legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
Sabrina Ionescu: The Rising Star
Sabrina Ionescu, the youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double, has quickly established herself as a rising star for the Liberty. Her versatility, scoring prowess, and playmaking skills have made her a key asset for the team, and her rapid development and clutch performances have fans eagerly anticipating her future contributions.
Betnijah Laney: The Consistent Scorer
Betnijah Laney finished the 2021 regular season as the Liberty's leading scorer, the tenth-best scorer in the WNBA, and eclipsed double-figure scoring in 27 of 32 games. She became just the fourth player in WNBA history to finish the regular season averaging 16.7+ points, 5+ assists, and 4+ rebounds, joining an elite group that includes Cappie Pondexter, Diana Taurasi, and Candace Parker.
Natasha Howard: The Defensive Anchor
The Liberty acquired three-time WNBA Champion Natasha Howard in a trade, and she has become a defensive anchor for the team. Her presence in the paint and her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor have made her a valuable addition to the Liberty's roster.
Michaela Onyenwere: The Rookie Sensation
Michaela Onyenwere was named the 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year, the first time in franchise history that a Liberty player has received the prestigious award. Her impressive performances and contributions as a rookie have made her a player to watch for the future of the Liberty.
DiDi Richards: The All-Rookie Team Selection
DiDi Richards was named to the 2021 WNBA All-Rookie Team, alongside her teammate Michaela Onyenwere. This marked the first time since 2015 that two Liberty rookies were recognized for their outstanding performances, further highlighting the team's promising young talent.
The New York Liberty have a rich history of talented players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From the dominant presence of Tina Charles in the paint to the clutch playmaking of Cappie Pondexter and the unselfish leadership of Vickie Johnson, this list of the top 10 Liberty players of all time showcases the incredible depth and versatility that has defined the team over the years.
As the Liberty continue to build towards a championship, the emergence of rising stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney, and the rookie duo of Michaela Onyenwere and DiDi Richards has fans eagerly anticipating the future of the franchise. With a strong foundation of both veteran leadership and youthful talent, the New York Liberty are poised to reclaim their place among the WNBA's elite teams and add more legendary players to their illustrious history.
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