When it comes to No. 1 picks in the WNBA Draft, some names don’t just live up to the hype—they blow past it. These women weren’t just drafted to make rosters; they were drafted to change the league. From shattering scoring records to stacking up championship rings, these players became the faces of franchises and living legends. So, let’s dive into the ten best No. 1 WNBA draft picks ever—and maybe sneak a peek at who could join them soon.
Let’s See The Top 10 No. 1 WNBA Draft Picks
1. Diana Taurasi (2004 – Phoenix Mercury)
The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer isn’t just the GOAT—she’s the GROAT (Greatest Rookie of All Time) too. Diana Taurasi came out of UConn with three NCAA titles and didn’t slow down. She’s now a 3× WNBA champion, 1× MVP, 10× All-Star, and a five-time Olympic gold medalist. Oh, and she just passed 10,000 career points—by herself. As Mercury GM Jim Pitman once said, “She’s been the heart and soul of this franchise.” There’s no debate. Taurasi’s still the standard.
2. Breanna Stewart (2016 – Seattle Storm)
If Taurasi is the queen of scoring, Breanna Stewart is the ruler of two-way domination. Stewie won Rookie of the Year, two WNBA championships, two Finals MVPs, and an MVP award. She’s also been on five All-WNBA teams and was the league’s scoring leader in 2022. She plays like a 6’4” guard with post moves—and she’s only just turning 30. Safe bet she’s not done climbing.
3. Candace Parker (2008 – Los Angeles Sparks)
When a player wins MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, you know they’re special. That was Candace Parker’s introduction. She’s since won three WNBA titles (most recently with the Aces in 2023), two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and made 10 All-WNBA teams. She’s also an elite broadcaster, businesswoman, and mother. Legend doesn’t even begin to cover it.
4. Maya Moore (2011 – Minnesota Lynx)
What if LeBron left at his peak to fight injustice and still made the Hall of Fame? That’s Maya Moore. In just eight WNBA seasons, Moore won 4 championships, 1 MVP, 6 All-Star nods, and led the league in scoring. She was the driving force behind the Lynx dynasty of the 2010s. Then she walked away from basketball to help free an innocent man from prison. Incredible.
5. A’ja Wilson (2018 – Las Vegas Aces)
A’ja Wilson isn’t just carrying the Aces—she’s building a dynasty. With two MVPs (2020, 2022), a Defensive Player of the Year award, and back-to-back WNBA titles, A’ja is already one of the most dominant bigs in league history. She averaged 22.8 PPG and 9.5 RPG last season. The best part? She’s just entering her prime.
6. Sue Bird (2002 – Seattle Storm)
Sue Bird = longevity + leadership + LEGEND. The WNBA’s all-time assist leader (3,234) and 4× champion played for 21 years with the Storm. She guided Seattle through multiple eras and mentored legends like Stewart and Jackson. Bird also represented Team USA in five Olympics, winning gold every time. She’s the ultimate floor general.
7. Tina Thompson (1997 – Houston Comets)
The first-ever WNBA draft pick came in hot. Tina Thompson helped build the Comets dynasty, winning four straight championships (1997–2000) alongside Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes. She was a 9× All-Star, top-5 all-time scorer (7,488 points), and paved the way for modern stretch-forwards. The OG power player.
8. Lauren Jackson (2001 – Seattle Storm)
From Australia to All-Time Great, Lauren Jackson was the Storm’s not-so-secret weapon. She won two championships, three MVPs, and scored over 6,000 points despite battling injuries. At 6’5”, Jackson was nearly unguardable—deadly from deep or in the post. She and Sue Bird built the Storm into a powerhouse.
9. Brittney Griner (2013 – Phoenix Mercury)
When she entered the WNBA, Brittney Griner was the most hyped prospect since Lisa Leslie—and she lived up to it. A 9× All-Star and 2× Defensive Player of the Year, Griner leads the league in career blocks per game (2.8) and has more dunks than anyone in WNBA history. Her return in 2023 after her wrongful detention in Russia was one of the most emotional moments in league history.
10. Angel McCoughtry (2009 – Atlanta Dream)
Angel McCoughtry doesn’t always get her flowers, but she deserves them. A 5× All-Star, 2× scoring champ, and elite defender, she led the Atlanta Dream to three Finals appearances. She averaged 19.5 PPG over her career and played with unmatched passion. Clutch and fearless, McCoughtry made Atlanta a legit contender.
Honorable Mentions: Boston, Clark, and Bueckers Could Be Next
Aliyah Boston (2023) made the All-Star team as a rookie and is already anchoring the Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark (2024) brings record-breaking scoring and Steph Curry-level range to the pros, while Paige Bueckers (2025) enters with championship grit and viral handles. If they live up to the hype, we might have to update this list soon.
The WNBA Draft has always delivered drama and dominance. While not every No. 1 pick pans out, the names above have become all-time greats, champions, and cultural icons. They’ve changed the way the game is played and inspired millions in the process.
KEEP READING: Ranking the Top 5 Women’s Basketball Fan Bases by Attendance
As more generational talents continue to enter the league—Clark, Boston, Bueckers—the legacy of the top pick is only growing. With rising media coverage, NIL deals, and record-breaking viewership, the WNBA is experiencing a golden era. And it’s clear that No. 1 picks will continue to lead the way.
Whether you’re cheering for a vet like Stewart or a rookie like Clark, one thing’s for sure—every draft night brings a new chapter in greatness.
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