The New York Liberty has had several legendary players since its founding in 1997 as one of the WNBA’s original franchises. Here are some of the greatest players in Liberty history:

New York Liberty Legends

🏀 Teresa Weatherspoon (1997–2003)

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Legacy: One of the most iconic Liberty players, known for her leadership and defensive prowess. She famously hit a half-court buzzer-beater in the 1999 WNBA Finals (“The Shot”).
  • Accolades:
    • 5× WNBA All-Star
    • 2× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
    • WNBA Top 25 Players of All Time

🏀 Becky Hammon (1999–2006)

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Legacy: An undrafted player who became a fan favorite and scoring threat.
  • Accolades:
    • 3× WNBA All-Star with the Liberty
    • Later became a successful coach, winning a WNBA championship as head coach of the Las Vegas Aces.

🏀 Vickie Johnson (1997–2005)

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Legacy: One of the most durable players in Liberty history, known for her scoring and leadership.
  • Accolades:
    • 2× WNBA All-Star
    • Key piece of multiple Liberty Finals runs

🏀 Kym Hampton (1997–1999)

  • Position: Center
  • Legacy: One of the original Liberty stars and a dominant force in the post.
  • Accolades:
    • Averaged 10+ points per game in her WNBA career
    • Helped lead the Liberty to the 1997 WNBA Finals

🏀 Crystal Robinson (1999–2005)

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Legacy: A sharpshooter who was instrumental in Liberty playoff runs.

🏀 Sue Wicks (1997–2002)

  • Position: Forward
  • Legacy: Known for her grit, rebounding, and defensive toughness.

🏀 Cappie Pondexter (2010–2014)

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Legacy: A high-scoring guard who carried the Liberty offensively.
  • Accolades:
    • 2× WNBA All-Star with New York
    • Averaged over 20 PPG in 2010

🏀 Tina Charles (2014–2019)

  • Position: Center
  • Legacy: One of the most dominant post players in Liberty history.
  • Accolades:
    • 6× WNBA All-Star (several with the Liberty)
    • 2012 WNBA MVP

🏀 Sabrina Ionescu (2020–Present)

  • Position: Guard
  • Legacy: One of the most hyped prospects in WNBA history, known for her triple-doubles and clutch performances.
  • Accolades:
    • WNBA All-Star
    • Set WNBA record for most three-pointers in a game (2023)

🏀 Breanna Stewart (2023–Present)

  • Position: Forward
  • Legacy: One of the best players of her generation, brought MVP-level talent to New York.
  • Accolades:
    • 2023 WNBA MVP finalist
    • Led Liberty to 2023 WNBA Finals

These are just some of the most influential players in Liberty history.