Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The 2010s transformed the WNBA into a faster, more efficient, and perimeter-oriented league. While post play remained important, teams increasingly prioritized three-point shooting, floor spacing, ball movement, defensive versatility, and positionless basketball. Elite guards became offensive engines, stretch forwards created matchup problems, and mobile centers expanded their games beyond the paint.
Many of the decade’s biggest stars helped redefine how modern WNBA basketball is played. Some became prolific long-range shooters, others excelled as point forwards or defensive playmakers capable of guarding multiple positions. Together, they pushed the league toward the pace-and-space style that continues to shape today’s game.
Below are many of the players who best represented the 2010s pace-and-space era.
| Player | Primary Position | Active During 2010s | Pace & Space Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diana Taurasi | Guard | Yes | Elite three-point scorer and playmaker |
| Sue Bird | Point Guard | Yes | Floor general and elite passer |
| Maya Moore | Wing | Yes | Two-way superstar with efficient scoring |
| Elena Delle Donne | Forward | Yes | Stretch forward with elite shooting |
| Breanna Stewart | Forward | Yes | Positionless scorer and rim protector |
| Candace Parker | Forward | Yes | Point-forward versatility |
| Brittney Griner | Center | Yes | Mobile interior anchor with expanding range |
| Sylvia Fowles | Center | Yes | Rim protection and transition finishing |
| Tina Charles | Center | Yes | Face-up scoring center |
| Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | Yes | Efficient scorer and switch defender |
| Chelsea Gray | Guard | Yes | Pick-and-roll specialist |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | Guard | Yes | Speed, penetration and playmaking |
| Courtney Vandersloot | Point Guard | Yes | Elite distributor |
| Allie Quigley | Guard | Yes | Premier three-point shooter |
| Kristi Toliver | Guard | Yes | Floor spacer and shot creator |
| Cappie Pondexter | Guard | Yes | Dynamic scoring guard |
| Seimone Augustus | Wing | Yes | Mid-range scorer who adapted offensively |
| DeWanna Bonner | Forward | Yes | Long-range shooting and versatility |
| Angel McCoughtry | Wing | Yes | Transition scorer and defender |
| Odyssey Sims | Guard | Yes | Explosive attacking guard |
| Jewell Loyd | Guard | Yes | Athletic perimeter scorer |
| Kayla McBride | Guard | Yes | Elite perimeter shooter |
| Kelsey Plum | Guard | Yes | Deep shooting range |
| Liz Cambage | Center | Yes | Dominant interior scorer with mobility |
| Alyssa Thomas | Forward | Yes | Positionless playmaker |
| Natasha Howard | Forward | Yes | Switchable defensive star |
| Alysha Clark | Forward | Yes | Three-and-D specialist |
| Jantel Lavender | Forward | Yes | Reliable interior scorer |
| Emma Meesseman | Forward | Yes | Skilled passing stretch big |
| Jonquel Jones | Forward/Center | Yes | Stretch-five versatility |
| Stefanie Dolson | Center | Yes | Floor-spacing center |
| Chiney Ogwumike | Forward | Yes | Efficient inside-out scorer |
| Epiphanny Prince | Guard | Yes | Shot creator |
| Danielle Robinson | Guard | Yes | Transition speed |
| Lindsay Whalen | Guard | Yes | Veteran floor leader |
| Ivory Latta | Guard | Yes | Long-range shooting |
| Renee Montgomery | Guard | Yes | Quick scoring spark |
| Tiffany Hayes | Guard | Yes | Athletic slasher |
| Jasmine Thomas | Guard | Yes | Two-way point guard |
| Jordin Canada | Guard | Yes | Perimeter defense and pace |
| Natasha Cloud | Guard | Yes | Defensive playmaker |
| Ariel Atkins | Guard | Yes | Three-and-D wing |
| Aerial Powers | Wing | Yes | Transition offense |
| Riquna Williams | Guard | Yes | Instant offense |
| Kia Nurse | Guard | Yes | Floor spacing |
| Bria Hartley | Guard | Yes | Combo guard versatility |
| Briann January | Guard | Yes | Elite perimeter defense |
| Monica Wright | Guard | Yes | Athletic two-way play |
| Temi Fagbenle | Forward | Yes | Mobile frontcourt defender |
| Isabelle Harrison | Forward | Yes | Athletic interior versatility |
| Natalie Achonwa | Forward | Yes | High-IQ frontcourt play |
Characteristics of the Pace & Space Era
Several tactical trends defined WNBA basketball throughout the decade:
- Greater emphasis on three-point shooting and offensive spacing.
- Faster transition offense following defensive rebounds and steals.
- Increased use of pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop actions.
- More versatile forwards capable of handling the ball and initiating offense.
- Centers asked to defend in space and occasionally stretch the floor.
- Heavy reliance on analytics-driven shot selection, favoring layups, free throws, and three-pointers.
- Defensive switching became increasingly common against modern offensive sets.
Players Who Defined the Era
A handful of stars became synonymous with the modern evolution of the WNBA:
- Diana Taurasi stretched defenses with unlimited shooting range while remaining one of basketball’s best creators.
- Elena Delle Donne proved that elite size and elite shooting could coexist, becoming nearly impossible to defend.
- Breanna Stewart embodied the positionless superstar, impacting every facet of the game.
- Candace Parker revolutionized the power forward position through ball handling, passing, and versatility.
- Sue Bird orchestrated efficient offenses that emphasized spacing and ball movement.
- Courtney Vandersloot elevated passing and pace to historic levels with record-breaking assist production.
- Jonquel Jones showcased the value of the modern stretch-five, combining rebounding, rim protection, and perimeter shooting.
Lasting Legacy
The 2010s pace-and-space revolution permanently changed the WNBA. Teams became more versatile, offenses more dynamic, and player development shifted toward complete skill sets regardless of position. The foundations established by this generation paved the way for today’s stars, who continue to push the game toward even greater speed, spacing, and offensive efficiency.