Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Every WNBA Draft produces future stars, but occasionally a franchise uncovers an elite player well after the lottery. Whether due to overlooked talent, injuries, positional concerns or simply other teams passing on them, these players dramatically outperformed their draft position and became some of the greatest value selections in league history.

Finding a draft steal is particularly valuable in the WNBA, where limited roster spots make every draft pick crucial. The players below not only exceeded expectations—they became All-Stars, champions, MVPs and future Hall of Famers.

1. Sylvia Fowles

Draft: No. 2 Overall (2008)
Team: Chicago Sky

Although selected second overall, Sylvia Fowles deserves mention because she became one of the greatest centers in WNBA history. While not traditionally considered a “steal,” several teams later admitted she possessed the talent of a clear No. 1 overall pick.

Career Highlights

  • 2× WNBA Champion
  • 2× Finals MVP
  • League MVP
  • 8× All-Star
  • 4× Defensive Player of the Year
  • Hall of Fame inductee

Fowles dominated both ends of the floor for well over a decade.

2. Cappie Pondexter

Draft: No. 2 Overall (2006)
Team: Phoenix Mercury

Cappie Pondexter quickly became one of the league’s premier scorers and helped Phoenix win multiple championships. While she was already highly regarded entering the draft, her professional success exceeded even lofty expectations.

Why She Was Exceptional

  • Elite scorer.
  • Outstanding playoff performer.
  • Multiple championships.
  • One of the best shooting guards of her generation.

3. Becky Hammon

Draft: Undrafted (1999)

No discussion of WNBA draft steals is complete without Becky Hammon.

After going undrafted, Hammon built one of the greatest careers in league history, becoming a six-time All-Star, one of the WNBA’s all-time assist leaders and later one of basketball’s most successful coaches.

Career Highlights

  • 6× WNBA All-Star
  • Top-15 all-time in assists
  • New York Liberty Ring of Honor
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • Multiple WNBA championships as head coach

Hammon remains one of the greatest undrafted success stories in professional basketball.

4. DeWanna Bonner

Draft: No. 5 Overall (2009)
Team: Phoenix Mercury

Some questioned whether Bonner’s slender frame would translate to the professional game. Instead, she developed into one of the WNBA’s most versatile stars.

Career Highlights

  • Multiple-time All-Star
  • WNBA champion
  • Sixth Woman of the Year
  • Among the league’s all-time scoring leaders
  • Elite defender and rebounder

Her longevity has made her one of the greatest value selections of her draft class.

5. Crystal Langhorne

Draft: No. 6 Overall (2008)
Team: Washington Mystics

Crystal Langhorne quietly became one of the league’s most consistent post players. She developed into a reliable scorer and rebounder while earning multiple All-Star appearances.

Why She Was a Steal

  • Consistent double-digit scorer.
  • Excellent rebounder.
  • Multiple All-Star selections.
  • Long, productive career.

6. Lindsay Whalen

Draft: No. 4 Overall (2004)
Team: Connecticut Sun

Lindsay Whalen entered the league with relatively modest expectations compared to some lottery stars but became one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history.

Career Highlights

  • 4× WNBA Champion
  • Multiple All-Star selections
  • Elite floor general
  • One of the greatest leaders of the Minnesota Lynx dynasty

Her combination of leadership, playmaking and winning elevated every team she played for.

7. Natasha Cloud

Draft: No. 15 Overall (2015)
Team: Washington Mystics

Selected in the second round, Natasha Cloud steadily developed into one of the league’s premier defensive guards and floor leaders.

Why She Was a Steal

  • Championship point guard.
  • Elite perimeter defender.
  • Excellent playmaker.
  • Long-term starter despite being selected outside the first round.

8. Alysha Clark

Draft: No. 17 Overall (2010)
Team: San Antonio Silver Stars

Alysha Clark initially struggled to establish herself in the WNBA but later became one of the league’s most respected role players.

Career Highlights

  • Multiple WNBA championships.
  • Elite three-point shooter.
  • Outstanding perimeter defender.
  • One of the league’s best complementary players.

9. Jessica Breland

Draft: No. 13 Overall (2011)
Team: Minnesota Lynx

Jessica Breland overcame significant health challenges before enjoying a long and productive WNBA career.

Why She Outperformed Her Draft Position

  • Excellent defender.
  • Reliable rebounder.
  • Long-term starter.
  • One of the league’s toughest competitors.

10. Temi Fágbénlé

Draft: No. 35 Overall (2016)
Team: Minnesota Lynx

Selected late in the third round, Temi Fágbénlé developed into a dependable frontcourt contributor after establishing herself internationally. Her size, mobility and defensive versatility eventually made her a valuable rotation player and demonstrated the value of patient development with international prospects.

Honorable Mentions

Several additional players significantly exceeded expectations based on where they were selected.

  • Plenette Pierson (No. 4, 2003)
  • Epiphanny Prince (No. 4, 2010)
  • Riquna Williams (No. 17, 2012)
  • Briann January (No. 6, 2009)
  • Rebekkah Brunson (No. 10, 2004)
  • Jordin Canada (No. 5, 2018)
  • Kahleah Copper (No. 7, 2016)
  • Ezi Magbegor (No. 12, 2019)

What Makes a Draft Steal?

A player is often considered a draft steal when they significantly outperform the expectations associated with their draft position. While first-round selections are expected to contribute immediately, second-round picks, third-round selections and undrafted players rarely become franchise stars.

Common characteristics of the greatest draft steals include:

  • Becoming an All-Star after being selected outside the lottery.
  • Developing into a championship-caliber starter.
  • Earning league awards or All-WNBA honors.
  • Enjoying a long, productive career despite modest draft expectations.
  • Providing exceptional value compared to players selected ahead of them.

Why Draft Steals Happen

Several factors contribute to teams overlooking future stars.

Injuries

Some players slide because of injury concerns but eventually recover and reach their full potential.

Limited Exposure

Prospects from smaller schools or international leagues may not receive the same attention as players from powerhouse college programs.

Positional Fit

Teams often draft based on immediate roster needs rather than selecting the best player available.

Player Development

Not every athlete reaches peak performance immediately. Some require several seasons before becoming impact players.

Final Thoughts

The WNBA Draft is filled with uncertainty, and history has shown that elite talent can be found well beyond the first few selections. Players such as Becky Hammon, Natasha Cloud and Alysha Clark proved that determination, development and opportunity can outweigh draft position.

For front offices, uncovering a hidden gem can transform a franchise. For players, these success stories serve as a reminder that draft night is only the beginning. Careers are ultimately defined not by where a player is selected, but by what they accomplish once they step onto the court.