Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eva Nemcova | Starter/Star (1.10) | 33.7 | High (1.20) | 13.7 | 3.9 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 57.55 | Operated as Cleveland’s primary perimeter scorer, stretching defenses with elite outside shooting while still handling difficult half-court possessions. Contemporary coverage regularly highlighted her calm decision-making and timely scoring during the Rockers’ playoff push, with opponents forced to respect her range well beyond the arc rather than simply loading the paint. (Los Angeles Times) | All-WNBA Second Team (1997) |
| Janice Braxton | Starter/Star (1.10) | 32.9 | High (1.20) | 11.5 | 7.6 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 62.83 | Served as Cleveland’s physical interior anchor, setting the tone with rebounding, post defense and veteran toughness. Early-season reporting frequently described the offense running through her on the block, while coaches leaned on her experience to stabilize a first-year roster during difficult stretches. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Isabelle Fijalkowski | Starter/Star (1.10) | 28.7 | High (1.20) | 11.9 | 5.6 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 55.97 | Functioned as Cleveland’s skilled two-way center, combining efficient finishing with reliable rim protection. Independent coverage repeatedly emphasized how her size altered opposing offenses, and she remained the focal interior matchup whenever Cleveland faced elite frontcourts. (Los Angeles Times) | None |
| Michelle Edwards | Key Contributor (1.05) | 31.1 | Medium (1.10) | 10.2 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 46.66 | Worked as an attacking combo guard whose creation responsibilities increased whenever Cleveland needed another ball-handler. Reporters often noted her ability to break down defenses off the dribble, although consistency remained an ongoing discussion throughout the season. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Lynette Woodard | Starter/Star (1.10) | 25.4 | Medium (1.10) | 7.8 | 4.1 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 39.93 | Filled a veteran leadership role, providing steady wing defense and composure rather than dominating possessions. Coverage regularly referenced her professionalism and experience as valuable influences for one of the league’s newest franchises. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Merlakia Jones | Bench (1.00) | 21.0 | Medium (1.10) | 8.2 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 28.82 | Brought instant pace and aggressive perimeter defense off the bench, frequently changing games with energy rather than volume scoring. Independent playoff reporting praised her confidence in late-game situations after she delivered one of Cleveland’s biggest postseason baskets. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Rushia Brown | Bench (1.00) | 18.3 | Low (1.00) | 6.3 | 4.0 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 25.40 | Provided efficient interior minutes as a reserve, focusing on rebounding, finishing around the basket and defending bigger frontcourt players. Her role centered on maintaining defensive intensity whenever the starting post players rested. (Los Angeles Times) | None |
| Tina Nicholson | Key Contributor (1.05) | 11.4 | Low (1.00) | 2.0 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 9.87 | Played limited but purposeful backcourt minutes, primarily keeping the offense organized and applying pressure defensively. Contemporary coverage of her rookie season was limited, with available reporting focusing more on the club’s veteran rotation than her individual development. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Jenny Boucek | Bench (1.00) | 11.2 | Low (1.00) | 1.8 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 8.60 | Filled a reserve guard role, valued more for ball movement and practice consistency than offensive production. Independent season-specific coverage was limited, leaving only brief mentions outside game reports. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Adrienne Johnson | Bench (1.00) | 7.8 | Low (1.00) | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 7.20 | Saw situational minutes as a reserve wing, typically entering to provide energy and defensive depth. Independent reporting on her individual season was sparse, with most coverage concentrating on Cleveland’s established veterans. (The Washington Post) | None |
| Anita Maxwell | Bench (1.00) | 7.0 | Low (1.00) | 2.1 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 9.40 | Used primarily in limited reserve appearances while adapting to the professional game. Contemporary independent coverage of her season was scarce, so available analysis comes mainly from game reporting rather than feature journalism. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Marcie Alberts | Bench (1.00) | 6.0 | Low (1.00) | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 2.40 | Appeared only briefly during the season and had little opportunity to establish a defined role. Independent contemporary reporting was extremely limited beyond roster and game-coverage references. (Wikipedia) | None |
| Team Totals | — | 223.5 | — | 85.8 | 37.5 | 21.9 | 14.1 | 354.63 | Eastern Conference contender built around experienced frontcourt play, disciplined half-court execution and dependable perimeter shooting, reaching the postseason in the franchise’s inaugural campaign. | None |