KingsFans.com un-official "WNBA Ten at 10" - #10
- Thread starter Mr. S£im Citrus
- Start date
6th
Homer Fan Since 1985
Nice write up, Mr. Slim. While I am not surprised that Katie made the list (I don't know that I would have put her there...and I don't think I did), the only word I found odd was your use of the word unassuming. She led the Lynx and was their most physical player. In my mind, she is a bit of a brute. She is quite a prolific scorer though. I will certainly give her that.
Regarding my use of the word assuming:
The top five in career points in WNBA history are: Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Katie Smith, Tina Thompson and Chamique Holdsclaw. Who out of those top five would you guess is the least recognizeable to the "casual" WNBA fan?
If you said "Katie Smtih," you're probably right. Most astute women's basketball fans may be inclined to say Smith ahead of Thompson, but the casual fan would at least recognize Thompson from her appearances in the playoffs/Finals.
The top five in career points in WNBA history are: Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Katie Smith, Tina Thompson and Chamique Holdsclaw. Who out of those top five would you guess is the least recognizeable to the "casual" WNBA fan?
If you said "Katie Smtih," you're probably right. Most astute women's basketball fans may be inclined to say Smith ahead of Thompson, but the casual fan would at least recognize Thompson from her appearances in the playoffs/Finals.
6th
Homer Fan Since 1985
Well, the truly "casual fan" probably does not know Tina Thompson. They would be shocked to hear that she was the first person to be selected in the first WNBA draft. In fact, I would guess that the "casual fan" has only ever heard of Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes. 
But, I get your point.
But, I get your point.
I can't imagine why you would think that the typical casual fan wouldn't know who Chamique Holdsclaw is: she's received major national coverage. In fact, aside from Sheryl Swoopes (sadly, for reasons having nothing to do with basketball) and Diana Taurasi, I'd hazard a guess that Holdsclaw might be the most recognizeable WNBA player to casual fans and non-fans in the league today. I mean, when she came into the league, people were talking about whether or not she was good enough to play against the men!
So, Swoopes, Leslie and Holdsclaw are no-brainers to me, in terms of notoriety. My argument is based on the fact that the WNBA Finals at least make it to ESPN, so the casual fan who might have tuned in for the playoffs would have at least heard of Thompson, whereas Smith's best years were in virtual anonymity in Minnesota.
So, Swoopes, Leslie and Holdsclaw are no-brainers to me, in terms of notoriety. My argument is based on the fact that the WNBA Finals at least make it to ESPN, so the casual fan who might have tuned in for the playoffs would have at least heard of Thompson, whereas Smith's best years were in virtual anonymity in Minnesota.
Fair enough... what about Katie Smith?
:: resists the obvious height joke about picking Lobo out of a lineup ::
:: resists the obvious height joke about picking Lobo out of a lineup ::
Monty'sBiggestFan
Starter
You wouldn't have known that from the way she started the season last year, she carried them for a long time until Lisa Leslie woke up (or Henry Bibby left).
Indeed; I was quite surprised to learn, over the course of this whole project, that Holdsclaw led the Sparks in scoring last year.
