
6
Nov
5 mins
WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Maya Moore
Maya Moore is a 4-time Champion, MVP, and Social Justice Advocate
- 4-time WNBA champion with Minnesota Lynx (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
- 2014 WNBA MVP and 6-time All-Star
- Left basketball in her prime to focus on criminal justice reform
Maya Moore is widely considered one of the greatest winners and most impactful players in women's basketball history, both on and off the court.
Overview
Maya Moore was the face of women's basketball for nearly a decade, leading the Minnesota Lynx dynasty to four WNBA championships between 2011-2017. The versatile forward was a scoring machine and tenacious defender, earning league MVP honors in 2014. At the peak of her powers, Moore stepped away from basketball in 2019 to focus on criminal justice reform, cementing her legacy as both an all-time great player and influential activist.
Career Snapshot
After a legendary college career at UConn that included two national titles, Moore was selected first overall by the Lynx in the 2011 WNBA Draft. She made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year and her first championship. Moore went on to become a six-time All-Star and five-time All-WNBA First Team selection. Her combination of scoring, rebounding, passing and defence made her one of the most complete players in WNBA history.

Playing Style
Moore's game was defined by her smooth shooting stroke and ability to score from anywhere on the court. At 6'0", she had the size to post up smaller guards but the quickness to blow by larger defenders. Moore was also an elite passer and rebounder for her position. On defence, her length and anticipation made her a disruptive force capable of guarding multiple positions.
Why Maya Moore is on our list
Few players in basketball history can match Moore's combination of individual excellence and team success. She was the centrepiece of a Lynx dynasty that reached the WNBA Finals six times in seven years. Moore's career winning percentage of .857 (497-78) across high school, college, WNBA and international play is unmatched. Her decision to step away from basketball in her prime to focus on social justice work only adds to her lasting impact and legacy.

Five Fast Facts
- Averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for her WNBA career
- Won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016
- First female basketball player signed to Jordan Brand
- Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2020
- Helped secure release of wrongfully convicted Jonathan Irons, whom she later married
Career Highlights Timeline
2011: Selected 1st overall by Minnesota Lynx, wins Rookie of the Year and first WNBA title
2013: Named WNBA Finals MVP as Lynx win second championship
2014: Wins league MVP award after leading WNBA in scoring
2015: Earns All-Star Game MVP honours
2017: Captures fourth WNBA championship with Lynx
2019: Steps away from basketball to focus on criminal justice reform
2023: Announces retirement from professional basketball

Maya Moore's combination of on-court dominance and off-court impact make her one of the most influential and accomplished players in women's basketball history. Her legacy as both a champion and advocate will resonate for generations to come.
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