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Nov

5 mins

WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Maya Moore

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basketball.com.au

WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Maya Moore
WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Maya Moore

Maya Moore poses for a portrait at the USOC Rio Olympics Shoot at Quixote Studios on November 21, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: by Harry How/Getty Images

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.

Maya Moore #23 of the Minnesota Lynx drives to the basket against Marissa Coleman #25 of the Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 11, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Michael Hickey/ Getty Images

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.

Maya Moore #23 of the Minnesota Lynx lays the ball up against Briann January #20 of the Indiana Fever during the second quarter in Game Two of the 2015 WNBA Finals on October 6, 2015 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Fever 77-71. Photo: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Five Fast Facts

  1. Averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for her WNBA career
  2. Won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016
  3. First female basketball player signed to Jordan Brand
  4. Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2020
  5. 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 #7 of United States puts up a shot against Czech Republic during the Women's Basketball Preliminary Round match on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Basketball Arena on August 3, 2012 in London, England. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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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