WNBA's Most Dominant Players: Penny Taylor

• Three-time WNBA champion with Phoenix Mercury
• Two-time Olympic silver medallist for Australia
• 2006 FIBA World Championship MVP and gold medal winner

Penny Taylor's impact on women's basketball transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on both the WNBA and international stage with the Australian Opals.

Penny Taylor's basketball journey is a testament to her exceptional skill, versatility, and resilience. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Taylor's career spanned nearly two decades, during which she became one of the most respected and accomplished players in women's basketball. Her ability to excel in multiple positions, combined with her leadership and clutch performances, made her an invaluable asset to every team she played for.

Career Snapshot

Taylor's professional career began in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) in Australia, where she quickly established herself as a standout player. Her talents soon caught the attention of the WNBA, leading to her selection by the Cleveland Rockers in the 2001 draft. However, it was with the Phoenix Mercury that Taylor truly cemented her legacy, winning three championships and becoming a cornerstone of one of the league's most successful franchises.

Playing Style

Taylor's playing style was characterised by her exceptional versatility and basketball IQ. Standing at 6'1" (185 cm), she possessed the size to play in the post but also the agility and ball-handling skills to operate on the perimeter. Her shooting touch was remarkable, with the ability to score from anywhere on the court. Taylor's court vision and passing ability made her an excellent facilitator, often initiating the offence and creating opportunities for her teammates.

Defensively, Taylor was equally impactful. Her length and anticipation skills made her a disruptive force, frequently leading her teams in steals. This two-way excellence made her an invaluable asset, capable of influencing the game on both ends of the floor.

Why Penny Taylor is on our list

Penny Taylor's inclusion on the list of most dominant WNBA players is justified by her consistent excellence and impact on winning. Her three WNBA championships with the Phoenix Mercury demonstrate her ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. Taylor's international success, including Olympic medals and a World Championship MVP, further underscores her status as a global basketball icon.

What sets Taylor apart is her ability to adapt and excel in various roles throughout her career. Whether asked to be a primary scorer, a facilitator, or a defensive specialist, she consistently delivered at an elite level. Her leadership, both on and off the court, was instrumental in the success of her teams, making her a respected figure among teammates and opponents alike.

Taylor's career statistics, while impressive, don't fully capture her impact. Her basketball IQ, clutch performances, and ability to make those around her better were intangible qualities that made her truly dominant. Even when faced with injuries that would have derailed lesser players, Taylor's resilience and determination saw her return to peak form, further cementing her legacy.

Five Fast Facts

1. Taylor is one of only a handful of players to win WNBA championships in three different decades (2007, 2009, 2014).
2. She was named to the All-WNBA First Team in 2007 and the Second Team in 2011.
3. Taylor led the WNBL in scoring and steals in the 2000-01 season, earning league MVP honours.
4. She played professionally in five different countries: Australia, USA, Italy, Russia, and Turkey.
5. After retiring, Taylor transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Mercury.

Career Highlights Timeline

1997: Debuts in the WNBL with the Australian Institute of Sport

1999: Moves to the Dandenong Rangers in the WNBL

2001: Selected 11th overall in the WNBA Draft by the Cleveland Rockers

2004: Joins the Phoenix Mercury following the Cleveland Rockers' folding

2006: Leads Australia to gold at the FIBA World Championship, earning MVP honours

2007: Wins her first WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury

2008: Captures Olympic silver medal with Australia at the Beijing Games

2009: Secures second WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury

2014: Wins third WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury

2016: Retires from professional basketball after 19-year career

Penny Taylor's career is a shining example of sustained excellence in women's basketball. Her impact on the WNBA, international competitions, and Australian basketball has left an enduring legacy. Taylor's combination of skill, versatility, and leadership places her firmly among the most dominant players in WNBA history, inspiring future generations of basketball players worldwide.