NBA Hall of Fame: Allen Iverson, 5 Who Should Headline 2016

Hall of Fame: NBA Stars, Others Who Should Headline 2016

Mar 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A banner with the jersey number of Philadelphia 76ers former guard Allen Iverson is raised to the rafters during a ceremony at halftime of game between the 76ers and Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sheryl Swoopes

Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard

Years Active: 1989 to 1993 (College), 1997 to 2011 (WNBA)

Accolades: 4x WNBA Champion, 3x WNBA MVP, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, 6x All-Star, 2x Scoring Champion, 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, First to Sign a WNBA Contract

A compelling case could be made that Sheryl Swoopes is the greatest player in WNBA history. Whether or not one agrees with that stance, the fact that she’s in the discussion is reason enough to honor her contributions and legacy.

Swoopes is an icon of basketball, and she deserves to be recognized as such.

Swoopes’ accolades speak for themselves. She won three MVP awards, two scoring titles, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, four consecutive WNBA championships, and three straight Olympic gold medals as a member of Team USA.

Those achievements add up to an irrefutable reputation as one of the greatest champions in basketball history.

Between her individual accolades and invaluable role in three of her country’s most prestigious basketball achievements, Swoopes is a true legend. She was also the first player to sign a WNBA contract—a distinguishable honor unto itself.

More hoops habit: 50 Greatest NBA Players Not in the Hall of Fame

Swoopes’ influence on the sport of basketball should not be overlooked.

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