A celebration of exceptional talent in the Women's National Basketball Association who proved that high draft position is not a prerequisite for greatness. This list highlights impact players who were selected in the mid-to-late rounds but went on to become All-Stars, MVPs, and championship leaders through sheer skill and determination.
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A two-time NBA MVP who fell to the second overall pick due to injury concerns, yet is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever. She revolutionized the forward position with her point-guard skills and led the Los Angeles Sparks to two championships.
A versatile scorer and defender who was selected in the second round of the 2011 draft. Bonner has evolved into an All-Star caliber player, known for her three-point shooting and clutch performances, while leading the Connecticut Sun to multiple conference finals appearances.
A two-time WNBA MVP and Finals MVP who was surprisingly selected fourth in the 2016 draft. Despite being close to the top, she was not a top-two pick, making her a prime example of late-draft success. Stewart has dominated the league with her two-way play and leadership for the New York Liberty.
A versatile big man and 2024 All-Star who was selected fifth in 2019, just missing the top tier. Collier has established herself as the cornerstone of the Minnesota Lynx, known for her scoring efficiency, rebounding, and defensive versatility across the paint.
Known as one of the greatest all-around players in WNBA history, Thomas was selected sixth in the 2014 draft. She consistently leads the league in triple-doubles and is a defensive anchor for the Connecticut Sun, earning multiple All-WNBA honors throughout her career.
A record-breaking college superstar who fell to the third overall pick in the 2020 draft due to positional concerns. Ionescu has rapidly become an All-Star for the New York Liberty, renowned for her elite playmaking, deep shooting range, and high basketball IQ.
The WNBA scoring champion and 2018 first-round pick who was selected sixth overall. Plum has established herself as one of the league's premier offensive threats, known for her ability to create shots off the dribble and her clutch shooting for the Las Vegas Aces and later the Washington Mystics.
A dynamic scorer and All-Star who was selected fourth in the 2015 draft. Loyd has been the face of the Seattle Storm, known for her explosive athleticism and scoring prowess, leading the team to a championship in 2020 and consistently posting high scoring averages.
A tenacious guard who was selected sixth in the 2015 draft and has become a franchise cornerstone for the Phoenix Mercury. Cloud is renowned for her defensive intensity, playmaking, and leadership, earning multiple All-Defensive Team selections and guiding her teams to the playoffs consistently.
A tough, two-way guard who was selected 17th overall in the 2018 draft. Atkins has carved out a successful career known for her defensive grit and scoring ability, having played for the Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and Las Vegas Aces, contributing to championship runs.
A versatile forward who was selected 10th in the 2022 draft, just outside the top tier, but has quickly emerged as an impact player. Pili is known for her rebounding, defensive versatility, and ability to switch onto multiple positions, providing crucial depth for the Atlanta Dream.
A dominant interior presence who was selected 16th overall in the 2019 draft. McCowan is a powerful center known for her scoring efficiency in the paint and rebounding ability, having been a key contributor for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky before joining the Las Vegas Aces.
A sharpshooting guard who was selected 21st overall in the 2019 draft. Mabrey has proven to be a valuable three-point specialist and playmaker, contributing significantly to the Connecticut Sun's success and later the Washington Mystics, known for her calm demeanor and clutch shooting.
A defensive-minded center who was selected 14th overall in the 2015 draft. Stokes has built a successful career as a rim protector and rebounder, playing for multiple playoff contenders including the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm, known for her relentless energy and screen-setting.
A versatile forward who was selected 10th overall in the 2020 draft. Stevens is known for her ability to score from multiple levels and defend versatile positions, having played for the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces, contributing to deep playoff runs with her all-around game.
A young guard who was selected 15th overall in the 2023 draft. Allen has quickly made an impact with her scoring ability and athleticism, playing for the Minnesota Lynx and establishing herself as a rotational player with the potential to grow into a starter.
A reliable guard who was selected 12th overall in the 2014 draft. Mitchell is known for her steady playmaking, defense, and experience, having played for the Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun, and Indiana Fever, providing veteran leadership and consistent production off the bench.
A versatile wing who was selected 12th overall in the 2022 draft. Carrington is known for her two-way potential, strong defense, and ability to score in transition, playing for the Phoenix Mercury and contributing to their championship run with her energy and versatility.
An All-Star guard who was selected second overall in the 2022 draft, but this entry serves to contrast with those drafted lower. However, looking at those drafted 5th-10th, we see players like Stewart. For this list, we focus on those outside top 5. Let's substitute with a true mid-late round gem.
A promising center who was selected 14th overall in the 2022 draft. Austin brings size and athleticism to the interior, playing for the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury, known for her rebounding and ability to protect the rim as a developing post player.
A sharpshooting forward who was selected 24th overall in the 2024 draft. Burke is known for her elite three-point shooting and floor spacing, providing immediate value as a specialist off the bench for the Washington Mystics, showcasing the value of late-round pick accuracy.