Ranking Last 25 WNBA Rookie Of The Year Winners
2005 - Temeka Johnson, Washington Mystics
A solid point guard, Temeka Johnson’s rookie season was defined by her playmaking. She averaged 9.3 points and led all rookies with 5.3 assists per game. While a respectable debut, her season was not as statistically dominant as many others on this list, nor did it elevate her team to significant success.
2007 - Armintie Price, Chicago Sky
Armintie Price’s rookie campaign was built on her all-around hustle and defensive tenacity. She averaged 7.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, leading all rookies in rebounding. Her game was more about grit than flash, making her a valuable contributor to the Sky, but not a transcendent talent.
2017 - Allisha Gray, Dallas Wings
A versatile wing player, Allisha Gray's rookie season was marked by her immediate impact on the Dallas Wings. She averaged 13.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, finishing as the third-highest scorer on her team. Her steady, reliable play helped the Wings reach the playoffs, a solid first step in her career.
2021 - Michaela Onyenwere, New York Liberty
Michaela Onyenwere's ROTY season was a testament to her consistent, two-way play. She averaged 8.6 points and 2.9 rebounds for the New York Liberty. While not a statistical standout, her production and efficiency were key to the team's late-season push to make the playoffs, earning her the award over more heralded rookies.
2000 - Betty Lennox, Minnesota Lynx
Betty Lennox made an immediate impact, averaging 16.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game for the expansion Minnesota Lynx. She was a fearless scorer who became a fan favorite. While her team struggled, her individual brilliance earned her the ROTY award and a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team.
2015 - Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm
As the first overall pick, Jewell Loyd's rookie season had high expectations. She showed flashes of her future brilliance, averaging 10.7 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Storm. Her season was more of a growth period, as she adjusted to the professional game, but she displayed the potential that would eventually make her an MVP.
2003 - Cheryl Ford, Detroit Shock
Cheryl Ford's rookie year was defined by her dominance on the glass and her winning mentality. She averaged 10.5 points and a rookie-leading 10.4 rebounds per game. She was a key starter on the Detroit Shock team that won the 2003 WNBA Championship, making her one of the few rookies to win a title in their debut season.
2001 - Jackie Stiles, Portland Fire
Jackie Stiles took the WNBA by storm with her electrifying scoring ability. She averaged 14.9 points on a team that otherwise lacked star power. Her fearless drives and sharpshooting earned her a reputation as an offensive threat, and she was a deserving recipient of the award.
2009 - Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream
Angel McCoughtry's rookie season was a showcase of her dynamic athleticism and scoring talent. She averaged 12.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Atlanta Dream. Her relentless energy and ability to create her own shot made her an instant star.
2020 - Crystal Dangerfield, Minnesota Lynx
Crystal Dangerfield’s story is one of a surprise superstar. A second-round pick, she stepped up as a starter in the WNBA bubble, averaging 16.2 points and 3.6 assists for the Lynx. Her poise and clutch play were critical to her team's success in a challenging and unprecedented season.
2012 - Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks
Nneka Ogwumike immediately proved why she was a top pick. She averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, a double-double machine for the Los Angeles Sparks. Her efficiency and polish on the offensive end made her a major contributor from day one.
2019 - Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier’s rookie season was a masterclass in versatility. She averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game. Her two-way impact and ability to fill up the stat sheet made her a fan favorite and a major reason the Lynx made a playoff push.
2014 - Chiney Ogwumike, Connecticut Sun
As the first overall pick, Chiney Ogwumike lived up to her hype. She averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds, earning a spot on the All-Star team. Her powerful, relentless play inside was a dominant force, and she proved to be a top-tier post player immediately.
2022 - Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream
Rhyne Howard was an instant star. She averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, leading all rookies in scoring. Her smooth offensive game and versatile defense made her an immediate franchise cornerstone for the Atlanta Dream.
2018 - A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson’s rookie season was a glimpse of her future greatness. The first overall pick averaged 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Her two-way dominance and leadership for a new franchise in Las Vegas were impressive.
2013 - Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky
Elena Delle Donne was a revelation in her rookie year, averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. Her unique size and shooting ability made her an impossible matchup, and she led the Chicago Sky to their first-ever playoff appearance.
2011 - Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
Maya Moore’s rookie season was a perfect blend of individual excellence and team success. She averaged 13.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, helping the Lynx win their first WNBA championship. Her rookie campaign was a testament to her ability to perform on the biggest stage.
2010 - Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun
Tina Charles dominated from day one. She set a single-season rookie record with 10.9 rebounds per game, while also averaging 15.5 points. She became the first rookie to lead the league in rebounding, showcasing her incredible strength and presence in the paint.
2004 - Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi's rookie season immediately announced her as the future of the league. She averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. The #1 pick was a certified superstar, with a clutch gene and an unmatched scoring punch that would define her career.
2006 - Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx
Seimone Augustus's rookie season was a scoring masterclass. She averaged 21.9 points per game, the second-highest average for a rookie in WNBA history. She was an offensive machine with an incredible ability to create her own shot, captivating fans with her silky-smooth style.
2002 - Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever
Tamika Catchings’ rookie year was a defensive marvel. She was a relentless stat-stuffer, averaging 16.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks. Her all-around excellence and tenacity made her an immediate force and a two-way star.
2016 - Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm
Breanna Stewart's rookie season was an instant success. She averaged 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, dominating from the start and proving why she was a generational talent. Her versatility on both ends of the floor made her a deserving and unanimous ROTY.
2023 - Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever
Aliyah Boston's rookie campaign was a historic and record-breaking showcase of efficiency. She averaged 14.5 points and 8.4 rebounds on 57.8% shooting. Her historic efficiency was a testament to her incredible polish and her immediate impact on the struggling Fever franchise.
2024 - Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
In a season that brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, Caitlin Clark was the driving force. She led the league with 8.4 assists per game and averaged 19.2 points, becoming the first player in WNBA history to lead the league in assists as a rookie. She was a generational talent who shattered multiple records.
2008 - Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Candace Parker's rookie season stands alone as a masterpiece. She is the only player in WNBA history to win both the Rookie of the Year and the MVP award in the same season. Averaging 18.5 points, a league-leading 9.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.0 steals, she was a true force of nature, a stat-stuffing machine who redefined the game.
