The Tallest WNBA Players A Look at the Most Dominant Women on the Court

When it comes to professional sports, height is often seen as a major advantage. And in the world of basketball, height can make all the difference. While players in the NBA are known for their towering stature, the WNBA also has its share of tall and dominant players.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the tallest WNBA players and how their height impacts their game. From record-breaking heights to impressive skill sets, these women have proven that size does matter in the world of basketball. So let’s dive into the world of the tallest WNBA players and see just how they stack up against their competition.

The Top 6 Tallest WNBA Players

Brittney Griner – 6’9”

At 6 feet 9 inches, Brittney Griner is not only the tallest player in the WNBA, but she also holds the record for the tallest female basketball player ever drafted by the league. Griner was drafted as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013 after an impressive college career at Baylor University.

Her height gives her a significant advantage on both ends of the court. Standing at almost seven feet tall, Griner is a force to be reckoned with on defense, using her long arms and height to block shots and grab rebounds. But don’t be fooled, Griner is also a skilled offensive player, with a variety of moves in the paint and a reliable outside shot.

Apart from her impressive physical attributes, Griner has also made headlines for being one of the few openly gay players in the WNBA. She has been outspoken about LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote inclusivity and equality in sports.

Margo Dydek – 7’2”

Margo Dydek was a true giant in the world of women’s basketball, standing at a towering 7 feet 2 inches. Born in Poland, Dydek was drafted second overall in the 1998 WNBA draft by the Utah Starzz (now known as the Las Vegas Aces). Her height made her an instant standout in the league, and she quickly became known for her shot-blocking abilities.

Dydek played in the WNBA for 11 seasons, during which she set the record for most blocked shots in a single season with 114 blocks in 2003. Sadly, Dydek passed away in 2011 due to a heart attack while pregnant with her third child. But her legacy lives on as one of the tallest and most dominant players in WNBA history.

Margo Dydek – 6’11”

Rounding out the top three tallest players in the WNBA is another player named Margo Dydek. This Polish center shares the same name as the previously mentioned 7-foot-2-inch player but is two inches shorter. Despite her slightly shorter stature, this Dydek still holds the title of the tallest European-born player in WNBA history.

Dydek played for four teams during her seven-year WNBA career and was known for her impressive post moves and rebounding abilities. In addition to her WNBA success, she also represented Poland in international competitions and helped lead her team to a bronze medal in the 2007 EuroBasket tournament.

Katie Feenstra-Mattera – 6’8”

Katie Feenstra-Mattera may be slightly shorter than some of the other names on this list, but at 6 feet 8 inches, she still stands tall among the tallest players in the WNBA. After playing college basketball at Liberty University, Feenstra was drafted third overall in the 2005 WNBA draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Feenstra’s height and strength made her a formidable force in the paint, and she was known for her low-post scoring and rebounding abilities. She also had a brief stint playing overseas in Russia, where she continued to showcase her dominance on the court.

Iva Sliskovic – 6’8”

Croatian-born Iva Sliskovic ties with Katie Feenstra-Mattera as the tallest player in WNBA history at 6 feet 8 inches. Sliskovic was drafted 16th overall in the 2005 draft by the Seattle Storm, but injuries limited her playing time in the league.

Despite her struggles with injuries, Sliskovic is still recognized as one of the tallest players ever to play in the WNBA. She is also an accomplished international player, representing Croatia in multiple competitions and earning a silver medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Maria Stepanova – 6’8”

Rounding out our list of the top six tallest players in the WNBA is Russian center Maria Stepanova. Stepanova was drafted sixth overall in the 1998 draft by the Phoenix Mercury but did not make her debut in the league until 2002 due to playing commitments in Europe.

At 6 feet 8 inches, Stepanova was nearly impossible to stop in the paint. She was a skilled low-post scorer and a dominant rebounder. Stepanova spent eight seasons in the WNBA, earning two All-Star selections and a WNBA championship with the Mercury in 2007.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Tall in the WNBA

As we can see from the players listed above, being tall definitely has its advantages in the WNBA. But it also comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of being a tall player in the world of women’s basketball.

Advantages

• Rebounding: One of the most significant advantages of being tall in the WNBA is the ability to grab rebounds. With longer arms and a higher reach, taller players can easily snatch rebounds over their opponents.
• Shot-blocking: Another advantage of being tall is the ability to block shots. Taller players have a better chance of getting their hands on shots and disrupting the opposing team’s offense.
• Size advantage: In addition to physical abilities, taller players also have the advantage of size. They are harder to move around in the post, making them more difficult to defend and score against.
• Visibility: Being taller also means having better visibility on the court. Taller players can see over their opponents and make better passes and decisions with a clear view of the game.

Disadvantages

• Slower speed and agility: While height may be an advantage in some areas, it can also be a disadvantage in others. Taller players tend to be slower and less agile, making it harder for them to keep up with smaller, quicker opponents.
• Injury-prone: The sheer size and weight of taller players can also make them more prone to injuries. Their bodies have to support more weight and deal with more impact, increasing their risk of injury.
• More attention from opponents: In the world of basketball, being tall often means receiving extra attention from the opposing team. This can lead to frequent double-teaming and making it more challenging to find open shots.
• Limited skill set: Lastly, being tall can sometimes be a limiting factor in terms of a player’s skill set. Taller players are often pigeonholed as being dominant in the paint but may struggle with other aspects of the game such as ball-handling or shooting from a distance.

The Impact of Height on a Player’s Career

It’s no secret that being tall can have a significant impact on a player’s career in the WNBA. But just how much of a difference does height make? Let’s take a closer look at some of the statistics and records held by the tallest players in the league.

• Rebounding: As mentioned earlier, tall players have an advantage when it comes to rebounding. In fact, six out of the top 10 rebounders in WNBA history are all over 6 feet 5 inches tall.
• Blocks: Height also plays a significant role in a player’s shot-blocking abilities. The record for most blocked shots in a single season is held by Margo Dydek, standing at 7 feet 2 inches. Additionally, four out of the top 10 shot-blockers in WNBA history are over 6 feet 8 inches tall.
• Scoring: While height can be an advantage in some areas, it doesn’t necessarily translate to more points on the scoreboard. In fact, only one player over 6 feet 8 inches has ever led the league in scoring – Brittney Griner in 2019.
• Overall impact: It’s clear that height can play a significant role in certain aspects of a player’s game, but it doesn’t guarantee success or dominance overall. Many shorter players have also had successful careers and made a significant impact in the league.

Diversity in the WNBA

While we’ve highlighted some of the tallest WNBA players, it’s important to note that height is not the only defining factor in a player’s success. The WNBA has seen players of all shapes and sizes make an impact on the court, and diversity is one of the league’s strengths.

In recent years, there has been a push for more inclusivity and diversity in sports, and the WNBA has been at the forefront of this movement. From openly gay players like Brittney Griner to trailblazers like Becky Hammon, who became the first female assistant coach in the NBA, the league is full of diverse and talented women making their mark in the world of basketball.

Conclusion

In conclusion, height does play a significant role in the WNBA, but it’s not the only determining factor in a player’s success. While players like Brittney Griner and Margo Dydek have used their towering stature to dominate on the court, there are also many shorter players who have made a significant impact on the league.

The WNBA is a diverse and inclusive league, and its players come from all backgrounds and sizes. Whether they’re 7 feet tall or just over 6 feet, these women have proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible in the world of sports. And that’s something we can all look up to.