Breanna Stewart is still one of the WNBA’s greats. Why don’t we appreciate her enough?
NEW YORK — I sometimes like to imagine that Breanna Stewart puts herself to sleep by reciting her professional achievements, the way that I put myself to sleep by reciting childhood friends’ phone numbers. I’ll abridge the list, to spare you: McDonald’s All-American, four straight NCAA championships at UConn, first pick in the WNBA Draft, Rookie of the Year, multi-time Olympic gold medalist (one…
Breanna Stewart is undeniably one of the greatest players in the WNBA's history, yet her accomplishments often go unnoticed. This underappreciation is not a simple fix, as it is deeply intertwined with her greatness. While stars like Caitlin Clark, Olivia Miles, and Paige Bueckers capture the attention with their flashy plays and highlight-worthy moments, Stewart's brilliance lies in the subtle, behind-the-scenes contributions she makes on the court.
She consistently makes the right decisions, sacrifices her own opportunities, and elevates her teammates through her unwavering work ethic. Stewart's impact is best demonstrated through her average of 20.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, as well as her ability to secure crucial fouls and create momentum shifts for her team.
Despite facing challenges such as injuries and lineup inconsistencies, Stewart continues to perform at a high level, proving her worth year after year. Her contributions are the backbone of her teams' success, and while she may not always be the headline-grabbing player, her dedication and skill are integral to their victories.
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