The 2024 WNBA Draft was filled with some of the biggest household names in women’s hoops. Stars like Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese, Camila Cardoso, and Cameron Brink make up a new generation that is poised to take over the WNBA. All that talent and star power harken back to another class, 20 years ago, that was similarly packed with talent and star power.

The 2004 WNBA Draft class is considered one of the league’s best. It includes the WNBA all-time leading scorer, a historically fierce rebounder, and a player ranked fourth all-time in assists. That class contributed to a huge boost in TV ratings—another similarity to this year’s draft. Let’s give the 2004 WNBA Draft class their flowers for the work they did to help elevate the WNBA.

The MVP: 2014 Diana Taurasi

The legendary UConn grad went number one overall to the Phoenix Mercury, who had the league’s worst record of 8-26. WNBA President Val Ackerman referred to Taurasi as “the most visible senior we’ve ever had,” and Houston coach Van Chancellor called her “one of the best players I’ve ever seen.” With substantial preseason hype by ESPN, Taurasi became the centerpiece of the WNBA’s campaign. The Phoenix Mercury saw their season ticket sales, single-game ticket sales, and merchandise sales double in anticipation of the season.

Taurasi made her WNBA debut on May 20, 2004, against the Sacramento Monarchs. Williams comes off the cut, dials long distance, and “Hello Operator, bring her up—a three!” Taurasi, off the backdoor feed, underhands a pass to Williams. “Step back, off the window, got it, running at the horn, off the window, and how do you like me now, Taurasi?” That’s what you want from your number one pick.

Although the Mercury didn’t qualify for the playoffs, Taurasi was named to the Western Conference All-Star team and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Over her career, Taurasi set numerous records, including the most three-pointers in a season and becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer.

In August 2023, she became the first player in WNBA history to score 10,000 points, solidifying her status as the GOAT of the WNBA. Taurasi is now the league’s first player to reach the 10,000-point milestone.

Alana Beard: Defensive Dominator

The second pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, Elena Beard, dominated her rookie season with the Washington Mystics. She led in steals, assists, blocks, and minutes played while averaging 13.1 points per game. Beard received numerous accolades, including WNBA All-Star honors and multiple WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Her defensive prowess was unmatched, highlighted by moments like pulling up for a shot, “Beard with the steal, five on the shot clock!” and hitting clutch three-pointers. Beard became a WNBA champion with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 and retired with significant career achievements.

Nicole Powell: A Key Contributor

With the third pick of the 2004 WNBA Draft, the Charlotte Sting selected Nicole Powell from Stanford University. Powell played alongside Dawn Staley before being traded to the Sacramento Monarchs. Powell won the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award and played a key role in the Monarchs’ 2005 WNBA Finals victory.

She continued her career with other teams and ranks in the top 10 all-time in three-point field goals made and attempted.

Lindsay Whalen: A Minnesota Legend

Lindsay Whalen, the fourth pick, led the University of Minnesota Gophers to their first NCAA Final Four before joining the Connecticut Sun. She quickly became a starting player, leading the Sun to the WNBA Finals twice. Whalen was then traded to the Minnesota Lynx in 2010, where she won four WNBA championships and was a key player in one of the league’s most successful dynasties.

Whalen also represented Team USA, winning gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She was later enshrined in both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Legacy of the 2004 Draft Class

The 2004 WNBA Draft class is recognized as one of the best, with many players achieving Hall of Fame status and significant career milestones. Led by Diana Taurasi, this class contributed to the league’s growth in popularity.

The 2024 draft class, filled with promising new talents like Caitlyn Clark, Angel Reese, and others, has brought a new surge of interest to the game. With Diana Taurasi still leading the Phoenix Mercury, the baton is set to be passed to the game’s young stars, and they seem ready to thrive into a new generation.