Lisa Leslie is a name that is synonymous with the WNBA. She is a legend in the sport, having played for 12 seasons and winning three MVP awards. After her retirement in 2009, Leslie has continued to be involved in the game, whether it’s through broadcasting or coaching. However, despite her impressive resume and experience, Leslie has yet to be given the opportunity to lead a WNBA team as a head coach. This has led many to believe that she is the biggest coaching snub in WNBA history.
It’s no secret that Leslie has always been passionate about coaching. In fact, even during her playing days, she would often be seen mentoring and guiding her teammates on the court. Her knowledge of the game and her natural leadership skills were evident, making her a perfect fit for a coaching role. So, it’s surprising that no team has locked her in as a head coach yet.
As we look at the 2025 coaching list, it’s clear that diversity and varied experiences were taken into consideration. Seven out of the eight new hires have never held a WNBA head coaching job before. This includes coaches with college, assistant, and international backgrounds. While these coaches are undoubtedly talented and deserving of their roles, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Leslie’s name is missing from the list.
Many experts and fans have expressed their shock and disappointment at Leslie’s absence from the coaching lineup. They believe that her experience as a player, coupled with her passion and knowledge of the game, make her a prime candidate for a head coaching job. In fact, some have even gone as far as to say that she should have been the first choice for any team looking to fill a coaching vacancy.
One of the most significant factors that make Leslie a top contender for a head coaching job is her impressive track record. As a player, she has achieved almost everything there is to achieve in the WNBA. She has won three MVP awards, two WNBA championships, and has been selected to the All-Star team eight times. Her leadership skills and ability to motivate her teammates were evident throughout her career, making her a natural fit for a coaching role.
Moreover, Leslie’s experience and knowledge of the game go beyond the WNBA. She has also played internationally, representing the United States in the Olympics and winning four gold medals. This experience has given her a unique perspective on the game, which would undoubtedly benefit any team she coaches.
So, why hasn’t Leslie been given the opportunity to lead a WNBA team yet? Some speculate that it could be due to her lack of coaching experience. However, this argument falls short when we look at the coaches who have been hired for the 2025 season. Many of them have never held a head coaching job in the WNBA, yet they have been given the chance to prove themselves. So, why not Leslie?
Another reason could be the lack of representation of women in head coaching roles in the WNBA. While the league has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, there is still a long way to go. Currently, only four out of the twelve WNBA teams have female head coaches. This is a stark contrast to the NBA, where almost half of the teams have female head coaches. It’s time for the WNBA to recognize and embrace the talent and potential of female coaches, and Lisa Leslie is the perfect example of that.
In conclusion, Lisa Leslie is undoubtedly the biggest coaching snub in WNBA history. Her impressive track record, experience, and passion for the game make her a top candidate for a head coaching job. It’s time for the WNBA to recognize her talent and give her the opportunity she deserves. As fans, we can only hope that a team will soon lock her in as their head coach, and we can finally see her lead a team to victory on the sidelines. After all, Lisa Leslie is a legend in the game, and it’s only fitting that she becomes a legend in coaching as well.
The recent criticism from Lisa Leslie towards Angel Reese’s changed game in Unrivaled has sparked a lot of conversation in the WNBA community. Leslie, who is known for her bold and honest opinions, did not hold back when she commented on Reese’s performance. However, what’s surprising is that her criticism has been received positively by many, including Reese herself.
In a recent episode of Unrivaled, Leslie pointed out that Reese’s game has changed since her high