Hammon, Stills, Smith and Thompson: A look at the newest Hoop Hall nominees

SPRINGFIELD, MA - SEPTEMBER 8: A general view of Symphony Hall during the 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 8, 2017 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - SEPTEMBER 8: A general view of Symphony Hall during the 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 8, 2017 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Tina Thompson – Player

HOUSTON – AUGUST 5: Tina Thompson HOUSTON – AUGUST 5: Tina Thompson #7 of the Houston Comets positions herself against Yolanda Griffith #33 of the Sacramento Monarchs during the game at Compaq Center on August 5, 2003 in Houston, Texas. The Comets won 74-47. (Photo by Bill Baptist WNBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – AUGUST 5: Tina Thompson HOUSTON – AUGUST 5: Tina Thompson #7 of the Houston Comets positions herself against Yolanda Griffith #33 of the Sacramento Monarchs during the game at Compaq Center on August 5, 2003 in Houston, Texas. The Comets won 74-47. (Photo by Bill Baptist WNBAE via Getty Images) /

Thompson was the first overall pick in the inaugural WNBA Draft, two-time Olympic Gold medalist, and four-time WNBA champion. She retired the league’s all-time leading scorer, a record that stood until the 2017 season.

Related Story: Diana Taurasi is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer

She helped the Houston Comets to the first-ever WNBA Championship and a historic four-peat, something no franchise has done since. She played a total of 17 seasons in the WNBA with the Houston Comets, Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm. She was a nine-time WNBA All-Star and the WNBA All-Star MVP in 2000.

  • Voted as one of the Top-15 players in WNBA history (2011)
  • Voted as one of the Top-20 best and most influential players in WNBA history (2016)
  • Eight-time an eight-time All-WNBA team selection
  • Two-time Olympic Gold Medals (2004,2008)
  • Three-time All-Pac 10 selection at USC
  • Second-team All-American as a senior in 1997