Having an elite shot blocker entirely transforms the makeup of your defense. Perimeter defenders get a boost knowing the rim is protected, and the opposing scorers’ confidence shrivels each time they’re rejected inside. We’ve seen the mere presence of a shot blocking big result in lower shooting percentages around the rim, so it’s no surprise that these players are often favored for the DPOY award.
In an effort to determine who the most dominant shot blockers are currently in the WNBA, we backed out to a three-year time period. Looking at the data from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons, there are 15 different players that average at least one block per game.
Related: Best Rebounders in the WNBA
Top 15 Best Shot Blockers in the WNBA
| 1 | Brittney Griner | 72 | 138 | 1.92 |
| 2 | Sylvia Fowles | 69 | 120 | 1.74 |
| 3 | Liz Cambage | 50 | 82 | 1.64 |
| 4 | Breanna Stewart | 76 | 122 | 1.61 |
| 5 | Jessica Breland | 52 | 78 | 1.50 |
| 6 | Brianna Turner | 86 | 127 | 1.48 |
| 7 | Teaira McCowan | 86 | 124 | 1.44 |
| 8 | A’ja Wilson | 86 | 124 | 1.44 |
| 9 | Elizabeth Williams | 86 | 116 | 1.35 |
| 10 | Napheesa Collier | 80 | 102 | 1.28 |
| 11 | Jonquel Jones | 54 | 68 | 1.26 |
| 12 | Rebecca Allen | 50 | 62 | 1.24 |
| 13 | Candace Parker | 68 | 81 | 1.19 |
| 14 | Amanda Zahui B. | 81 | 96 | 1.19 |
| 15 | Nia Coffey | 79 | 81 | 1.03 |
Who is the Best Shot Blocker in the WNBA in 2022?
Brittney Griner is the best shot blocker in the WNBA, and has been since entering the league in 2013. Over the course of the past three seasons, Griner has averaged 1.92 blocks per game. That mark is better than the next best shot blocker’s average over the same span by over 10 percent, despite being the lowest number of blocks per game we’ve ever seen from BG in any three-year stretch.
Who has the most Blocked Shots in WNBA History?
The late Margo Dydek is the WNBA’s all-time leading shot blocker with 877 blocks over the course of her 11-year career. As of the conclusion of the 2021 season, the top five shot blockers in WNBA history are:
- Margo Dydek (877)
- Lisa Leslie (822)
- Brittney Griner (658)
- Sylvia Fowles (630)
- Lauren Jackson (586)
Can Brittney Griner Pass Margo Dydek in Blocked Shots?
Griner needs 220 more blocks to break Dydek’s record. If BG stays relatively healthy and plays in four or more additional seasons, it’s entirely likely that the record will be broken. It will be interesting to see how Griner’s block production trends over time; entering the league, we saw four consecutive seasons with 3 or more blocks per game, and that has trended downward since.
Michael Burns
Founder of HoopSocial. Girl Dad. WNBA stan. Syracuse Orange and Charlotte Hornets fan. Sarcasm is my native tongue. You can follow me on Twitter at @mike_hoopsocial.