Why Natasha Cloud Might Be the Most Underrated Leader in the WNBA: "She Continues to Show There's No Limit"
In a league that often spotlights scorers and viral moments, it's easy to overlook the glue players—the ones who build chemistry, drive accountability, and turn teams into contenders.
But
Natasha Cloud
isn't just any role player. She's the heartbeat of every roster she touches, a vocal leader and elite competitor whose impact extends far beyond the numbers.
Why Natasha is The Engine Behind the Team
Natasha Cloud
has long commanded respect across the WNBA for her tenacious leadership, vocal presence, and ability to lift everyone around her. Whether it's during shootaround or the final minutes of a game, her influence is unmistakable. Teammates consistently praise her leadership skills, including Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, who called her 'our best leader so far,' citing Cloud's on- and off-court communication as a catalyst for team cohesion.
On the floor, Cloud is a cerebral floor general. Her career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.65 reflects a player who brings control, structure, and decision-making precision—particularly in crunch time. Her value isn't just on offense. Cloud's resume includes two WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, and her ability to contain top-tier guards adds immense value on the other end of the court.
How Cloud Elevates Every Team She Joins
Natasha Cloud (Image via AP Photo by Ross D. Franklin)
Natasha Cloud's presence immediately transforms team dynamics.
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Her debut for the Liberty in 2025, after a post-2024 trade from Phoenix and Connecticut, was a masterclass in two-way dominance: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. With game-changing plays in the fourth quarter, she powered her new team past the defending champs. The crowd of 17,000+ at Barclays Center recognized it, giving her a standing ovation that felt like long-overdue appreciation.
Since joining New York, Natasha Cloud has flourished. Her high basketball IQ meshes seamlessly with the Liberty's up-tempo system, where she orchestrates possessions and steps up to defend stars like Caitlin Clark. Whether it's creating looks for
Breanna Stewart
, Sabrina Ionescu, or Jonquel Jones, or taking over when the offense stalls, Cloud's production and efficiency have reached new heights—statistically and emotionally.
'She just continues to show people there's no limit to what someone's capable of doing,' said longtime teammate Myisha Hines-Allen, praising Cloud's continued growth and leadership.
Natasha Cloud: A Voice Beyond Basketball
Natasha Cloud's influence isn't limited to the hardwood. A fierce advocate for social justice, she's used her platform to speak out on police brutality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equity. In 2020, she sat out the season to protest systemic injustice, organizing marches and amplifying community voices.
A recipient of the 2019 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award, Cloud's example off the court is just as powerful as her performance on it.
She's also a mentor, often guiding younger teammates and building a culture of empathy, accountability, and activism. Her holistic approach to leadership—balancing fire with compassion—makes her one of the most respected voices in the league.
Why She's Still Undervalued
Despite her resume, Natasha Cloud has often flown under the national radar.
While other stars dominate ad campaigns and headlines, she remains the league's unofficial captain—the one players follow and coaches trust when it matters most. Now in a major market with a real title shot, Cloud is finally getting the spotlight she deserves.
Also read:
Stephen Curry Reacts To The Golden State Warriors Evolving Dynasty as Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney Depart: 'We Avoided All The Evils'
She may not be the first name fans think of when talking WNBA stars—but within locker rooms, she's the one who changes everything. The most underrated leader in the WNBA? Ask anyone who's shared a court with her—it's Natasha Cloud, hands down. And her best chapter might still be ahead.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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