40 Facts About Chelsea Gray

Chelsea Gray: The Point Gawd of WNBA Basketball

Chelsea Gray's journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a legendary WNBA player is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her life and career.

Early Life and Basketball Beginnings

Chelsea Gray's love for basketball started at a young age, influenced by her family's passion for sports.

1. Gray grew up in Manteca, California, where sports were a significant part of her upbringing.
2. Her parents worked night shifts but ensured she had time for physical activities.
3. Gray often played pickup games with her older brother, Javon, and two cousins, Steven Crawford and Sean Watkins.
4. Her first organized basketball experience was on an all-boys team at the local Boys & Girls Club.

High School Career

Gray's high school years were marked by impressive achievements and accolades.

5. She attended St. Mary's High School in Stockton, California.
6. During her high school years, she won two state titles in 2009 and 2010.
7. Her high school jersey number 3 was retired by the school in January, a testament to her impressive performance.

College Career

Despite facing significant injuries, Gray's college career at Duke University showcased her resilience and talent.

8. Gray played for the Duke Blue Devils women's basketball team under coach Joanne P. McCallie.
9. In February 2013, she dislocated her knee, forcing her to miss the remainder of her junior year.
10. The same knee injury recurred in January 2014, ending her college career abruptly.

WNBA Draft and Early Career

Gray's journey to the WNBA was filled with challenges, but she persevered.

11. Despite her injuries, Gray was drafted 11th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the 2014 WNBA draft.
12. She missed the entire 2014 season while recovering from her knee injuries.
13. Gray made her WNBA debut with the Sun in 2015, averaging 6.9 points and 2.7 assists in 16 minutes per game.

Trade to Los Angeles Sparks

A pivotal moment in Gray's career came with her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks.

14. In 2016, Gray was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, bringing her closer to her home state.
15. During her time with the Sparks, Gray developed into a key player, leading the team to a championship in 2016.

Breakout Season with Sparks

Gray's breakout season solidified her status as a top player in the league.

16. In 2017, she scored a career-high 25 points against the Atlanta Dream.
17. This performance earned her a spot in the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, marking her first career all-star game appearance.
18. She led the league in three-point field goal percentage and averaged career-highs in scoring, rebounds, assists, and minutes.

Return to Las Vegas Aces

Gray's return to the Las Vegas Aces marked a new chapter in her career.

19. In 2020, Gray signed with the Las Vegas Aces, where she would achieve significant success.
20. Her return to the Aces was filled with championships and accolades.

2022 WNBA Finals MVP

Gray's most notable achievement came in 2022 when she led the Aces to their first WNBA championship.

21. She was named the WNBA Finals MVP, becoming the first pure point guard to achieve this feat in WNBA history.
22. Her impressive performance during the finals averaged 18.3 points per game, 58.0 field goal percentage, and 6.0 assists per game.

Olympic Gold Medalist

Gray's contributions to Team USA have been instrumental in their success.

23. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, winning gold at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics.
24. Her ability to perform under pressure has showcased her talent on the international stage.

Leadership and Basketball IQ

Gray's leadership and high basketball IQ have earned her recognition from peers and fans alike.

25. She has been voted best point guard, best passer, best leader, and the active player who would make the best coach by WNBA general managers.
26. Her ability to read the game and make strategic decisions on the court is unparalleled.

Personal Life and Activism

Gray is not only a basketball star but also an advocate for important causes.

27. She is an open advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
28. In 2020, she and her wife Tipesa teamed up with drag star Peppermint and the network Freeform for a video series about LGBTQ+ history and being black and queer, titled “How We Got Here”.

Offseason Broadcasting Career

Gray stays involved in basketball even during the WNBA offseason.

29. She works as a college basketball analyst for the ACC Network.
30. She started with the network in 2021, appearing on their weekly “Ladies Night Coverage” and serving as an in-game analyst.

Superstitions

Gray has a notable superstition that she follows before every game.

31. She always puts her right sock and right shoe on first before every game.
32. If she doesn’t follow this routine, she will take off her socks and shoes and start again from the beginning.

Community Involvement

Gray is deeply involved in her community and committed to giving back.

33. She has participated in various charity events and has been an inspiration to young athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
34. Her commitment to giving back is a testament to her character and values.

Impact on the WNBA

Gray's impact on the WNBA extends beyond her individual achievements.

35. She has elevated the position of point guard, making it a key role in modern basketball strategy.
36. Her ability to score and facilitate has set a new standard for point guards in the league.

Comparison to Other Legends

Gray is often compared to other WNBA legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.

37. While Bird and Taurasi have also achieved great success, Gray's unique combination of scoring and passing abilities makes her stand out.
38. Her nickname, the “Point Gawd,” reflects her status as one of the best point guards in the league.

Team Dynamics

Gray’s return to the Las Vegas Aces after an injury was met with excitement.

39. Her immediate impact was felt, with the team winning two blowout games in her first two games back.
40. Her leadership and familiarity with her teammates made the transition seamless, highlighting the importance of a strong point guard in team dynamics.

Chelsea Gray's Lasting Legacy

Chelsea Gray's journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a WNBA legend is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication, perseverance, and natural talent have made her one of the best point guards in the league. From her early days playing pickup games to leading the Las Vegas Aces to their first WNBA championship, Gray's impact on the sport is undeniable. Her leadership, high basketball IQ, and ability to perform under pressure have earned her numerous accolades, including WNBA Finals MVP and Olympic gold medals.

Gray's influence extends beyond the court. She's an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a college basketball analyst, and a community role model. Her legacy will be remembered for generations, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams. As she continues to dominate and inspire, Chelsea Gray's name will be etched in basketball history alongside other legends.