Athletes

The first overall pick of the 2018 Women's National Basketball Association Draft by Las Vegas, A'ja Wilson is living up to the hype coming off a remarkable college career. Early in her career, Wilson is racking up the accolades. After being named the 2018 Rookie of the Year, Wilson has continued to step her game up. In 2020, Wilson led the league in blocks and was named the MVP. Wilson can undoubtedly take over the game with her scoring abilities and her defensive presence.

Abby Dahlkemper has cemented herself as a center back for the U.S. Women's National Team. Dahlkemper is a strong tackler, has great speed, and is a top-notch distributor of the ball out of the back. Dahlkemper has captured one World Cup title since being called up to represent her country at the highest level in 2016 and is expected to be a key player for the USA for many years to come.

The second overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Aleksander Barkov found his home with the Florida Panthers and has been shining ever since. Barkov has proven to be one of the most elite centers in the NHL, which over time led him to a 2018 All-Star Game appearance. That same year Barkov was named a team captain for the Panthers.

Alex Bregman was the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. It didn't take long for Bregman to make his MLB debut. In July of 2016, Bregman took the field with the Astros and just one year later won the 2017 World Series. Bregman was named the MVP of the 2018 MLB All-Star Game and won the AL Silver Slugger Award in 2019.

Making her U.S. Women's National Team debut in 2011, Alex Morgan immediately caught the eyes of soccer fans across the globe with her speed, athleticism, and poise in front of the goal. A two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, Morgan has established herself as one of the most prolific scorers in USWNT history with over 100 career goals.

2018 Stanley Cup Champion Alex Ovechkin is leaving his mark as one of, if not, the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. Drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL draft, Ovechkin plays physical, fast and has a gift for finding the back of the net. Ovechkin became the eighth player to join the 700-goal club in 2020. The legendary winger has made seven All-Star Game appearances to go along with a long list of accomplishments.

The first overall pick of the 1996 NBA Draft by the 76ers, Allen Iverson takes up plenty of space in the history books. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson is one of the most talented guards the game has ever seen. Iverson was a four-time NBA Scoring Champion and is near the top of the list when it comes to one-v-one players in NBA history.

The first overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft, Anthony Davis called New Orleans home for most of his career, but found himself starting a new chapter in Los Angeles in 2019. In his first season with the Lakers, Davis helped his team claim the 2020 NBA championship title. This NBA All-Star is one of the most difficult players to deal with in the league. He is a big man that can play small ball, knock down threes and will break hearts on defense with his shot blocking abilities. Davis' size and length are tough to manage on both ends of the floor.

There are few better than Anze Kopitar at both ends of the ice. After a first round selection in the 2005 NHL Draft landed Kopitar a home with the LA Kings, his career has been nothing short of illustrious. A two-time Stanley Cup champion and five-time NHL All-Star, Kopitar has become known as a tireless worker who steps up when the lights are on him. Kopitar was named the league's best defensive forward following the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons.

Dallas Wings point guard Arike Ogunbowale made a name for herself as one of the must clutch players at the college level. Ogunbowale was drafted by the Wings in 2019 and was one of the top rookies in her first season. While Ogunbowale can play great defense, she is also a huge offensive threat. Ogunbowale led the Women's National Basketball Association in scoring in 2020.

A three-time NHL All Star, Auston Matthews has the potential of being a franchise player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews was the number one pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and it didn't take him long to make his presence felt at the highest level. In his rookie season, Matthews was awarded the Calder Trophy, which goes to the league's top rookie. Matthews' performance that season helped lead his team to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Since 2013, Becky Sauerbrunn has been a consistent starter at the centerback position for the US Women's National team. A two-time FIFA World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Sauerbrunn has worked her way up through the ranks establising herself as the "rock" of the backline and as a captain of the national team.

After being selected first overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the LA Clippers, power forward Blake Griffin lived up to his expectations starting his career on fire. In year one, Griffin was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and won the slam dunk contest. Griffin has been traded twice since, but now calls Brooklyn home. Griffin is a solid all-around player with a high basketball IQ. The veteran can defend well and is a strong shooter.

Drafted in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft, winger Brad Marchand is a player people remember. The "little ball of hate" is known to be energetic and feisty on the ice, which has made him one of the NHL's most entertaining competitors. In Marchand's first full season with the Bruins in 2010-11, he helped his team claim the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972. Marchand has made appearances in the 2017 & 2018 NHL All-Star games.

The third overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, All-Star Bradley Beal is a veteran that is playing some of the best basketball of his career. In April of 2019, Beal became the first player in Wizards' history to reach 2,000 points, 400 assists, and 400 rebounds in one season. He has proven to be a solid shooter and exceptional playmaker.

The number four pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Brady Tkachuk hasn't wasted any time getting his professional career started. In his first season with the Ottawa Senators, he scored 22 goals, which was the second most for a rookie in 2019-20. Tkachuk's performance in his first season earned him a spot in the 2020 NHL All Star Game.

The first overall pick of the 2016 Women's National Basketball Association draft by Seattle, Breanna Stewart wasted no time shining on the professional stage. Stewie was named the Rookie of the Year in her first season before going on to lead her team to the finals in 2018 and 2020, receiving the finals MVP award both times. Stewart is a nightmare for teams to deal with. At 6'4", she is a great ball handler who can shoot from anywhere on the court as well as come up with big defensive plays by blocking shots.

Drafted in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft, Brent Burns is an NHL veteran. Burns' versatility to play on offense and defense has seperated him in his storied career. Currently a star San Jose Sharks defenseman, Burns has made appearances in the last five consectuive NHL All-Star Games. Following the 2017 season, Burns was named the NHL's top defenseman. His game has only continued to elevate since then concluding the 2018-19 campaign leading all defenseman in scoring for the fifth straight season.

At 6'9", good luck shooting the ball against Mercury Center Brittney Griner. Griner led the Women's National Basketball Association in blocked shots every season from 2013-2019. She is a two-time scoring champion, six-time All-Star, and clinched a championship with Phoenix in 2014. She is a major defensive presence that has no trouble rebounding the ball and putting away points.

Bryce Harper was the first overall pick of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. At the age of 19 years-old, Harper made his major league debut in 2012. That same season, he played in the MLB All-Star game, becoming the youngest position player ever to do so. Harper won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2012 and was named the NL Most Valuable Player in 2015. In 2019, Harper signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

A first round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, Defensemen Cam Fowler landed with the Anaheim Ducks and has been a staple to their lineup since. In Fowler's rookie campaign, he was the only defensemen in his draft class to play the entire season in the NHL. Fowler has had continued success since making an appearance in the 2017 NHL All-Star Game.

The first overall pick of the 2008 Women's National Basketball Association Draft, Candace Parker was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks and that has been her home ever since. Parker captured the headlines in college become the first female player to dunk in the NCAA Tournament. A two-time Women's National Basketball Association MVP, Parker is a versatile player that has been one of the best in the game since beginning her professional career. Parker claimed the 2016 Women's National Basketball Association championship with the Sparks and was named the finals MVP. At 6'4", Parker is a presence on the court… in fact she was named the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year.

At 6'2", power forward Candice Dupree has been a difference maker throughout her career. A Women's National Basketball Association Champion and seven-time All-Star, Dupree is one of the strongest players on the boards and is sixth all-time on the list of career rebounding leaders with over 3,000. Expect Dupree to be a strong shot blocker as well.

With Carey Price defending the net, the Montreal Canadiens have been in good hands the last decade plus. Price was the fifth pick in the 2005 NHL draft, but didn't make his debut until 2007. Several years later in 2014-15, Price may have had one of his most memorable years yet. After leading the Canadian national team to a Gold Medal in the Sochi Olympics, he then captured 44 wins in the NHL season with a 1.93 GAA. Prive has been named an NHL All-Star seven times in his career.

For US Women's National team veteran Carli Lloyd the list of accomplishemnts is long. A two-time FIFA World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, Lloyd is one of the most decorated players in women's soccer history. Lloyd herself was a two-time FIFA player of the year and has been one of the most dangerous midfielders in the world on the pitch.

Pro-bowler Carson Wentz could be another interesting addition to your Ultimate Rivals roster. The Eagles' signal caller is skilled at finding his teammates through the air on the field, which will make him a great distributor of the ball in The Court. Wentz's skillset puts him in good position to make strong decisions with the ball. With his arm strength, Wentz could be the guy to knock down a long range three.

Chris Paul was selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. After stops with the Clippers, Rockets and Thunder, the Phoenix Suns most recently acquired the star point guard in 2020. Paul knows how to use his speed to create opportunities and is great at taking on defenders one-on-one. Paul has been named an NBA All-Star more than 10 times throughout his professional career.

Christen Press is a gifted forward that brings great speed, creativity and athleticism to the U.S. Women's National Team. A two-time World Cup Champion, Press is one of the most dangerous scoring threats on the pitch and still holds the all-time scoring record at Stanford from her collegiate career with 71 goals.

A Philadelphia Flyers fan favorite, Claude Giroux has been one of the top scorers in franchise history. After being the 22nd overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Giroux worked his way up to being named a team captain in 2013. Giroux has made six NHL All-Star Game appearances and led his team to the Stanley Cup final in 2010.

At 5'10", Clayton Keller's size hasn't stopped him from being a lethal threat on the ice. A first round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Keller made an immediate impact. In his rookie season, he led the Coyotes in goals, assists and points, and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy. Keller was named to the 2018 NHL All-Rookie team and played in the 2019 NHL All-Star game.

The 7th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, Clayton Kershaw quickly worked his way up through the ranks making his major league debut the following year. Kershaw saw his first action with the Dodgers in 2008 and has been a left-handed strikeout machine ever since. The star pitcher's list of accomplishments is long, however some of the highlights include: three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, All-Star, and winning the pitching triple crown in 2011 as the youngest player to do so since 1985. The biggest accomplishment came in 2020 when Kershaw finally won a World Series with the Dodgers.

Cody Bellinger was a fourth round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger made his major league debut in 2017 and was named the National League's Rookie of the Year. The MLB All-Star then became the NL MVP in 2019 before winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 2020.

The first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, Connor McDavid had high expectations heading into his professional career. McDavid caught the attention of scouts eary on with his incredible vision, speed, and flashiness on the ice. In his second NHL season, McDavid led the league in points and was voted the NHL's most valuable player. He repeated as the league's scoring leader in the 2017-18 season capturing a back-to-back Ted Lindsay award honoring the NHL's most outstanding player.

Drafted in 2011 by the Chicago Sky, Courtney Vandersloot is making her case to be one of the greatest point guards of all time. A two-time Women's National Basketball Association All-Star, Vandersloot is exceptional with the ball in her hands… having led the league in assists five different years. She holds the Women's National Basketball Association all-time record for most assists in a season and highest career assists per game.

USWNT wing back Crystal Dunn is one of the most versatile players in the game. On the pitch, Dunn is able to step in at any position and excel, which is a testament to her athleticism and overall skillset. With over 100 international appearances, Dunn has become a trusted veteran who plays solid defense, but can also put the ball in the back of the net.

A first round draft pick by the Portland Trailblazers in 2012, point guard Damian Lillard has been stealing the show since his rookie season, where he was the league's top newcomer that year. The NBA All-Star is a proven team leader that can be very dangerous from three-point range. Lillard brings speed to the floor and has superb ball handling skills.

After a star freshman season at the University of Kentucky, De'Aaron Fox made the decision to go pro and was selected fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2017 NBA Draft. That same year, Fox was named to the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Challenge. Fox is a strong shooter that can knock it down from long range. In the 2020-21 season, Fox was named the NBA's Player of the Week on two seperate occasions.

The Toronto Raptors selected DeMar DeRozan with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. After nine seasons with the Raptors, DeRozan found a new home in San Antonio. The NBA All-Star is a versatile shooting guard who can contribute in all areas of the game. He will bring good speed, skill, and court vision to your Ultimate Rivals lineup.

After 10 years with the Phoenix Mercury, DeWanna Bonner began a new chapter with the Connecticut Sun in 2020. At 6'4", Bonner is a solid rebounder, can score in the post, and is a strong mid-range shooter. In Bonner's first three seasons with the Mercury, she was a huge weapon coming in off the bench and was the Sixth Woman of the Year for three consecutive seasons. Bonner is a two-time Women's National Basketball AssociationChampion and three-time All-Star.

A first round draft pick by the Phoenix Suns in 2015, Devin Booker has proven to be a three-point shooting machine. Booker became the youngest player to score over 60 points in a game, finishing with 70 against the Celtics in 2017. Just two years later, he became the youngest player in NBA history with back-to-back 50-point games at the age of 22. Booker is among the best in the league and can now add multiple NBA All-Star selections to his resume.

Women's National Basketball Association star Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The top pick from the 2004 Women's National Basketball Association Draft, Taurasi has gone on to have a legendary career with the Phoenix Mercury. Taurasi was the Women's National Basketball Association's Rookie of the year in 2004, has led her team to three Women's National Basketball Association Championships, and has been named the MVP of the Women's National Basketball Association finals twice. To top it all off, Taurasi has been a Women's National Basketball Association All-Star nine times and in 2017 became the leagues all-time leading scorer.

A first round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Domantas Sabonis was quickly traded to Oklahoma City where he spent his rookie year. The big man was traded to Indiana in 2017 where he grew into a breakout season in 2019. The NBA All-Star can put a double-double on any given night with his abilities to shoot and dominate the glass.

Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft, Donovan Mitchell was quickly traded to Utah where he would have an all-rookie caliber first season, one in which he captured the NBA Slam Dunk Contest crown. Early in his career, the All-Star shooting guard has proven to be a major scoring threat. In the 2020 NBA playoffs, Mitchell became just the third player in history to score 50 or more points twice in a playoff series.

After a star freshman season at the University of Michigan, Larkin decided it was time to go pro. In the 2014 NHL Draft, Dylan Larkin was drafted at the age of 19 in the first round as the 15th overall pick. In Larkin's first season with the Detroit Red Wings, he led the squad in goals as a rookie earning him an invite to the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game.

Where Elena Delle Donne goes, success follows. The Women's National Basketball Association star was selected 2nd overall in the 2013 draft by the Chicago Sky. Just one year later, she led her squad to the Women's National Basketball Association finals. In 2017, Delle Donne made her debut for the Washington Mystics and just two years later she helped the franchise claim its first ever Women's National Basketball Association championship title. Delle Donne was named the Women's National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player in 2015 & 2019 and is a six time all-star.

The 5th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, Elias Pettersson immediately found success with the Vancouver Canucks. Scoring five goals in his first five games, Pettersson would go on to lead all rookies in points earning himself a spot in the 2019 NHL All-Star game. Pettersson also won the Calder Trophy, which goes to the NHL's top rookie. Pettersson was also selected to the 2020 NHL All-Star team.

Penguins' captain Evgeni Malkin has called Pittsburgh home throughout his entire NHL career. Malkin is a seven-time NHL All-Star and three-time Stanley Cup Champion. At 6'3", Malkin has a strong arsenal of shots and is a pro when it comes to his stick-handling ability. Malkin is a strong passer and skater that can open up the game for his teammates to find the back of the net.

Gary Sanchez made his professional debut with the New York Yankees in 2015. After one of the best rookie seasons in the MLB, Sanchez gained All-Star status and won the Silver Slugger award in 2017. Sanchez is solid behind the plate and also brings power to the Yankees lineup. He is the fastest catcher to hit 100 home runs in MLB history.

After being drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 2007 MLB Draft, Giancarlo Stanton made his major league debut in 2010. Over the course of seven seasons in Miami, Stanton led the National League twice in home runs. In 2017 Stanton was voted the MVP of the National League. He is also a four-time MLB All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger award winner. Stanton signed with with the New York Yankees in 2018.

One of the best all-around players in the NBA, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dangerous addition to any lineup. Antetokounmpo has racked up some of the NBA's top honors including the Most Valuable Player award, Defensive Player of the Year, and has been named an All-Star. Incredibly athletic and versatile, Antetokounmpo brings a combination of size and speed on offense, but is also able to use those skills on the other side of the ball becoming known for his shot blocking abilities.

Henril Lundqvist made his NHL debut for the New York Rangers in 2005. Lundqvist finished his first season with 30 wins, which was the most ever for a Rangers' rookie. This was just the beginning of a long chapter in Rangers' history. The veteran owns just about every Rangers' goaltending record. Lundqvist has played in the NHL All-Star five times and reached the 400 victory mark in 2017, which leads the NHL. As if Lundqvist's NHL career isn't impressive enough, he also led Sweden to gold in the 2006 Torino Olympics.

A star defensive end for the University of Wisconsin, J.J. Watt was drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Watt currently holds the Texans' franchise records for sacks and forced fumbles. Watt is a three-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowl selection. In 2021, Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Ja Morant with second pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. In Morant's first season, he exceeded expectations being one of three players league wide to average at least 17 points and six assists per game, earning him NBA Rookie of the Year honors. The star point guard is a scoring machine and a defensive game changer.

Selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Jack Eichel jumped straight into the league. Eichel finished his first season with 56 points and was named to the All-Rookie team. In 2018, the Sabres named Eichel a team captain and he has only gotten better since. Eichel has led the Sabres in points for four seasons and has played in the last three NHL All-Star games.

The third overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, James Harden found his first home with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden helped the Thunder reach the NBA Finals in 2012 and was named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year that season. Harden was traded to Houston in 2012 and took his game to a new level. The NBA All-Star went on to lead the league in scoring in 2018 where he earned MVP honors. In 2021, Harden signed with the Brooklyn Nets.The star shooting guard also took home a gold medal with team USA in the 2012 Olympics.

Dallas Stars winger Jamie Benn has been a scoring machine throughout his NHL career. Benn won gold with Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics and has proven to be one of the most elite offensive players in the NHL. In 2015, Benn was the league's leading scorer and happens to be a great distributer of the puck as well.

Jarrett Allen became the second youngest player at 19-years old to step foot on the court for the Brooklyn Nets after being the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. In 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. At 6'11", Allen is strong on the boards and has no problem knocking down a shot. He has averaged nearly a double-double in each game of his career so far.

The Chicago Cubs selected shortstop Javier Baez with the ninth pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. Baez made his major league debut on August 5, 2014. Shortly after, Baez was instrumental in helpnig the Cubs clinch the 2016 World Series title. En route to winning the World Series, Baez was named the NL Championship series co-MVP. The MLB All-Star won the Gold Glove Award in 2020 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2018.