Get ready to dive into a piece of WNBA history that’s both fascinating and a bit bittersweet. The Portland Fire is about to make headlines again in 2026, becoming the first team to participate in two expansion drafts—even though it’s not exactly the same team from 26 years ago. But here’s where it gets intriguing: with no collective bargaining agreement in place, the details of the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft (featuring both the Fire and the new Toronto Tempo) remain shrouded in mystery. No dates, no rules—just anticipation. So, while we wait, let’s take a trip down memory lane to the 2000 WNBA Expansion Draft, where the Fire first made their mark. And this is the part most people miss: the stories of the players who shaped the team’s brief but impactful journey.
The 2000 WNBA Expansion Draft wasn’t just about the Portland Fire; it also included the Indiana Fever, Seattle Storm, and the now-defunct Miami Sol. Each team was building its foundation, and the Fire’s picks were a mix of promise, potential, and unexpected twists. Let’s break down who they selected and how their stories unfolded.
Pick 4: Alisa Burras (Forward, Cleveland Rockers)
Alisa Burras wasn’t just a player—she was a cornerstone of the Portland Fire’s three-year run. Standing at 6-foot-3, Burras was a reliable presence on the court, averaging 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. While she primarily came off the bench in 2000 and 2001, her breakout year came in 2002 when she started 24 of 32 games, scoring a career-high 8.7 points per game. By the time the Fire folded, Burras had etched her name into franchise history: second in two-point field goals (225), third in rebounds (186), and fifth in points scored (543). Her loyalty and consistency made her a fan favorite.
Pick 5: Sophia Witherspoon (Guard, New York Liberty)
Sophia Witherspoon was more than just a player—she was a legend in the making for the Portland Fire. Over two seasons, she averaged 14.5 points per game, with 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. Her three-point shooting was elite, hitting 33.9% from beyond the arc. Witherspoon’s impact was so profound that she still holds the team records for three-point field goals (117) and free throws (218). She’s in the top 10 of every statistical category for the Fire, cementing her status as one of the team’s all-time greats.
Pick 12: Tari Phillips (Center, Orlando Miracle)
Here’s where it gets controversial: Tari Phillips never actually played for the Portland Fire. Before the 2000 season even began, she was traded to the New York Liberty for Carolyn Jones-Young. Phillips went on to become a four-time WNBA All-Star and an All-WNBA Second Team selection in 2002, even cracking the top 10 in MVP voting three years in a row. Meanwhile, Jones-Young, recovering from an ACL injury, played limited minutes for the Fire in 2001 and 2002, averaging just 4.6 points per game. Was the trade worth it? That’s a question still debated by fans.
Pick 13: Coquese Washington (Guard, New York Liberty)
Another player who never suited up for the Fire, Coquese Washington was traded to the Houston Comets for Mila Nikolich. Washington was a pass-first guard, averaging 3 points and 2.1 assists per game. Nikolich, however, chose to play internationally, never joining the Fire. This raises an interesting question: How much did these trades shape the team’s trajectory?
Pick 20: Molly Goodenbour (Guard, Sacramento Monarchs)
Molly Goodenbour’s story takes an unexpected turn. By 2002, she had transitioned from player to coach, becoming the associate head coach at Santa Rosa Junior College in California. Her WNBA career never materialized, but her impact on the game continued in a different role.
Pick 21: Jamila Wideman (Guard, Cleveland Rockers)
Jamila Wideman’s time with the Fire was short-lived. She played just five games in the 2000 season, recording four rebounds, two assists, and two steals—but never scoring a single point. Her brief stint leaves us wondering what could have been.
As we look ahead to the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft, the Portland Fire’s 2000 picks remind us of the unpredictability and potential of building a team from scratch. But here’s the real question: Will the new Portland Fire learn from the past, or will they write a completely new story? And what do you think—were the Fire’s 2000 trades bold moves or missed opportunities? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
