Phoenix One of the best careers in women’s basketball history is coming to a close as Diana Taurasi retires after 20 seasons.
In an interview with Time magazine on Tuesday, Taurasi, the three-time league champion and WNBA career scoring leader, announced her retirement. Her decision was also validated by her sole WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury.
“I’m just full, both mentally and physically,” Taurasi said to Time. I think that’s the best way to put it. I’m content and fulfilled.
Taurasi set records and won titles while inspiring a generation of players with her taut hair bun and unwavering confidence.
From 2001 to 2004, Taurasi led UConn to three consecutive national titles. She continued to win after being chosen by the Mercury with the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft.
The meaning of this is incredibly difficult to describe. when someone defined the game and when someone had a significant influence on a large number of people and locations. According to Geno Auriemma, coach of UConn, “you can’t define it with a quote.” It is a life that is an epic, a miniseries, a film, and a novel. It tells the story of a remarkable individual who, in my opinion, changed women’s basketball more than any player has ever played the sport.
The 42-year-old finished her WNBA career with 10,646 points, over 3,000 more than Tina Charles, who finished in second place. She also earned her sixth Olympic gold medal in the Paris Games.
In a statement, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “I am grateful for Diana’s contributions to the WNBA, including her enthusiasm, her personality, and, above all, her unwavering commitment to the game.” She leaves a legacy that will last for years to come, and as a result, the WNBA is in a strong position going forward.
Taurasi played year-round for the majority of her career and won six Euroleague titles in addition to her three WNBA titles with the Mercury. One of just four players to win WNBA Finals MVP twice (2009, 2014), she was the 2009 WNBA MVP.
The best player in the history of the game is Diana. “I have always admired her; she is the best teammate and leader,” Mercury owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement. She has had a profound effect on our team, our neighborhood, and basketball as a whole. She will always have a place in our family and her name is connected with the Phoenix Mercury.
Taurasi was on the first or second team a record 14 times and was selected to the all-WNBA first team 10 times. In addition, she was named the 2004 WNBA rookie of the year, a four-time USA Basketball female athlete of the year, and an 11-time WNBA All-Star.
According to Auriemma, “I think the greats have one thing in common: they transcend the sport and become synonymous with the sport.” Diana is the greatest basketball winner in history, regardless of whether the topic is discussed in relation to WNBA, Olympic, or college basketball. She’s the best teammate I’ve ever coached, and I’ve enjoyed spending many of those times with her.
The product of Glendale, California, holds multiple WNBA marks, including 30-point games, field goals, 3-pointers, and playoff scoring. She has sixteen Mercury records as well.
Taurasi will be able to spend more time with her wife, former Mercury colleague Penny Taylor, and their two kids now that she is retired.
Taurasi averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over her career. She led the Mercury to the playoffs in her 20th season, averaging 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
“She just scored at all three levels,” stated Becky Hammon, coach of the Las Vegas Aces. It’s just awful out there. I love that nasty, which I just had. As a competitor, you adore that. She will therefore be missed in our league.
AP Basketball Writers John Marshall and Doug Feinberg
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From New York, Feinberg reported.
