After 20 seasons, Diana Taurasi is concluding her WNBA career. The league’s all-time leading scorer announced her retirement in Time magazine, expressing that she feels “full,” both mentally and physically, after an illustrious career. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full, and I’m happy,” Taurasi stated.
At 42 years old, Taurasi is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, with a resume that would make any athlete feel accomplished. Selected as the first overall pick from UConn in the 2004 WNBA Draft, she has secured three WNBA championships, earned the league MVP title in 2009, won two Finals MVP awards, claimed five scoring titles, was named the 2004 Rookie of the Year, and made 14 All-WNBA teams along with 11 All-Star selections.
In addition to being the league’s all-time leading scorer, Taurasi holds the record for the most three-pointers made in WNBA history. Her rise to stardom began in the early 2000s at UConn, where she became a three-time national champion and was named the AP Player of the Year during the 2002-03 season, averaging 17.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Taurasi spent her entire 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury, a rarity in professional sports today. She was a clear choice for the 2004 Rookie of the Year, averaging 17 points, 3.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Taurasi fulfilled the expectations of the Mercury as their first overall pick, evolving into the legendary player many anticipated she would become.
On the international stage, Taurasi also excelled with Team USA, becoming the first basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals in August. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement regarding Taurasi’s retirement, acknowledging her record-setting career and the respect she has garnered from players worldwide. “In a record-setting career that saw her play 20 seasons, score more points and make more three-point shots than any player in WNBA history, she has earned the unquestioned respect of players around the globe,” Engelbert said. “On behalf of the WNBA family, I thank Diana for everything that she has brought to the WNBA — her passion, her charisma and, most of all, her relentless dedication to the game.”
Taurasi mentioned to Time that she typically starts preparing for the upcoming WNBA season on January 1, but this year she felt she “just didn’t have it in me.” “That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away,” she added. The debate over whether she is the best player in WNBA history continues. “I have a resume. It’s not up to me to grade it,” Taurasi remarked. Her UConn coach, Geno Auriemma, stated, “Until someone comes along and eclipses what she’s done, then, yes, she is.
