Why Did WNBA Icon Diana Taurasi Retire After 20 Seasons in the League?

Diana Taurasi’s retirement news comes as a shock to the WNBA world. The 42-year-old legendary women’s basketball star and one of the most prolific players in WNBA history put an end to her long professional career. The WNBA’s career scoring leader, Taurasi announced her retirement on Wednesday in an interview with Time Magazine.

The player’s retirement decision was confirmed in her interview. It was stated that she was mentally and physically full. Taurasi stated that this was the best way to describe it, as she was full and happy. It was stated by the WNBA commissioner that Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage. So let’s look at the WNBA icon’s illustrious career in detail.

Key Moments of Diana Taurasi’s Career

Diana Taurasi was drafted by Phoenix Mercury first overall in the 2004 WNBA draft. At times in her career, she had to play forward because there were shorter players in the starting five on her team. However, she mainly played guard.

In her WNBA debut, Taurasi scored 22 points against the Sacramento Monarchs. In her Rookie season, she averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Although the Mercury did not qualify for the playoffs, Taurasi was named to the Western Conference All-Star team and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. In 2005, Taurasi averaged 16.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while battling an ankle injury.

Her scoring in crucial situations has earned her the nickname “White Mamba”, coined by Kobe Bryant. Taurasi is one of 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup, and a WNBA Championship.

Diana Taurasi’s path to WNBA’s all-time leading scorer began at UConn, where she led the Huskies to three NCAA championships and earned NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player honors twice. She was taken No.1 in the 2004 WNBA Draft. Some key moments of Taurasi’s career include winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2004. For the rookie season, she averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. She led Phoenix, which drafted her No. 1 in 2004, to WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. A five-time WNBA scoring champion and 14-time All-WNBA selection, Taurasi was league MVP in 2009 and Finals MVP in 2009 and 2014.

Diana Taurasi Retirement Reactions

The WNBA posted a gratitude post on its X account in honor of Taurasi’s career, they wrote: “Thank you, Diana, for changing the game forever, all of the accolades could never amount to the type of person and edge you embodied when you stepped out there on the court”. However, the reactions from her fellow athletes stole the show. LeBron James and the basketball community came together to pay tribute to Diana Taurasi as she announced her retirement after an illustrious 20-season career in the WNBA.

When asked to reflect on Taurasi’s influence in basketball, LeBron James shared, “Just seeing her transcend the game, watching little girls want to play like her, her style, her flair, her bravado, you know, her swagger, it’s been an unbelievable treat. She’s one of the all-time greatest, and she will leave her mark on the game of basketball the moment she ties those shoes up and throws them over the pole line. It’s been an honor. All love.”

The 42-year-old basketball legend scored more points and made more 3-point shots than any player in WNBA history, she earned immense respect from players around the globe, delivered electrifying moments, and captivated fans again and again.