After years of anticipation, Diana Taurasi, the Phoenix Mercury legend, finally announced her retirement this week. Taurasi has been an integral part of the WNBA for 20 years, and her departure marks the end of an era with her immense impact on the game. As the news spread, players across both the WNBA and NBA paid tribute to her legendary career. Kyrie Irving, a guard for the Dallas Mavericks, was the most recent NBA star to speak about Taurasi’s retirement, and he shared his thoughts in an interview with Landon Buford.
“She’s just a bona fide killer. She comes from that stock of Michael Jordan and Kobe,” Irving said, acknowledging Taurasi’s competitive drive. “Sue Bird being her running mate, and them just being a duo that lasted for such a long time, going against each other. I was one of those kids that looked up to them—it didn’t matter if they were female. I looked up to them because of the way they approached basketball.”
Irving remembered Taurasi’s fiery personality and leadership while playing alongside her on Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. One well-known story from that Olympic run involves Taurasi calling out Draymond Green during a heated debate, an example of the confidence and intensity that defined her career. Irving added that he hopes Taurasi receives proper recognition during his retirement.
“I’m proud of DT. It’s been a long journey. Hopefully, a few brands shower her with million-dollar deals—that’s retirement. I think that’s the great getaway gift. Just make sure that she’s showered with a lot of love and flowers after her career is done. She deserves it. She’s done a lot for basketball culture in general.”
A Career for the Ages
For 20 seasons, Diana Taurasi competed in the WNBA, all with the Phoenix Mercury. In 2015, her Russian club team paid her to sit out the WNBA season, which was the only year she didn’t play. Taurasi, the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, quickly impacted the league and became one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Her career statistics speak for themselves. Taurasi holds career averages of 18.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while shooting 42.5% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line. She has been an 11-time All-Star and won the WNBA MVP award in 2009, guiding the Mercury to three championships (2007, 2009, 2014). Taurasi’s leadership and influence contributed to the modern WNBA, beyond her numbers. Her name was synonymous with winning, as she was a fearless competitor and a mentor for younger players. The nickname ‘White Mamba’ was given to her by Kobe Bryant due to her ability to take over games in the clutch.
The Legacy of Diana Taurasi
As Taurasi prepares to leave the court, the basketball community takes a moment to appreciate all her accomplishments. Her excellence, grit, and passion legacy has inspired many young players to follow in her footsteps. With her retirement, the WNBA is saying goodbye to one of its most iconic figures, but Taurasi’s influence will be felt for generations. Kyrie Irving and others have expressed that she is deserving of the highest level of recognition. Diana Taurasi’s impact on basketball is irresistible, whether through endorsements, tributes, or Hall of Fame honors.
