Legendary Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi has officially announced her retirement from the WNBA in an exclusive interview with TIME’s Sean Gregory. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” says the 20-year veteran. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
NBA’s LeBron James Gives Diana Taurasi Her Flowers Amid Retirement Announcement
One of the most decorated players in any league, regardless of gender, Taurasi’s career serves as an inspiration for girls who see themselves becoming professional basketball players. The same holds true for the women who have already gone down that pathway, like Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark. However, boys and men who have gotten a chance to watch her dominate for two decades have become enamored with her as well.
One of the most legendary careers in basketball 🐐
Forever a legend 💜 @DianaTaurasi pic.twitter.com/fWxG44XmXs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 25, 2025
This includes the only active player in the NBA with more than 20 years of professional experience: Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
From one of the greats to another 🫡
LeBron James sounds off on the career of Diana Taurasi and the cultural impact that she has made
(via @TIME) pic.twitter.com/8wmtiC2jQk
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 25, 2025
“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…,” he says. “It’s been an honor.”
Coming from arguably the greatest player of all-time, that’s quite the compliment.
Unparalleled
Like James, Taurasi is her league’s all-time leading scorer with 10,646 career points. She’s also won multiple WNBA championships (3), multiple WNBA Finals MVP awards (2), and a WNBA MVP award. A 14-time All-WNBA selection and 11-time WNBA All-Star, her resume will be hard for anyone to match.
Even Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who many consider to be the greatest WNBA player of all-time, has a ways to go to reach some of these milestones. That’s especially true when factoring in her accomplishments with the U.S. women’s national basketball team, with whom she’s won a historic six gold medals. For reference, Wilson has nine fewer All-WNBA selections and five fewer WNBA All-Star selections. She also has one less WNBA championship and four fewer Olympic gold medals.
Comparison is often the thief of joy. However, in this case, it only serves to highlight just how exceptional Taurasi is.
Diana Taurasi, THE Phoenix Mercury Legend 🙌
Over 20 years of buckets and unforgettable moments pic.twitter.com/h0ztUVkPL2
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 25, 2025
Hopefully, retirement treats her as well as she’s treated those who gotten to watch her perform.
© Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
