The basketball world is saying goodbye to a true legend. Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest to ever play the game, has officially announced her retirement. After 20 remarkable seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, the 42-year-old has decided to step away from the sport that made her a global icon.
In an exclusive interview with TIME Magazine, Taurasi shared her heartfelt reasons for calling it a career.
“I just didn’t have it in me,” she admitted. “That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.”
Despite still being competitive, Taurasi described a feeling of completeness. “I’m just full,” she said. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full, and I’m happy.”
LeBron James Honors Diana Taurasi’s Legendary Impact on Basketball
As soon as the news spread that one of the greatest WNBA stars who ever graced the court had finally decided to hang her boots, tributes began to pour in from across the basketball world. One of the most touching messages came from NBA superstar LeBron James.
King James shared his admiration for Taurasi’s impact on the game.
“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,” James said.
He praised Taurasi’s influence, calling her “one of the all-time greatest” and recognizing her lasting legacy.
“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.”
James and Taurasi kind of mirror each other in their respective leagues, having both impacted the game like none other in their two decades-long careers. Taurasi even surpassed James when it comes to Olympic medals, boasting six gold medals, while the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has only three to his name.
Beyond that, Taurasi’s career is nothing short of legendary. She hit more 3-pointers than anyone in WNBA history, ranks fourth all-time in assists, and won three WNBA championships with the Phoenix Mercury.
Before her WNBA dominance, she led UConn to three straight NCAA titles from 2001-04, proving her greatness even at the college level.
Beyond the WNBA, she was a dominant force overseas, winning six EuroLeague titles and three Russian Basketball Cups.
The entire basketball world bowed to the legend as she bid farewell to the game. WNBA icon and current Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, called Taurasi “legend,” while NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “You can’t tell the story of the WNBA without Diana.”
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, another WNBA rising star, went on Instagram to pay tribute to Taurasi’s legendary career.
“LEGEND. GOAT. WINNER. Thank you, DT.”
Taurasi’s storied career is the stuff of legends, one that will inspire generations to come. Right now, the basketball world is in awe, grappling with the reality that they will no longer witness Taurasi’s magic and elegance on the court.
