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Klay Thompson, who was the star guard during the Dallas Mavericks’ tough 132-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, spent some time reflecting on the career of Diana Taurasi.
After more than two decades of unparalleled achievement, she has recently announced her retirement from the game. Thompson, who played against the Bucks and scored 16 points, five assists, and two rebounds, was one of the many athletes who expressed their heartfelt sentiments about the WNBA icon. Thompson expressed admiration for Taurasi’s remarkable career and its long-lasting impact on the game when asked about her retirement by LandonBuford.com.
“I mean six gold medals. I think a three-time champ. Won at UConn I think at least two or three times,” Thompson said. “I’ve been watching Diana since I was a little kid.”
Taurasi’s words perfectly captured the respect that many in the basketball world have for her, who has not only been a dominate force in the WNBA but also paved the way for the sport itself. Taurasi’s retirement announcement on February 25 left behind a legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Taurasi’s 20-plus seasons of excellence have resulted in her breaking numerous records, including being the all-time leading scorer in the WNBA. Her remarkable feat of winning six Olympic gold medals places her in the pantheon of basketball legends.
“She’s one of the greatest basketball players of all-time,” Thompson said, bringing together the general consensus that Taurasi’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. Her achievements are not limited to individual accolades, as she has also been instrumental in mentoring and inspiring the next generation of WNBA stars. Taurasi ended her professional career with the Phoenix Mercury. The 42-year-old Taurasi spoke to TIME about her decision to retire.
“I just didn’t have it in me. That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.”
Her legacy will remain a source of inspiration for future players who aspire to achieve the same level of greatness she achieved during her legendary career, even after she leaves the game. Over her career, Taurasi averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. The WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2004, an 11-time All-Star, and the league MVP in 2009 were among her accomplishments. Taurasi is recognized not only as a prolific scorer but also as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in women’s sports. Taurasi shared her perspective on her legacy as she reminisced about her remarkable career.
“My scoring record, or the six gold medals, someone’s going to come around that has the same hunger, the same addiction to basketball, and put those records in a different way, a different name,” she said. “That’s what sports is all about. That’s going to be fun to watch. Hopefully not soon.”
Klay Thompson’s tribute to Taurasi only adds to the chorus of admiration for her unparalleled contributions to the game. Diana Taurasi’s legacy is secure because of her remarkable on-court achievements or her role in shaping the future of women’s basketball.