Diana Taurasi, the GOAT of the WNBA, seems to have mastered the art of keeping us on the edge of our seats. Is she really leaving, or is this just another one of her jaw-dropping fakes to the basket? The Phoenix Mercury sure think it might be her final bow, launching a suspense-filled “If This Is It” campaign that’s been hinting Taurasi could be wrapping up her legendary career. But guess what? She hasn’t said a thing about retiring yet. Talk about leaving us hanging!
With the Mercury wrapping up the 2024 WNBA season and failing to make it past the first round of playoffs against the Lynx, all eyes were on Taurasi. But let’s be real here. She’s been dodging retirement questions like defenders in the paint. While the Mercury rolled out special edition “GOAT” jerseys and cryptic social media posts urging fans to see her ‘one last time’ — Taurasi has been cool as ever. If she’s feeling the pressure, she’s hiding it better than a poker pro.
When reporters tried to dig deeper, Taurasi kept things ambiguous, making it sound like even she doesn’t know what the future holds. “As an athlete, you think you get to write the ending, but then it just happens sometimes,” she told AZCentral’s Jenna Ortiz, delivering one of her patented no-look passes to the media. She went on to say she’s “just focused on what’s tomorrow,” then subtly threw us a curveball, hinting, “The end is near. When that is, I don’t know.”
Come on, Diana! Can you blame us for wanting a little clarity? Just a hint? A clue? But no, she’s staying in the moment, locked in on what’s next. Unfortunately for Taurasi and the Mercury, what’s next is offseason mode after getting swept by the Lynx. Ouch.
Even the Minnesota crowd knew something was up. When Taurasi took the floor in Game 2 — which could have been the final curtain call — they gave her a thunderous standing ovation. It was as if the whole stadium was holding up a giant neon sign flashing, “Don’t Go, Diana!” Nike even jumped into the fray, launching a heartfelt tribute ad that read, “D, if this is the last time, it was once in a lifetime.” Leave it to the Swoosh to drop a mic-worthy farewell, whether or not Taurasi’s actually leaving.
But here’s the kicker: Diana herself isn’t exactly sprinting to the exit. It’s more like she’s jogging along the sideline, deciding whether or not to call a timeout. “I don’t want to make any emotional or rash decisions,” she confessed. Wise words from a player who’s been defying age, logic, and gravity for two decades.
So, if Taurasi does decide to retire, she’ll walk away as the greatest scorer in WNBA history — a stat sheet stuffer that would make even Michael Jordan raise an eyebrow. With 10,637 career points, records in most field goals, 3-pointers, and free throws made, she’s got more accolades than some franchises. Throw in three WNBA titles, two Finals MVPs, a regular-season MVP, and about a million ‘clutch’ moments, and you’ve got a legacy that’s practically written in gold ink.
But let’s not forget her wry sense of humor. When asked about the Mercury’s social media posts stirring up retirement talk, Taurasi didn’t dodge. “Sometimes you think you’ll get to write the ending,” she said, adding a hint of suspense to her words. Maybe she’s got a flair for the dramatic, or maybe she’s just enjoying the chaos her ambiguity has caused.
And why wouldn’t she? This is Diana Taurasi we’re talking about. She’s always been one step ahead of her defenders, one witty remark sharper than the last. Whether she decides to hang up her jersey or keep dazzling us for another season, one thing’s for sure: we’re all hooked.
So, until we get an official word — and not just another cryptic post or tongue-in-cheek comment — the “If This Is It” campaign is still a maybe. And Diana? Well, she’s probably chuckling to herself, knowing that she’s got the entire WNBA world playing defense, just waiting for her next move.
Taurasi’s Career by the Numbers:
- Games Played: 565
- Minutes Per Game: 30.7
- Points Per Game: 18.8
- Rebounds Per Game: 3.9
- Assists Per Game: 4.2
- Steals Per Game: 0.9
- Blocks Per Game: 0.6
- Turnovers Per Game: 2.7
- Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 2.6
- Field Goal Percentage: 42.5%
- Three-Point Percentage: 36.0%
- Free Throw Percentage: 87.0%
Diana Taurasi’s Legacy:
Taurasi’s career stats read like a WNBA encyclopedia: Three championships, 14 All-WNBA teams, 11 All-Star nods, a Rookie of the Year trophy, and records in just about every scoring category you can think of. Let’s face it, if she does retire, the only question left is how the WNBA is going to handle saying goodbye to its undisputed GOAT.
Until then, the fans — and even her opponents — are left watching and waiting, hoping that this wasn’t the last dance for Diana. But knowing Taurasi, if this is it, she’ll make the announcement when she’s good and ready — probably while sinking a no-look three-pointer over a triple-team, just because she can.
Stay tuned, folks. Because when it comes to Diana Taurasi, you never really know.
