Diana Taurasi

The Legend herself. Diana Taurasi has been a WNBA great for two decades, and at 42 years old, she’s still playing at an elite level. Having spent her entire WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, she is an integral part of sports culture in Phoenix, but also in Connecticut as a UConn alum. She made history this summer by winning her SIXTH consecutive Olympic Gold medal with USA Basketball. In the Mercury’s first playoff game this season, Taurasi scored five 3-pointers and 21 points showing she can still put up points with the best of them. Taurasi has always been known for her lethal shooting ability and her confidence. She isn’t afraid to get chippy with officials, and less afraid to trash talk her opponents. Playing against DT is just as much a mental game as it is a physical game. She’s fierce, loyal, energetic and has been a huge part of growing the game of basketball to where it is today.

She also currently holds the record for most points ever scored in a WNBA career, with 10,646. Taurasi has yet to announce if she is retiring now that the Mercury’s season is over, but there is still currently the potential for her to add to that impressive total.

When we look back on Taurasi’s career in 10 years or more, it will continue to be a showing of dominance and longevity. Yet, more than that, we will probably all still be in awe of what she was able to accomplish, and how long she was playing for. Professional basketball takes a huge toll on the body, and more so when players in Taurasi’s generation played all year round in both the WNBA and overseas. All while showing up for her national team duties whenever they called her number. Who knows, maybe Diana Taurasi will still be lacing them up in 10 years time? Don't bet against DT!