Who is the greatest athlete in Phoenix history?
Charles Barkley. Larry Fitzgerald. Michael Carbajal. Shane Doan. Randy Johnson. Curt Schilling. Luis Gonzalez. Connie Hawkins. Kurt Warner. Steve Nash. Aeneas Williams. Dick Van Arsdale. Walter Davis. Pat Tillman. … Devin Booker?
All these individuals have strong cases, but there’s only one answer: It’s Diana Taurasi, and unfortunately, it seems like she’s left without a proper farewell.
“If it is the last time, it felt like the first time,” she said in September after the last game of the Phoenix Mercury season.
Many have hailed Diana Taurasi as the greatest
Taurasi is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, 14-time All-WNBA, 11-time All-Star, three-time league champion, two-time Finals MVP, and once a regular season MVP. She has won six gold medals, which probably serve as coasters at her dinner parties.
Her career achievements are so numerous that we can’t list them all.
They proclaimed Taurasi the greatest in 2021.
“Congratulations to Diana Taurasi on being voted as the greatest WNBA player of all time by the fans who have followed her illustrious career and saw her rise above the rest,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
They declared her the greatest in 2017 as well.
“This message,” LeBron James said when Taurasi set the WNBA scoring record, “is for the one, the only, WNBA all-time leading scorer, Diana Taurasi … Salute, DT. The GOAT.”
Caitlin Clark looked up to Taurasi
“That’s somebody I grew up idolizing and looking up to and wanting to be like one day,” Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s biggest star, said.
“Obviously, she’s one of the greatest players our game has ever seen, greatest scorer our game has ever seen … You get to live out your dream while playing against the best, or one of the best, there ever has been.”
Clark’s admiration speaks volumes.
Clark, who just completed her first year in the WNBA, is a prominent star in sports, selected as athlete of the year by Time magazine.
She has endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm. And it’s likely that when Hollywood decides to make “Space Jam 3,” Clark will have a leading role.
None of this was achievable when Taurasi was a rookie in 2004.
DT transformed the perception of women’s sports
During Taurasi’s era, there was a cultural shift in the celebration of women in sports based on their abilities rather than traditional stereotypes.
Taurasi rejected the expectations imposed on female athletes, maintaining her unique style both on and off the court.
She led the Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA title in 2014, then opted to sit out the following season due to financial reasons.
Taurasi’s decisions were ahead of her time, emphasizing her autonomy and self-worth as an athlete.
DT contributed to advancing the equality dialogue
Today, WNBA players receive better pay, treatment, and recognition, with Taurasi recognized as a key figure in advocating for gender equality in sports.
While progress is ongoing, Taurasi’s influence has significantly impacted the status of female athletes.
If this is indeed her farewell, Taurasi has continued to drive important discussions and shape the future of women’s sports.
By engaging with Caitlin Clark, Taurasi elevated the rookie’s profile and sparked widespread interest among fans.
Taurasi’s Phoenix legacy
Taurasi’s impact transcends her playing career, influencing those who may not have previously been interested in women’s sports.
Her contributions merit recognition, especially in Phoenix sports history.
She can’t retire without a proper farewell.
DT embodies excellence in every aspect.
For many, Taurasi’s loyal fanbase stands out, showcasing the profound impact she has had on the community.
While I hope she returns for another season, I understand that she may not. Nevertheless, a proper farewell is essential to honor the greatest athlete in Phoenix’s history.
She deserves it.
Contact Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @SayingMoore.
