We are very well aware that Devin Booker and Diana Taurasi, both prominent Phoenix superstars—Booker with the Suns and Taurasi with the Mercury—have always shared a special bond. Their relationship goes beyond just being athletes from the same city. And now, it seems the Suns guard is setting the record straight to the newcomers, reminding them that following in Diana’s footsteps won’t be easy. Well, we can’t deny that matching the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer’s standards is no small feat.

Talking about his fellow Phoenix player, the 4× NBA All-Star bluntly stated, “She [Diana] has been a historian of the game, understanding that she has paved the way for this coming generation. She set the bar so high that, you know, they probably won’t be able to reach.” 

He also reminisced, “Since day one, Diana has the energy and spirit like she is ready to play tomorrow. They say she is retiring, I don’t know, but I hope not because she has always been a staple for me throughout my whole career, even the short conversation of passing in the locker room or in the way rooms,” he added. This indeed shows the impact the 3× WNBA champion has had on him.

Speaking of her career, the 2009 WNBA MVP has achieved legendary status since joining the WNBA in 2004. She just turned 42 and is still winning titles. She won her sixth Olympic gold in Paris, an all-time record for both men and women in U.S. basketball. Her career accolades include being named WNBA MVP, leading the Mercury to multiple championships, and being the league’s all-time leading scorer. No wonder the legendary Kobe Bryant gave her the nickname, White Mamba.

Taurasi, in turn, has praised Booker and spoken highly of him. “From the day he got to Phoenix, he was a grownup, he was serious about basketball,” she said. She even hopes her son, Leo, can look up to him. Their shared admiration recently made the headlines when the Mercury guard was featured in a commercial for Booker’s signature Nike shoes.

Is Diana Taurasi Really Retiring?

Doubts about her retirement were raised following the Mercury’s final regular season matchup at home, where she received a standing ovation after checking out of the game. The players also spoke highly of her, which seemed to indicate that it was her last appearance at the Footprint Center. And it was true as Phoenix got swept in the first-round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx.

After the Game 2 loss, even Minnesota fans got on their feet to applaud arguably the WNBA GOAT. As of now, Taurasi boasts over 9,500 career points, making her a player that fans, analysts, and upcoming players look up to. Moreover, the WNBA icon’s presence extends beyond the basketball court. She continues to pave the way for countless women in sports. But now, after 19 long years of a remarkable career, the whispers of Diana’s retirement have started to circulate. 

So, will she retire soon? While she remains tight-lipped about her future, the question looms large. Whether she plans to hang her jersey or not, it’s certain that her legacy is firmly established. Like Booker, we also hope she continues to rock the court, as it’s hard to imagine the landscape without her.