“I could say championships or MVP, but there’s something special about being on one team for 20 years. Coming from Argentina and growing up in an Italian household (in California), loyalty is big for us.” Diana Taurasi has embodied that sense of loyalty and longevity throughout her career, spending over two decades with a single franchise: the Phoenix Mercury. Through the years, she has been the heart and soul of the team, leading them to glory thrice.

Unfortunately, goodbyes are an inevitable part of any athlete’s journey, and it seems Diana Taurasi might be nearing hers. If the Phoenix Mercury’s recent post wasn’t enough to spark retirement rumors, Taurasi’s own words—saying ‘the end is near’—have left fans bracing for the moment they’ll have to bid farewell to the WNBA legend. While it’s a tough reality to accept, there’s comfort in looking back at Taurasi’s incredible 20-year career, filled with quite a few moments.

Diana Taurasi: A legacy of greatness in Phoenix Mercury history

While the team fell short in their last regular season game, they still have a playoff showdown ahead against the Minnesota Lynx. Taurasi’s journey, however, is far from defined by this loss. It all began back in 2004 when the Mercury selected her as the No. 1 overall pick, fresh off her dominant college career at UConn, where she truly owned the game in her Huskies jersey.

The UConn alum wasted no time making her mark in the WNBA, averaging 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, showcasing her all-around game from the start. Although the Mercury narrowly missed the playoffs that year, Taurasi’s outstanding performance earned her the Rookie of the Year award, solidifying her place as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

The Mercury GOAT’s standout year came in 2006, when she truly hit her stride and delivered her best personal performance to date. She racked up 860 total points, averaging an impressive 25.3 points per game—her career-high that still stands. Riding that wave of momentum, Taurasi entered the 2007 season with fire, playing a pivotal role in leading the Mercury to their first WNBA championship. That title marked the beginning of her legacy as one of the league’s most dominant players.

She would then go on to lead the team to two more championships in 2009 and 2014. Her clutch performances earned her Finals MVP honors in both championship run. What truly sets the 2x final MVP apart is her unprecedented scoring ability—she’s the only player in WNBA history to surpass 10,000 career points, holding a massive lead of almost 3,000 points ahead of second-place Tina Charles.

Just a couple of years ago, Diana Taurasi became the only player over 40 to score more than 30 points in a game. Well, she’s certainly earned every bit of recognition and the countless accolades that have come her way over the years.

Diana Taurasi’s records and honors in the WNBA

Diana Taurasi’s accolades speak volumes about her impact on the game. Not only has she been named Finals MVP twice, but she’s also one of only four players in WNBA history to achieve that honor multiple times. Her consistency and skill have earned her a spot on the All-WNBA First Team ten times, and she’s an 11-time WNBA All-Star, including this season.

At 43 years old, Diana Taurasi has established herself as a dominant force in the WNBA, clinching the Scoring Champion title five times. She also showcased her playmaking abilities by earning the WNBA Assist Leader award during the Mercury’s championship run in 2014. But her accolades don’t stop there—Taurasi has been recognized as a WNBA Peak Performer six times.

The 6x Olympic gold medalist also holds impressive WNBA records that showcase her scoring prowess, including the most made field goals with 3,338, the highest number of three-pointers at 1,444, and an outstanding 2,517 successful free throws. As the Mercury GOAT approaches what may be her final chapter, she firmly establishes her legacy. She has averaged 15.1 points along with 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists even in the 20th year of her career.

However, in the game against Seattle Storm, her teammates honored her by donning her No. 3 jersey during player introductions, a poignant nod to the possibility that this could be her last season on the court. “To be able to wear one jersey for 20 years and stay in the same city through all the ups and the downs, that to me is my biggest accomplishment,” said Taurasi earlier to Fox 61.

As Diana Taurasi potentially wraps up her remarkable journey, her legacy as a beacon of loyalty and excellence in the WNBA will forever resonate.