“We talk about that gold standard and she is that.” That’s Breanna Stewart describing Team USA’s veteran figure Diana Taurasi. And this has been so for her last 2 decades, making her women’s basketball’s most decorated Olympian ever. However, the manner in which the 42-year-old bid “au revoir” to the grandest stage of them all wasn’t pleasing to the eye for many. As it turns out, that list also includes the woman she surpassed in her quest for the 6th gold, Sue Bird.

Power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe used their popular podcast A Touch More to evaluate Team USA’s narrow victory over the hosts. While complimenting the contributions of the roster, the couple opened up on Diana Taurasi not playing a single minute in the Gold Medal game. “I didn’t like it,” Bird said. “You know Dee ( Taurasi) was on the team for a variety of reasons. Her experience, her leadership. The fact that she can not just score but knows how to score in big moments. She meets moments.” 

Taurasi’s inclusion in the team was a point of debate among the fans before the start of the tournament. In addition to this, her numbers also didn’t make a compelling case for her. In the 5 games she played, her tally reached a total of only 5 points. This might be the reason head coach Cheryl Reeve decided to replace her with Jackie Young as a starter in the knockouts. But this left her supporters disheartened. They didn’t get to witness her in the middle for one final time in the Final.

Pointing out what Diana Taurasi brings to the table, Bird further added, “The 2 things for me is the calming presence that she gives. When you have a veteran like that and you put them on the floor next to 4 other players who aren’t used to this, it’s just going them to calm a little bit. The other thing that Dee does probably better than any player, even at this age, she knows how to draw fouls.” 

Despite giving her limited minutes, it appears that Cheryl Reeve does recognize Diana Taurasi’s greatness. She reflected soon after Team USA clinched its historic 8th consecutive gold at the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Cheryl Reeve heaped praise on Diana Taurasi

The role of the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer definitely changed at the Paris Olympics. Citing that, Reeve had nothing but admiration for Taurasi when she was able to adapt to that. “She’s ran the gamut,” Reeve expressed. “And, you know, in her final Olympics, the mark that she’s making in terms of leadership and just sharing the knowledge that she has.” 

Something similar was conveyed by the 4× WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes in the latest episode of Gil’s Arena podcast. She said, “For me, what I see from Diana on this team, it’s not how much scoring she’s gonna do, it’s not that. But it’s more of her leadership.”

Indeed, Diana Taurasi has been a tremendous ambassador for Team USA. Her accomplishments, both at the national and pro level, are a testament to the impact she left on the sport. It will be a while before we witness someone else achieving something that grand.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.