WNBA rookie Celeste Taylor has not unpacked her bags since April. From Indiana to Phoenix to Connecticut, the fifteenth-overall pick has not been able to find a home in the pros. Until now. Seems like she will stick with the Mercury for a few more days. After her initial two stints with the team, the franchise has signed the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year to another seven-day contract for the third time just ahead of crucial games. And for this, Taylor has shown her gratitude to the 3x WNBA champions.

Speaking about the new contract, Taylor narrated a heartwarming message during the press conference. “Thank you. This is a place that took a chance on me and believed in me,” Taylor detailed. The Indiana Fever selected the talented guard in the 2024 WNBA drafts. However, she did not see much floor time with them. Later, she was waived off when Damiris Dantas returned to Indianapolis. Since then, she has been with the Mercury and the Sun.

Teams can sign any player to a seven-day contract only three times in a season. This will likely be the free agent’s last stint with the Phoenix Mercury unless a different deal is offered. Addressing the matter, Taylor noted, “So just being able to come in and feel wanted and feel like there’s ways that I can impact the game and be given that opportunity, we’re very, very grateful.” “But, yeah, I mean, if this is my last time, it’s been great,” she concluded further praising the organization.

With Taylor on board, Mercury couldn’t win against the Las Vegas Aces. However, the team clinched the playoff spot by defeating the Atlanta Dream. Mercury had won against the Washington Mystics in the previous two matchups but couldn’t continue the streak losing the third 90-77.

Indiana’s loyalists were not pleased with the Fever waiving the 23-year-old. However, 

The Indiana Fever coach made a tough decision 

The 23-year-old was drafted as the 15th overall pick by the Indiana Fever. However, just after five games, the team waived her by activating their Brazilian player’s contract. The former Duke star had very little time, averaging only 3.2 minutes across five games, to showcase her skills, which wasn’t enough. This move was even more shocking. 

Fans were disappointed despite Coach Christie Sides explaining the situation and called it a “tough” decision. Taylor also played for the Connecticut Sun, but it was with the Phoenix Mercury that she was truly able to show her potential. Averaging 2.7 points across seven games, the former Duke star played 13.2 minutes per game. 

During her time with the Suns, Taylor’s absence on the defensive end was felt by her former teammate Natasha Cloud, who praised the rookie for her understanding of the game. Her first game donning the Mercury jersey was against the Fever, which ended with a 95-86 loss. Her next spot will likely depend on the upcoming matchups while the Phoenix gears up to face the Seattle Storm.

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