With 10,646 points—3,000 more than the next closest—the WNBA’s consensus GOAT has left an untouchable legacy on the court. Now, as father time nudges her toward retirement, she faces the ultimate decision every legend must make. In search of clarity, she’s turning to an unexpected habit to guide her next steps.

In a recent episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Taurasi joined host Howard Megdal to share a glimpse of her current mindset. Facing the question of whether to continue playing or to hang up her jersey, she revealed a surprisingly laid-back approach.

“I’m just letting it all settle, I’m not going to make a decision on trying to have the perfect fairytale ending, because that’s not life. People always get on me, because I always recommend these movies and they never have an ending.”

Despite 3 WNBA titles, 6 Olympic golds, and 11 All-Star recognitions, Taurasi’s outlook is anything but romanticized. In fact, her ‘quirky habit’ of recommending movies without endings is a symbol of how she’s confronting this chapter of life—a reminder that, as she put it, “there’s no ending to the movie, Dee. I’m like, yeah, that’s like life. There’s no ending. It just keeps happening.”

For the 42-year-old, the notion of life as an unending story is more than philosophy; it’s an experience that she has lived through. In fact, after years of regimented training, planned schedules, and must-win moments. Diana Taurasi, who has two courts named after her at Phoenix Mercury’s training facility, can firmly rest on her laurels while taking a break to simply enjoy time with family.

As she put it in the podcast, “I’m just enjoying my time right now with my family. Just the little things that usually I’m really stressed about because I have to get to the next thing. I’m just taking my time with everything.”

But even for the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, stepping away is not an easy call, even though she has already bid adieu to the National team after the Paris Olympics.

Diana the GOAT Taurasi’s dilemma

Taurasi’s approach to retirement seems to be one that embraces an underlying sense of pragmatism, one that acknowledges the significance of making the “right decision” without being swayed by external expectations or “the perfect ending.” A thought that has plagued many a player.

In fact, she has made it clear that when she retires, it will be for good. “I really want to make sure I’m making the right decision,” she said. “Because I know once you start saying retirement… I’m not someone who’s going to come back from retirement.”

This is the mindset of a champion who has achieved just about everything in the sport. Whether it be MVP titles (3) or, all-time records, you name it, Diana Taurasi has achieved it. After all, her career has been more than just points and accolades; it’s been about pushing boundaries and setting standards for the next generation.

As she hovers on the brink of a potential farewell, the guard’s introspection and unhurried approach feel like a fitting testament to her legacy. Whether she plays another season or not, Diana Taurasi will always remain, one of the greatest to have ever graced the WNBA.