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Paige Bueckers finds inspiration from former Mercury star's longevity

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 12:19 AM ET

On Wednesday, Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers returned to action against the Phoenix Mercury. Due to the WNBA's concussion protocol, Bueckers had to miss a few games for the Wings. Following that, she had an illness, which made her miss four straight games.

Ahead of the contest, Bueckers entertained the media as she returned to the lineup. One of the questions was about her thoughts on former Mercury star Diana Taurasi. The basketball icon spent her entire 20-year career in Phoenix and retired after the 2024 season.

She didn't stay for one more year to have the chance to play against Bueckers, whom she views as the best player in the league.

During her time with reporters, Bueckers was asked about her thoughts on the future Hall of Fame player. According to her, she's looked up to Taurasi since she was young and looks at her greatness as "inspiring."

"I've looked up to DT (Diana Taurasi) ever since I was little, and she's the shoes that I want to fill," Bueckers said. "And the greatness that she carried on and off the court is something that I truly admired, and it was inspiring to me.

The former UConn star also commented on the 43-year-old's longevity and how she wants to imitate it.

"Definitely," when asked if she would have preferred to play against Taurasi, the Rookie of the Year nominee said. "I wish I got to compete against her. But she had a great, long career. Longevity is something that I want to do as well."

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers on looking up to Diana Taurasi, the biggest lesson she’s learned during her rookie season, her faith and how her relationships with her Wings teammates have evolved.#WNBA pic.twitter.com/aswxuCmksO
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 12, 2025

Like Bueckers, Taurasi was an icon for UConn from 2000 to 2004. They have a lot of similarities in their basketball career. Both won the NCAA championship and were picked first overall in their respective draft classes.

Drawing inspiration from Taurasi is a good sign for what's to come for Buecker's career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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