Caitlin Clark Sends One-Word Message After Diana Taurasi’s Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 6:23 PM ET

After 20 seasons in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury, point guard Diana Taurasi has decided to call it quits, announcing her retirement from basketball.

Taurasi is widely considered the greatest WNBA player of all time. She helped bring the Mercury three WNBA championships while winning an MVP award in the process. She also holds the WNBA record for most career points with 10,646 and has won a record six Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” Taurasi said in an interview with Time. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

With Taurasi on her way out, many believe that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark is set to takeover as the face of the WNBA, if she hasn't already. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star proved in her first year that she can put a spotlight on the league, breaking all sorts of records during the 2024 season.

After Taurasi retired, Clark acknowledged her greatness by reposting ESPN's announcement of Taurasi's retirement, using one word to react to the Mercury legend's decision.

"legend," Clark captioned her story.

Clark and the Fever went head to head against Taurasi and the Mercury three times throughout the 2024 season. And it was Clark who got the last laugh each time, winning all three games by a combined 24 points.

In just one season, Clark proved to be one of the best players in the entire WNBA. Averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists, she was named to the All-WNBA first team and broke the record for most assists in a single season.

317 assists in the (317) ️

Caitlin Clark broke the @WNBA record for most assists in a season in her first year in Indy. pic.twitter.com/Wzz7XaCusx
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) September 14, 2024

The Mercury will go into the 2025 season looking completely different. They will be without Taurasi for the first time in 20 years. And after over a decade with Phoenix, Brittney Griner is leaving for the Atlanta Dream. But to replace some star power that the Mercury has lost, Alyssa Thomas will be joining the team this year.

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

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