This week marked the official announcement of Diana Taurasi’s retirement from the Phoenix Mercury, a legend who had been with the team for years. The news caused admiration to flood social media and press conferences.

Both WNBA peers and NBA stars reflected on the legacy of one of the greatest players to ever step on the court. Kyrie Irving, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, paid tribute to Taurasi and shared his thoughts with LandonBuford.com.

“She’s just a bona fide killer. She comes from that stock of Michael Jordan and Kobe,” Irving said, emphasizing the competitive spirit that defined Taurasi’s career. “Sue Bird being her running mate, and them just being a duo that lasted for such a long time, going against each other. I was one of those kids that looked up to them—it didn’t matter if they were female. I looked up to them because of the way they approached basketball.”

Irving continued expressing his hopes for Taurasi’s well-deserved recognition after her career.

“I’m proud of DT. It’s been a long journey. Hopefully, a few brands shower her with million-dollar deals—that’s retirement. I think that’s the great getaway gift… just make sure that she’s showered with a lot of love and flowers after her career is done. She deserves it. She’s done a lot for basketball culture in general.”

Taurasi and Irving have connections beyond their mutual respect for the game. Taurasi and Draymond Green were part of Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where Taurasi’s fierce competitive nature showed up. She was famous for holding her own during a heated team discussion.

A Storied Career Comes to an End

Diana Taurasi’s influence on both the WNBA and basketball as a whole is indescribable. Playing 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, except for 2015 when her Russian team paid her to sit out, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft and immediately became the face of the franchise.

Her capacity to score efficiently and effectively was exemplified by her average of 18.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game and her shooting splits of 42.5% from the field, 36% from three, and 87% from the free-throw line.

Taurasi’s legacy as one of the most dominant and respected players in basketball history is marked by her 11-time All-Star status, 2009 WNBA MVP, and three-time champion (2007, 2009, 2014). The basketball community is ensuring that Taurasi receives the flowers she deserves as the WNBA prepares for a future without her on the court, metaphorically and in lucrative post-career opportunities, as Kyrie Irving suggested. Diana Taurasi’s influence will undoubtedly last for decades.

Buford Landon

Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.

He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.

His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.

His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.

In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.