Some players win games. Others define an entire franchise. For Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury, that connection has lasted more than two decades. 

The Phoenix Suns announced on X that Taurasi will be inducted into the Mercury’s Ring of Honor on August 16. The post kept it simple but powerful; it reads, “Congrats, DT 👏 Diana Taurasi will be inducted into the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor on August 16th.”

For Mercury fans, the recognition feels inevitable. And from the moment she was chosen first overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft, Taurasi has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the WNBA's all-time leading scorer in 2017. And since then, she has kept pushing the record further.

Taurasi's contribution to Phoenix is not just a matter of statistics. She was instrumental in elevating the Mercury to the top of the WNBA three times, in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Her performance shows that she is now a legend throughout the league.

Being a multiple-time All-Star, she has won MVP and earned Olympic gold medals with Team USA. She has shown her courage and talent; and she has taken Phoenix to new heights. 

However, for Phoenix, the tale of Taurasi's impact is something she can relate to on a very personal level. After all, it is not like she was just another player who happened to play for the Mercury. She was their very soul, the culture of a championship, and the trace left in the WNBA history book.

Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor and the Legends in It

The Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor is essentially the franchise's way of acknowledging people whose work left a lasting impact on the team. Instituted by the Phoenix Mercury, it features the players and prominent figures who contributed to the club's history.

It is not handed out often. The honor is reserved for individuals whose contributions went beyond numbers, whether through championships, leadership, or years of influence on the franchise.

Some Mercury legends have already been included in the Ring of Honor. They brought in Jennifer Gillom, Penny Taylor, and Michele Timms for their significant contributions to the formation of the team's character and the early triumphs.

The franchise has also honored important figures off the court, including former owner Jerry Colangelo, who played a key role in bringing the WNBA to Phoenix.

Now, Diana Taurasi will join that list, adding another defining name to the Mercury’s history.

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Joyita Das