Kelsey Plum Grateful for This WNBA Star’s Impact: ‘There Will Never Be Another’

Published: March 4, 2025

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 14: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury and Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces talk while waiting for a Phoenix player to shoot a free throw in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Mercury 89-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Kelsey Plum Grateful for This WNBA Star’s Impact: ‘There Will Never Be Another’

By Movieguide® Contributor

WNBA champion Kelsey Plum honored WNBA legend and her Team USA teammate Diana Taurasi, who just announced her retirement from basketball after 21 years in the league.

“This is why female role models and representation are so important,” Plum wrote. “I first saw DT play on TV when she was at UConn, I was 10 years old. I’d never seen a woman with that much confidence and swag, fearlessness and just unapologetic competitiveness. That was who I wanted to be.

Taurasi, 42, told Time Magazine, “Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

Plum couldn’t be more grateful for Taurasi’s example.

“We have a lot of GOATS in our game, they bring different elements of greatness to the table,” she continued. “The greatest gift you can give someone is inspiration. She grew my imagination, always took time to check in, encourage, share wisdom, make me laugh. I got to play with her in the Olympics this summer and I’ll never forget it. The W is growing to heights we’ve never seen, it’s cause players like Dee who laid the foundation. Thank you Dee, truly there will never be another.”

NBA legend Lebron James also spoke about Taruasi’s impact on women’s basketball.

“Just seeing her transcend the game, watching little girls want to play like her, her style, her flair, her bravado, you know, her swagger, it’s been an unbelievable treat,” he told Time Magazine. “She’s one of the all-time greatest, and she will leave her mark on the game of basketball the moment she ties those shoes up and throws them over the pole line. It’s been an honor. All love.”

Taurasi spent her entire 21-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury took to social media to pay homage to their all-time leader.

“She didn’t just wear the jersey — she built our franchise. She played the game, then changed it forever. Thank you will never be enough. But it’s a start,” the franchise wrote.

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