One thing that has always set Taurasi apart is her fierce competitive nature. Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who both played against Taurasi for over a decade and later coached against her, shared a humorous yet fitting story about facing the WNBA icon.
"She's a maniac. She has what I call 'the switch,'" Hammon told reporters on Tuesday. "Kobe had it, Michael had it, and she had it. Once she stepped on the court, it was all about winning. There were times I wanted to fight her. And then afterward, she'd ask if I wanted to grab a beer. I'd be like, 'No, I want to kill you right now.'"
Coming from a Hall of Famer like Hammon, that's a testament to Taurasi's relentless drive and passion for the game. While she will undoubtedly be missed, opposing players who had to guard her might feel some relief.
Taurasi is widely regarded as the greatest player in WNBA history, serving as a guiding force for the next generation. One of those rising stars, Caitlin Clark, reacted to Taurasi's retirement with a simple yet meaningful one-word tribute.
Their relationship has evolved significantly over time. Before Clark entered the league, Taurasi had a blunt message for her, telling ESPN's Scott Van Pelt that "reality is coming." In an interview last April, she expanded on that, saying, "There are levels to this game. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but soon, you'll be facing grown women who have been playing professionally for years."
At the time, Taurasi's comments sparked debate, but since then, the two have built a mutual respect. Their mid-court embrace at last season's WNBA All-Star Game symbolized that unity, and Clark's recent message reinforced it.
As Taurasi steps away from the game, she leaves behind a legacy that has shaped women's basketball. Her competitive fire and leadership have inspired countless players, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
