Diana Taurasi Retires: Ranking WNBA Stars Who Could Break Her Scoring Record
With Diana Taurasi’s legendary WNBA career coming to an end, the conversation turns to who might eventually surpass her in career points. Taurasi, the league’s all-time scoring leader, has set a high bar, but several current stars have a strong chance to challenge her record.
The Legacy of Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi has been the face of the WNBA for over two decades. Since being drafted in 2004, she has consistently dominated the league, earning multiple MVP awards, championships, and cementing her status as an all-time great. Her scoring ability, leadership, and longevity make her an icon in the sport.
She retires as the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, but her record may not last forever. Let’s take a look at the top contenders who could eventually surpass Taurasi’s unbelievable scoring mark.
Top Players Who Could Break Taurasi’s Record
Several rising and established stars in the WNBA have the potential to challenge Taurasi’s mark. The key factors that will determine if they can break the record include:
- Consistency: Maintaining high scoring averages for an extended period.
- Longevity: Playing at an elite level for 15+ seasons.
- Health: Avoiding major injuries that could cut their career short.
1. A’ja Wilson
Age: 28 years old
Current Points Total: Over 5,000 points
A’ja Wilson has already cemented her place as one of the WNBA’s top scorers. A dominant force in the paint, Wilson has a player profile similar to Taurasi in the sense that she scores in high volumes and plays a significant number of minutes each season.
Wilson’s dedication to her fitness and skills development suggests she could have the longevity needed to take down Taurasi’s record one day.
2. Breanna Stewart
Age: 29 years old
Current Points Total: Over 6,000 points
Stewart is one of the most complete players in WNBA history. She has already secured MVP honors, championships, and is a scoring machine. What makes Stewart a prime candidate to surpass Taurasi is her ability to score from everywhere on the court.
If she stays healthy and maintains her current scoring rate, Stewart could be the next all-time leading scorer within the next decade.
3. Arike Ogunbowale
Age: 27 years old
Current Points Total: Over 4,500 points
Arike Ogunbowale is one of the most dynamic guards in the game today. Known for her clutch factor and scoring prowess, she could follow Taurasi’s blueprint and put up elite numbers for another decade.
The challenge for Ogunbowale will be whether she can sustain her scoring output well into her 30s.
4. Sabrina Ionescu
Age: 26 years old
Current Points Total: Over 3,500 points
Ionescu is the most well-rounded offensive player on this list. She can score at all three levels and is also an elite playmaker. Due to her playmaking role, her scoring average isn’t as high as some of the other contenders, but if she shifts into a more scoring-centric approach, she could make a strong challenge for the record.
What Will It Take to Break Taurasi’s Record?
Diana Taurasi’s longevity is what makes her record so difficult to break. The most recent WNBA stars will need to:
- Avoid major injuries: A long career is needed to reach the scoring peak.
- Play 15+ seasons: Taurasi’s record took a long time to reach.
- Maintain a scoring average above 20 points per game: High volume scoring is a must.
Conclusion
Diana Taurasi’s retirement marks the end of a legendary career, but her scoring record will be an ongoing challenge for the next generation. While A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart lead the pack of potential record-breakers, young stars like Arike Ogunbowale and Sabrina Ionescu could also make a run at the milestone.
Breaking Taurasi’s record will require incredible consistency, health, and longevity. Only time will tell if any of these WNBA stars can surpass the G.O.A.T.
