On Wednesday night, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi was recognized in a major way at the 2025 ESPY Awards. Alongside iconic U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan, Taurasi was named a recipient of the prestigious “Icon Award,” a tribute given to athletes who have left a lasting legacy in their respective sports.
Taurasi, who officially announced her retirement from the WNBA in February after a remarkable 20-year career, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players the league has ever seen. Her impact on the game goes well beyond the court. Over the past two decades, she’s inspired countless young athletes with her tenacity, competitive fire, and unfiltered personality. Among those who’ve looked up to her is Paige Bueckers, the electrifying guard who was recently selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
The connection between Taurasi and Bueckers has grown over time, as the two stars from different generations have formed a mutual admiration for one another. That admiration was on display during the ESPY Awards ceremony, where Bueckers appeared in a tribute video honoring Taurasi’s legendary career. Her message struck a humorous yet heartfelt chord as she reflected on what she’s learned from watching Taurasi over the years.
“Dee is unapologetically herself,” Bueckers said in a pre-recorded message. “Dee, because of you, I can be an a–h— and be proud of it.”
The cheeky remark brought laughter from the crowd, but it also underscored something deeper: the way Taurasi’s bold and fearless demeanor has empowered the next wave of players to embrace who they are, both on and off the court. Rather than taking offense, Taurasi would no doubt consider such a comment a sincere compliment—proof that her unapologetic spirit has resonated with the league’s emerging talent.
And that admiration is mutual. Taurasi has openly expressed her belief in Bueckers’ potential, once stating in an interview that the former UConn standout is, in her opinion, destined to become “the best player in the league.” That’s no small praise coming from someone often referred to as the greatest of all time in women’s basketball. With that kind of endorsement, Bueckers isn’t just seen as a talented rookie—she’s viewed as the future of the sport.
