Imagine a basketball player so talented that she not only dominated the court but also became a cornerstone of one of the WNBA's most storied franchises. That's Penny Taylor, the Phoenix Mercury legend whose journey to becoming an All-Star is as inspiring as it is remarkable. But here's where it gets controversial: while many celebrate her achievements, some argue that her impact extends far beyond the stats—a debate we’ll dive into later. Let’s explore how this Australian powerhouse carved her path to greatness.
Penny Taylor’s story with the Phoenix Mercury began in 2004, when the team selected her in an expansion draft. With the first pick, they secured Taylor, and in a bold move, they added another No. 1 pick: Diana Taurasi, fresh off a college championship win. This dynamic duo would go on to help the Mercury clinch three WNBA titles, solidifying Taylor’s legacy as a franchise icon.
Taylor’s WNBA journey started in 2001 when the Cleveland Rockers drafted her 11th overall, making her the second Australian player selected that year—the first being Lauren Jackson, who joined the Seattle Storm. Two more Australians, Kristen Veal and Jae Kingi, followed, marking a significant moment for Australian basketball in the WNBA. Taylor’s time with the Rockers was impressive, earning her a spot in the 2002 All-Star Game as a reserve. She finished the game with nine points, three rebounds, and two steals, showcasing her versatility on the court.
During her All-Star season in Cleveland, Taylor averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals—a notable improvement from her rookie year, where she averaged 7.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and one steal. Her growth from a bench player to a starter in 2002 highlighted her determination and skill.
After the Cleveland Rockers folded, Taylor found her way to Phoenix, where she thrived. Her best season came when she averaged career highs of 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just her stats that stood out—it was her leadership and ability to elevate her teammates that truly defined her impact.
This stellar performance earned Taylor her second All-Star nod, where she played alongside Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter. The 2007 All-Star Game was a showcase of Phoenix’s dominance, with Taurasi starting and contributing 13 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and a block. Pondexter added 12 points, two assists, two steals, a rebound, and a block, while Taylor chipped in with four points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists.
Taylor’s All-Star appearances didn’t stop there. In 2011, she made her third and final All-Star Game, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level solidified her status as one of the WNBA’s all-time greats.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Was Penny Taylor’s greatest contribution her on-court performance, or was it her role in inspiring a generation of Australian athletes to pursue basketball? While her stats speak for themselves, her influence off the court is undeniable. Let us know what you think in the comments!
Taylor’s career was nothing short of phenomenal, and her All-Star appearances were just a few highlights in a legacy defined by resilience, talent, and leadership. To dive deeper into her story, follow us on X and click here: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI!
