Penny Taylor: A Phoenix Mercury Icon and All-Star Extraordinaire!
Penny Taylor's journey to becoming a Phoenix Mercury legend is a story of grit, talent, and championship glory. Joining the team in 2004 via an expansion draft, Taylor quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise, helping them secure an impressive three WNBA championships. But how did this Australian star rise to such prominence?
Her WNBA career began in 2001 when the Cleveland Rockers drafted her with the 11th pick. This made her the second Australian player selected that year, following Lauren Jackson. The league saw a surge of Australian talent, with Kristen Veal and Jae Kingi also entering the scene shortly after.
Taylor's time with the Rockers was marked by impressive performances, culminating in her first All-Star selection in 2002. In that All-Star game, she showcased her skills, scoring nine points, grabbing three rebounds, and making two steals. This honor came after a season where she averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals, a significant improvement from her rookie year.
After the Cleveland team folded, Taylor found her way to Phoenix, where she truly shined. Her best season was a standout, with averages of 17.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. This performance earned her a second All-Star nod, solidifying her status as a key player for the Mercury during their playoff push. In that All-Star game, she played alongside teammates Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Phoenix was well-represented in that game, with Taurasi scoring 13 points and Pondexter adding 12. Taylor contributed four points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Taylor's final All-Star appearance came in 2011, where she scored 11 points.
Penny Taylor's career is a testament to her skill and dedication, earning her a place among the WNBA's elite. What do you think about her career? Share your thoughts in the comments!
