The list of big names that would and potentially be missing at the outset of the upcoming WNBA season already read like a who’s who between Maya Moore, Liz Cambage, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Angel McCoughtry, and Breanna Stewart.
That list now has one more after the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi underwent successful surgery in what was described as a “procedure on a disc protrusion in her back to alleviate symptoms” of weakness of the muscles and pain.
Such a timetable would theoretically have Taurasi’s return sometime in July – possibly around All-Star weekend in the latter part of the month.
According to a release, Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said she experienced these symptoms during workouts in the offseason and informed the team.
We have confidence that this procedure will not only get her back on the court but ensure she can get back to chasing around her toddler son, Leo, as well.
–Phoenix Mercury general manager Jim Pitman (per release)
The Mercury, which have won three championships in its history – all with Taurasi – have come close the last few seasons only to be denied. Phoenix is expected to, once again, be a contender for the W’s top prize in 2019.
No Maya Moore. No Breanna Stewart. No Diana Taurasi.
That hurts my little UConn heart.
— Diana Taurasi’s Bun (@DT3sBun) April 25, 2019
This WNBA season will start without
Breanna Stewart (injured)
Maya Moore (sitting out for personal reasons)
Diana Taurasi (injured) https://t.co/OVTSVamjB8— Katie Barnes (@katie_barnes3) April 25, 2019
Yikes. That’s not what you wanna see for your near-37-year-old franchise cornerstone four weeks before the season starts. #wnbahttps://t.co/BBH3JYCdce
— Richard Cohen (@RichardCohen1) April 25, 2019
@DianaTaurasi You won’t see this because I know you’re not on here, but wishing you a full recovery. We’ll be here waiting. The game is not the same without the 🐐.
— Diana Taurasi’s Bun (@DT3sBun) April 25, 2019
