WNBA Legend Elena Delle Donne Announces Retirement
Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne has announced her retirement from professional basketball, ending a stellar career marked by individual accolades and a championship title.
Delle Donne Cites Physical toll in Retirement Declaration
Delle Donne,35,shared her decision Friday in an Instagram post,stating that retiring was “the right thing for me at the right time,” explaining that her body made the decision before her mind fully accepted it. The announcement marks the end of an era for the Washington Mystics and the WNBA.
A Storied Career: From Rookie of the Year to Champion
Delle Donne entered the league with high expectations after being drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013. She immediately lived up to the hype, earning Rookie of the Year honors and making the All-Star team in her first three seasons. In 2015, she secured her first MVP award, solidifying her place among the league’s elite.
Dominance in D.C.: MVP Award and WNBA Title with Mystics
A trade to the Washington Mystics prior to the 2017 season saw Delle Donne continue her dominant play. She earned three more all-Star selections and captured her second MVP award in 2019. The same year,she led the Mystics to their first WNBA championship,cementing her legacy in the nation’s capital.
Battling Back Injuries: A Test of Resilience
the 2019 WNBA Finals also saw Delle Donne sustain a back injury. After undergoing two back surgeries in 2020, she sat out the pandemic-shortened season. Limited to just three games in 2021 due to ongoing back issues, her resilience was tested.
Final Seasons: All-Star Nod and Unrestricted Free Agency
Delle Donne returned to the court in 2022,averaging 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, even receiving MVP votes. She continued to perform at a high level in 2023,earning her seventh and final All-Star selection.
Expected to become an unrestricted free agent, Delle Donne expressed uncertainty about playing in 2024.The Mystics placed a core designation on her and offered a one-year supermax contract, but she ultimately decided to take a year away from basketball before announcing her retirement.
Legacy Secured: A WNBA icon
Delle Donne retires as one of the WNBA’s most decorated players. her accolades include two MVP awards, five All-WNBA selections, seven All-Star appearances, a WNBA championship, and a spot on the W25 team, which honored the league’s top 25 players of all time in 2021.
What specific detail about Delle Donne’s back injuries and surgeries is mentioned, suggesting the author had access to data beyond a general sports news report?
WNBA Legend Elena Delle Donne Announces Retirement
Two-time WNBA MVP elena Delle Donne has announced her retirement from professional basketball, ending a stellar career marked by individual accolades and a championship title.
Delle Donne Cites Physical toll in Retirement Declaration
Delle Donne,35,shared her decision Friday in an Instagram post,stating that retiring was “the right thing for me at the right time,” explaining that her body made the decision before her mind fully accepted it. the announcement marks the end of an era for the Washington Mystics and the WNBA.
A Storied Career: From Rookie of the Year to Champion
Delle Donne entered the league with high expectations after being drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013. She immediately lived up to the hype, earning rookie of the Year honors and making the All-star team in her first three seasons. In 2015,she secured her first MVP award,solidifying her place among the league’s elite.
Dominance in D.C.: MVP Award and WNBA Title with Mystics
A trade to the Washington Mystics prior to the 2017 season saw Delle Donne continue her dominant play. She earned three more all-Star selections and captured her second MVP award in 2019. The same year,she led the Mystics to their first WNBA championship,cementing her legacy in the nation’s capital.
battling Back Injuries: A Test of Resilience
the 2019 WNBA Finals also saw Delle Donne sustain a back injury. After undergoing two back surgeries in 2020, she sat out the pandemic-shortened season. Limited to just three games in 2021 due to ongoing back issues, her resilience was tested.
Final Seasons: All-Star Nod and Unrestricted Free Agency
Delle Donne returned to the court in 2022,averaging 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, even receiving MVP votes. She continued to perform at a high level in 2023,earning her seventh and final All-Star selection.
Expected to become an unrestricted free agent, Delle Donne expressed uncertainty about playing in 2024.The Mystics placed a core designation on her and offered a one-year supermax contract, but she ultimately decided to take a year away from basketball before announcing her retirement.
Legacy Secured: A WNBA icon
delle Donne retires as one of the WNBA’s most decorated players. her accolades include two MVP awards, five All-WNBA selections, seven All-Star appearances, a WNBA championship, and a spot on the W25 team, which honored the league’s top 25 players of all time in 2021.
Elena Delle Donne: FAQs
Q: Why did Elena Delle Donne retire?
A: Primarily due to the physical toll of her career, particularly stemming from back injuries. She stated her body made the decision for her.
Q: When was Elena Delle Donne drafted into the WNBA?
A: 2013, by the Chicago Sky, as the No.2 overall pick.
Q: What are some of Elena Delle Donne’s major achievements?
A: Two-time WNBA MVP (2015, 2019), 2019 WNBA Champion, Rookie of the Year (2013), seven-time All-Star, and a spot on the W25 team. She is one of only 11 WNBA players to win multiple MVP awards.
Q: What team did Elena Delle Donne win her WNBA Championship with?
A: The Washington Mystics in 2019.
Q: What is a “core designation” in the WNBA?
A: It’s a designation a team can use to retain a player, giving them priority in contract negotiations. It allows a team to control a player’s rights, preventing them from signing with another team without compensation.
Q: What’s next for Elena Delle Donne?
A: While she has retired, she took a year away from basketball prior to announcing her retirement. Her future plans are currently unknown.
Elena Delle Donne’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy as one of the WNBA’s greatest players will continue to inspire for years to come.
