The clock was ticking for the Phoenix Mercury to make a decision of whether to keep Celeste Taylor or release her for a second time as her most recent seven-day contract expired. But now, she will remain in the Valley for at least another week.
Having the option to sign her to one last seven-day deal of the season, the Mercury and Taylor agreed to terms on another short-term contract Friday. [The WNBA allows a player to sign up to three seven-day contracts in one season with the same team, and This is her final deal of this stature.](https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/news/wnba-rookie-celeste-taylor-signs-another-contract-with-phoenix-mercury-wnba-news-rosters-wnba-rookies)
Taylor's Rollercoaster Season
Last Friday, Taylor re-signed with Phoenix after a two-game stint with the Connecticut Sun. She joined the Sun off of the expiration of her original seven-day contract with the Mercury, which was signed on July 12. The 5-foot-11 guard was drafted in the second round this year by the Indiana Fever and was waived before her arrival in Phoenix.
With the suspected return of both Rebecca Allen and Charisma Osborne being imminent, there were questions as to if Taylor was going to be released and signed somewhere else or not. Allen is currently nursing a right hamstring injury and Osborne has been out with a left lower leg strain, but are both making progress.
Unlike some players who may not know how to cope with moving from team to team, the New York native flipped from school to school collegiately and it prepared her for something like this. She started at Texas as a freshman and sophomore (2019-21), played two seasons for Duke (2021-23) and finished at Ohio State before declaring for this year’s draft.
In seven games this season for the Mercury, she has averaged 2.7 points, one assist, 0.9 rebounds and 13 minutes played per game. Combined with her time with Connecticut and Indiana, Taylor is averaging 1.7 points, 0.6 assists and 0.5 rebounds in 14 games in her rookie year.
Finding Stability Amidst Uncertainty
After an 82-80 win over the Atlanta Dream last week, the 23-year-old talked about the adversity she has dealt with this season and remains positive through the challenges.
“Yeah, it’s definitely tough,” Taylor said. “It’s definitely not something that a lot of rookies this season have gone through. People are always telling me like, ‘Your journey is your own journey’ and I think I have taken that along the way. Definitely some times are tough, you don’t necessarily know if you have a permanent spot a lot of the times, especially in the W. All you can do is be who you are and work hard. I have been trying to keep that going.
“It’s definitely tough when you are leaving an organization that I was with for a couple months and coming on a seven-day knowing that I have to leave or there is a potential spot for me somewhere else. Just going out there and exploring my options because, thankfully, I am blessed to have those options of going to a team the next day for another seven days. Just trying to stay focused. It is definitely hard sometimes, but my parents are constantly talking to me and I have great people around me.”
A Second Chance for Success?
This third seven-day contract gives Taylor another chance to prove herself with the Mercury. She has shown flashes of potential, and the team's need for a backup point guard has been apparent. However, with the return of Allen and Osborne looming, the pressure is on for Taylor to make the most of her limited time.
Her journey in the WNBA has been a rollercoaster ride, but she has remained resilient and positive. As her third seven-day contract comes to an end, the question remains: will this be her final chance to prove her worth to the Mercury, or will she be forced to seek another opportunity elsewhere? Only time will tell.
Navigating the WNBA Landscape
Taylor's experience of moving from team to team is not uncommon in the WNBA. The league features short-term contracts and roster changes, which can create a sense of instability for players. However, this experience can also be valuable, as it allows players to showcase their skills to multiple teams.
For Taylor, her journey has been a lesson in adaptability and resilience. She has demonstrated a willingness to embrace the challenges of the WNBA and make the most of every opportunity. As she continues her journey, her ability to adapt and perform will be crucial in determining her success in the league.
Taylor's Future: A Rollercoaster Ride Ahead?
The Mercury's upcoming games will be critical for Taylor, as they will provide her with another chance to impress. Will she be able to secure a permanent spot on the roster, or will her time in Phoenix be cut short once again?
The answer to this question will likely depend on her performance on the court and the team's needs moving forward. Regardless of the outcome, Taylor's story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream in professional basketball. Her journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it's possible to find success with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.
