In a meaningful ceremony, the Minnesota Lynx retired jersey no. 23 on Sunday (PHL time) in honor of franchise icon and WNBA legend Maya Moore.
Despite playing just eight seasons in the WNBA, all of them in Minnesota, Maya compiled an incredible career, making the playoffs in all eight years as a Lynx and winning the WNBA title four times.
No. 23 is now in the Target Center rafters. pic.twitter.com/v5c0xgueDD
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) August 25, 2024
Moore was also the Finals MVP in 2013 and league MVP in 2014, as well as being Rookie of the Year in 2011 as the no. 1 overall pick.
Maya averaged 18.4 points per game in Minnesota, which would be no. 9 all-time in the WNBA currently. Her career-high of 23.9 points during her MVP season in 2014 ranks fifth in the WNBA.
In the playoffs, she was even better, averaging 19.4 points per game in 56 games. Moore is also currently the WNBA Finals leader for points.
Outside of the WNBA, Maya is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIBA World Cup champion with Team USA.
gifts fit for the 🐐 pic.twitter.com/QWmdmvwue6
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) August 25, 2024
More than basketball though, Moore is also known for her work with criminal justice, notably through her non-profit Win with Justice.
Despite playing her final WNBA game in 2018, Maya formally announced her retirement in 2023. Her no. 23 is the fifth jersey retired by the Lynx, after Lindsay Whalen (no. 13), Rebekkah Brunson (no. 32), Seimone Augustus (no. 33), and Sylvia Fowles (no. 34).
