Celeste Taylor speaks openly about her experience with Fever, weeks after she was released

INDIANAPOLIS – Former Indiana Fever 2024 second-round pick Celeste Taylor was back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday night, despite being released by the franchise nearly three weeks ago. What was the rookie doing there? Wearing purple, orange and black for the Phoenix Mercury.

The Mercury announced Friday morning that they had signed Taylor to a seven-day deal. Taylor said her agent has been active. On July 10, Taylor also signed an international contract with the Sydney Flames. But that season doesn’t start for several months, so she has time to help the Mercury.

Four Phoenix guards were absent from Friday night’s game against the Fever. Natasha Cloud and Diana Tuarasi in particular have been important contributors for Phoenix this season. The other two guards, who were out due to injury, still left gaps in the lineup. It was the best window of opportunity for Taylor.

“I wouldn’t say it’s weird,” Taylor said on the sidelines before the game about his return. “I don’t know. It’s kind of fun. I get to see the people I played with, the coaches, and I’m just excited for the opportunity to play with Phoenix and am very grateful that they gave me this opportunity.”

As Taylor sat down with the Mercury, there seemed to be no bitterness in her expression or in her answers. On June 25, Fever forward Damiris Dantas was reinstated from an MCL injury. This put the Fever over the WNBA roster limit of 12 players and Taylor was released.

“I think when you play in the W, you always have to be prepared for anything,” Taylor said Friday of her reaction to the firing. “In my head, you think you’re prepared for something like this. Of course, it sucks. It’s been great playing with them and being around them. I really enjoy playing with them. the organization. But things happen, so you just have to hold To move At… always try to be ready.”

This is how Celeste Taylor played in the 95:86 loss against Fever

Taylor said she was in the gym before signing with Phoenix, trying to stay as fit as possible. She didn’t stay in Indianapolis after her release and went to New York immediately afterward. Although the Mercury announced the signing on Friday, Taylor said she was with the team on Thursday night. Regardless, there wasn’t much time to integrate into the team. The team system.

Taylor’s 24 minutes of playing time were the second-shortest for Phoenix, ahead only of the injured Brittney Griner, who left midway through the second quarter and did not return. Taylor was frequently paired with former rookie teammate Caitlin Clark and totaled five assists, some in tight windows. Twice they alternated spectacular plays on consecutive possessions.

Taylor’s final stat line was one point, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and a turnover in the final minute. She shot 0-of-3 from the field. It wasn’t great by any means, but it was the first increase in playing time she’s had in such short notice. Rookies in the second and third rounds of the draft have to fight for playing time. Taylor played in just five games with the Fever, averaging 3.2 minutes.

Caitlin Clark finds kind words for the duel with her former teammate

Clark could only smile when asked after the game what it was like to face Taylor.

“It’s kind of weird,” Clark said, smiling. “But I’m happy for her. She’s a great player and of course a great person. I had so much fun when she was here with us and in Indy.” She was a great teammate. And I think it’s great to sign someone like that… I know she just came to (Phoenix) yesterday and I thought she really played a really good game.”

Clark then tried to check the score sheet. Taylor also made her first steal in 81 seconds.

“She only had one point, but she was a +10 in a game when we were up 30 points,” Clark added. “That’s just Celeste. I’ve been her teammate several times. She’ll do a lot of different things on the court. And play as hard as she can. I’m just very happy for her.”

The Mercury have two games left in Taylor’s short contract. Then the month-long WNBA Olympic break begins and Phoenix must decide whether they want to keep the newcomer.