We’re often asked to sum up in one word something that completely defies such brevity. In describing Maya Moore as a basketball player, let’s use a one-word series.
Graceful. Energetic. Fluid. Explosive. Clutch. Durable. Consistent. Powerful. Competitive. Joyful.
Anyone lucky enough to witness Moore’s college, WNBA and international careers is likely to say she was one of their all-time favorite athletes to watch. You didn’t have to be cheering for Moore’s team to be swept away by what you saw. You just had to see it.
Moore, who on Monday officially announced her retirement as a player, was a 6-foot dominating guard for both the UConn Huskies and Minnesota Lynx. She made 3-pointers and pull-up jumpers and feathery, finger-roll layups that appeared as effortless to her as taking a breath. Sometimes it seemed as if Moore was just floating through the air when everyone else was stuck on the ground.
She took exciting chances on defense, going for the steal and breakaway basket that another player might not even imagine. She looked for open teammates and passed them the…
