Plenette Pierson has decided to hang up the sneakers

The tough, uncompromising, lovable and friendly Plenette Pierson has decided to call time on her 14 year career in the WNBA.

Plenette Pierson, has finally called it a day. She has decided to retire at the end of the season, possibly with a third Championship. As I look back on this storied career, there is a sadness that such a player is leaving the WNBA arena for good.

I am sure there are a number of guards who will sleep a little easier with not having to play Pierson. As a player, she sets probably the hardest screen in the WNBA and has to cause a moment’s hesitation in the minds of the defenders. When you run in to a Pierson screen, you know you know are in a game.

Pierson has long been considered a tough competitor. Yes, she was suspended in college, yes she had “that” fight with Candace Parker. The thing is, Pierson does not take a backward step on the court. She is a true team player who will stand up for her mates.

Let’s not forget she was named Sixth Woman of the Year in 2007, was a WNBA Champion in 2006 and 2008 and was named an All-Star in 2015. Pierson has undoubted talent which often gets overlooked due to her physical game. I suppose when your Twitter handle is @DaEnforcer33 you may have to live up to the reputation

For her career, Pierson has averaged 22.3 minutes, 9.6 points 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. These are good all-round numbers for a player known for her physicality.

What you may not be aware of is the significance of the career of Pierson. At time of writing, Pierson has played 437 games; this has her in 12^th all-time behind the incredible Taj McWilliams-Franklin (440).

Her 625 offensive rebounds is good enough for 23^rd all-time. Her 1,191 defensive rebounds is good enough for 31^st all-time.

This means she has 1,816 total rebounds which is good enough for 26^th all-time. She is just 9 rebounds behind the incredible Wendy Palmer.

Pierson’s 644 assists is good enough to place her 56^th all-time. Her 314 steals is good enough for 60^th all time. With six games left in the season, she could move another three or four places up the all-time list. Her 4,204 points has her 31^st with a chance of moving up two or three spots all-time.

The thing is, Pierson is not about the numbers. She never has been. Pierson has been about winning and being there for her teammates. This has been the case from college and occasionally has pushed her game into the outer edges of the rules. That being said, if you look at her with the fans or talk to any of her team mates, she is quite simply a fine human being.