Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi is expected to miss the start of the 2019 WNBA season after undergoing a procedure on a disk protrusion in her back, the team announced Thursday.
Taurasi is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks following Wednesday's procedure, which was done to relieve pain and muscle weakness.
"Diana began experiencing symptoms during offseason workouts, notified us, and in conjunction with our medical staff determined the right course of action," Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said in a statement. "We have confidence that this procedure will not only get her back on the court but ensure she can get back to chasing around her toddler son, Leo, as well."
Taurasi is another high-profile WNBA player who will miss at least part of the 2019 season. Seattle's Breanna Stewart is out for the season after rupturing her right Achilles tendon, and Minnesota's Maya Moore is taking the year off to focus on her family and other interests.
Dallas' Liz Cambage, the league's leading scorer last season, is considering holding out if she is not traded.