Yahoo Finance Storm's Morgan Tuck announces retirement at 26 due to injuries
Morgan Tuck, the third overall pick in the 2016 draft, announced her retirement from the WNBA on Monday.
— Morgan Tuck (@M_Tuck3) March 15, 2021
Tuck, who is just 26, struggled with knee injuries throughout her college and professional career, which is likely the driving force behind her retirement.
"I have tried everything physically possible to be ready for the upcoming 2021 WNBA season," Tuck wrote. "Unfortunately, it will not be possible. This was a hard decision to make, but I have to listen to what my body is telling me."
Knee injury affected Tuck's career
Tuck was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2016, where she played for four years before signing with the Seattle Storm for the 2020 season. She won her first and only WNBA title with the Storm in what would be her final season. Over her five-year career, Tuck averaged 5.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game.
Before being drafted into the WNBA, Tuck was part of the UConn women's basketball juggernaut. She won four straight NCAA championships from 2012-2016, but that's where her knee problems started. According to the UConn Blog, Tuck suffered a bone bruise her freshman year that led to the discovery that she had no cartilage in her right knee. She had surgery to add cartilage, which caused her to miss most of her sophomore year. However, the surgery "made it so her knee was that of a middle-aged woman." Those same knee issues would cause her to miss parts of the 2016, 2017, and 2020 seasons.
Tuck was also part of USA Basketball's women's team, winning five gold medals including the 2018 World Cup. USA Basketball sent their best wishes to Morgan in whatever she chooses to do in the next chapter of her life.
Five-time USA Basketball gold medalist @M_Tuck3 has announced her retirement.
Congratulations on an incredible basketball career Morgan. We thank you for your contributions to our game & we wish you the very best of luck in your next chapter! 🇺🇸 #USABfamily pic.twitter.com/eyEpcXiADi— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 15, 2021
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