Kara Braxton, 2-time WNBA champion with Detroit Shock, dies at 43 - ESPN

ESPN

by Michael Voepel

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Kara Braxton, a two-time WNBA champion and former player for the Detroit Shock, has passed away at the age of 43. The cause of her passing hasn’t been specified, but her death has been met with widespread sadness within the basketball community. Braxton, known for her versatility as a 6-foot-6 center-forward, made significant contributions to women’s basketball both in college and professionally. Braxton played collegiately at the University of Georgia from 2001 to 2004, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2002. She was selected by the Detroit Shock with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 WNBA draft and quickly established herself as a key player, earning All-Star recognition in 2007. During her time with the Shock, she won WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008. After the franchise moved to Tulsa in 2010, she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury, and later joined the New York Liberty in 2011, where she concluded her WNBA career in 2014. Throughout her 10-year professional career, Braxton averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Her journey included stops with several teams, showcasing her adaptability and impact on the court. Beyond basketball, Braxton was also a mother to Jelani Thurman, a college football player who attended Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina. Braxton’s legacy as a decorated athlete and her influence on women’s basketball make her passing a significant loss for sports fans. Her achievements on the court and her personal story continue to resonate, highlighting her importance to the sport and its community.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026