From Michigan Roots to SEC Stardom (Image Credits: Flickr)
Atlanta, Georgia – The WNBA community grieves the unexpected passing of Kara Braxton, a formidable center-forward whose championship pedigree defined a decade in professional basketball.[1][2]
From Michigan Roots to SEC Stardom
Kara Braxton burst onto the scene at the University of Georgia, where she earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2002.[1] Standing at 6-foot-6, she quickly established herself as a dominant force in the paint, averaging 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds over 71 games for the Lady Bulldogs.[1]
Her accolades included first-team All-SEC recognition that same year, though her college tenure faced challenges, including suspensions that led to her dismissal from the team in 2004.[1] Braxton returned years later to complete her degree, graduating in 2024.[3] This early promise hinted at the resilience that would mark her professional journey.
Championship Triumphs with Detroit Shock
Braxton joined the WNBA as the seventh overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Detroit Shock, landing on the All-Rookie Team in her debut season.[2] She played a pivotal role in the team’s back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2008, contributing as a key reserve and starter alongside elite talent.
Her standout 2007 campaign earned her a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game, where she averaged 6.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.[3] Over 297 regular-season games across 10 years, Braxton posted career averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, showcasing her paint presence and rebounding prowess.[2]
A Versatile Pro Career Across Leagues
After Detroit relocated to Tulsa in 2010, Braxton briefly suited up for the Shock before trades took her to the Phoenix Mercury and later the New York Liberty, where she wrapped up her WNBA tenure in 2014.[1] Her playoff contributions mirrored her regular-season reliability, with 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 46 games.[1]
Beyond the WNBA, she thrived internationally, securing Polish league championships and MVP honors in China during the 2009-10 season.[3] These successes underscored her adaptability on global stages.
- WNBA Championships: 2006, 2008 (Detroit Shock)
- WNBA All-Star: 2007
- WNBA All-Rookie Team: 2005
- SEC Freshman of the Year: 2002
- International Titles: Polish League (2005-06, 2007-08), Chinese League MVP (2009-10)
Family, Legacy, and Lasting Tributes
Born in Jackson, Michigan, to a basketball-playing father and alongside twin sister Kim, Braxton balanced her career with motherhood.[4] She welcomed son Jelani Thurman in 2005; he later played tight end at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina.[2] She also raised Jream Jackson with husband Jarvis Jackson.[4]
The WNBA confirmed her death on Sunday, February 23, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton. A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”[2] Braxton passed in Atlanta on February 21, just three days after her 43rd birthday.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Braxton won two WNBA titles and earned All-Star honors during a resilient 10-year career.
- She overcame personal and professional hurdles to graduate college and excel abroad.
- Her legacy endures through her sons and the championship teams she helped build.
Braxton’s journey from a promising freshman to a multi-championship veteran inspires reflection on perseverance in sports. What memories do you hold of her game-changing presence? Share in the comments.