The Indiana Fever’s All-Star trio will unite on the same team for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19. The rosters, selected by captains Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, were unveiled on Tuesday. Clark and Collier, who led the fan voting, first picked from the eight remaining starters before completing their teams with selections from the 12 reserves. In a unique twist, they also decided to trade head coaches.
Minnesota’s Cheryl Reeve was initially set to coach Team Clark since the coach of the team with the WNBA’s best record as of July 3 was assigned to the top vote-getting player. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty’s Sandy Brondello, coach of the team with the second-best record, was slated to lead Team Collier. However, given Reeve’s role as Collier’s coach with the Lynx, the captains opted to switch coaches.
Team Clark’s Strategic Picks
Caitlin Clark made strategic choices by selecting her Fever teammates available in the draft: forward/center Aliyah Boston as her first pick and guard Kelsey Mitchell as her tenth. Completing Team Clark’s starting lineup are Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, three-time WNBA MVP center A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally.
Team Clark’s reserves include Mitchell, Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams, Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron, forward Kiki Iriafen, Aces guard Jackie Young, and Golden State forward Kayla Thornton.
Team Collier’s Selections
Napheesa Collier, on the other hand, chose her former UConn and USA Basketball teammate, Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, with her second pick. The rest of Team Collier’s starters are Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray, Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers.
The reserves for Team Collier feature her Lynx teammate, guard Courtney Williams, Storm guard Skylar Diggins, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, and Atlanta guard Rhyne Howard.
Trade Talks and Final Decisions
The captains engaged in discussions about potentially trading players, but no deals were finalized. Clark initially proposed swapping Sabally for Stewart, which would have resulted in Brondello coaching both Liberty players, Stewart and Ionescu. However, Collier countered by suggesting a trade of Boston for Stewart, which was ultimately declined.
“The All-Star 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge will be held on Friday, July 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The All-Star Game will follow on July 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+. All events will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Fever.”
Implications and Anticipation
The All-Star Game not only showcases the league’s top talent but also serves as a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and foster camaraderie. The decision to swap coaches adds an intriguing layer to the event, highlighting the collaborative spirit among players. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, events like the All-Star Game play a crucial role in engaging fans and promoting the sport.
Looking ahead, the All-Star festivities promise to deliver thrilling basketball action and memorable moments for fans and players alike. The strategic decisions made by Clark and Collier in drafting their teams will undoubtedly be a focal point as the league’s finest athletes converge in Indianapolis.
