The reserve list for the July 19 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis is out, and the discussion is even livelier than when the starters were unveiled a week earlier. Twenty-two players from 12 of the league’s 13 teams made the cut, with last-place Connecticut notably absent. Three rookies cracked the squad, while the hometown Indiana Fever and the Seattle Storm each landed a trio of representatives. Captains Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Lynx will select teams during Tuesday’s televised draft, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already headline-worthy showcase.
While the list is stacked, a handful of deserving names were left on the outside looking in. Minnesota’s Kayla McBride—shooting a blistering 45 percent from deep—was passed over in favor of backcourt partner Courtney Williams despite near-identical numbers to last season’s All-Star campaign. Washington’s Brittney Sykes is enjoying career highs in points and assists, and Atlanta’s Brionna Jones remains a double-double machine, yet both stayed home. Natasha Cloud’s playmaking for New York and Dearica Hamby’s all-around production for Los Angeles also failed to sway the coaches, underscoring how brutal the final vote can be when roster spots are scarce.
On the flip side, several selections delivered feel-good moments. Skylar Diggins’ renaissance in Seattle—just a year removed from a forgettable first half—earned her a seventh appearance. Golden State’s Kayla Thornton finally broke through in her 10th pro season, becoming the Valkyries’ inaugural All-Star while averaging career bests across the board. Gabby Williams, fresh off a standout Olympic showing for France and now leading the league in steals, secured her first nod in what has already been a breakout WNBA return.
Tuesday’s draft could pair some irresistible combinations. Fans are eager to see whether Clark reunites with Paige Bueckers, her back-court partner from the 2019 U19 World Cup, or flings lobs to both Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson for a South Carolina reunion in reverse. With three rookies—Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron—on the board, a true first-year super-lineup is even possible if one captain plays the “rookie card.”
When it comes to All-Star MVP chatter, guards have owned the honor in recent years, but the venue might tilt the spotlight toward local favorites. Boston has carried Indiana during Clark’s injury-marred stretches and could own the paint with elite guards feeding her. Still, if Clark’s ankle holds up or if Kelsey Mitchell catches fire, the Fever backcourt may keep the hardware in house. Add the contrasting sideline styles of fiery Cheryl Reeve guiding Team Clark and the composed Sandy Brondello steering Team Collier, and the stage is set for one of the most entertaining mid-season classics in WNBA history.
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