Sparks Star Plum Snubbed by WNBA All-Stars

Despite a stellar season averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum was not selected for the WNBA All-Star Game. Plum, a former No. 1 overall pick and 2022 WNBA MVP, is currently sidelined with a leg injury expected to keep her out for most of July. Her exclusion has drawn sharp criticism from Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts, who stated, "It's ridiculous. It's become a social media popularity contest, not about who the most impactful players are."

Roberts lauded Plum as the league's best one-on-one player and stated she was having an MVP season. The WNBA All-Star selection process involves 50% fan vote, with the remaining 50% split evenly between media and players. Plum reportedly finished fifth in the media vote and sixth among fans, but significantly lower in the player vote, potentially influenced by her injury history. Plum is expected to return to the floor after the All-Star Game on July 25, facing the challenge of leading the 8-10 Sparks back into playoff contention.