WNBA All-Star Voting: A Breakdown
The WNBA All-Star Voting is officially underway, and I just submitted my very first vote.
So, here’s how it all works: media members can cast their votes for four backcourt players and six frontcourt players. Ultimately, ten players will be nominated as starters—comprising four backcourt and six frontcourt players. The selection is based on fan voting (50%), media voting (25%), and player voting (25%).
It’s exciting in theory, you know? Over the years, I’ve watched countless WNBA games and formed many strong opinions. But, when it comes to actually voting for the media poll, it really means leaving out players you think deserve it to fit the criteria.
Also, aside from the ten starters, there are twelve reserves determined by WNBA head coaches. Already, it’s been announced that Indiana Fever guard Kate Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier are gaining traction among fans.
A quick note: my choices were submitted on June 26, well ahead of the deadline. This means I didn’t get to consider the recent games, and that caused a few painful omissions.
Backcourt Selections
Kate Clark, Indiana Fever
Clark has had a rough patch and the Fever aren’t the powerhouse many expected. Yet, she remains a top playmaker, averaging 8.9 assists per game—essential for Indiana’s success. With injuries sidelining her this season, it’s unclear how much her shooting woes relate to that situation.
Even so, the Fever hold a decent record, and Clark has been averaging 18.2 points and 5 rebounds.
Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
Ionescu has faced some struggles lately but is having another All-Star-worthy season. She’s boasting a career-high of 18.6 points per game, alongside 5.1 assists. However, her three-point shooting hasn’t been as consistent as it was in 2023.
Alicia Gray, Atlanta Dream
This season, Gray has made a substantial leap, currently ranking fifth in the league in scoring. With averages of 19.5 points and 4.1 assists, she’s been crucial in pushing her team into playoff contention.
Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm
Diggins has quietly compiled an impressive season, averaging 18.9 points with a shooting percentage of 46.3%. Her scoring ranks seventh overall, and she’s also a top contributor in assists.
Note: There are other worthy candidates, but they might be chosen as All-Star reserves. Honorable mentions include Kelsey Plum, Britney Sykes, and Aliyah Boston.
Frontcourt Selections
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Collier is having an MVP-caliber season and is a strong All-Star starter candidate. She’s improved her scoring and efficiency, making her a crucial player for the Lynx, who currently have the best record in the league.
A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
While Wilson hasn’t quite reached the standards of her MVP years, she remains one of the league’s elite. She ranks high in scoring, rebounds, and blocks with solid averages, showing her ongoing impact on the court.
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty
Stewart has had an incredible season, even if her three-point shooting isn’t where she’d like it to be. However, she still manages to average an impressive 20.8 points per game, showcasing her well-rounded skills on both offense and defense.
Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury
Though she missed some games due to a calf injury, Thomas showcases her impact when on the court. Averaging a career-high of 53.8% from the field, she’s also leading the league in assists, helping her team hold a strong record.
Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury
Another key player for the Mercury, Sabally is also among the league’s top scorers, averaging 19.1 points. Despite some shooting struggles, her overall contribution remains significant.
Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm
This is my wildcard pick. Although Williams’ stats may not jump off the page compared to others, her defensive impact has been essential for her team’s success, making her an important consideration.
Note: There are additional candidates who could be selected as reserves. Honorable mentions include Nneka Ogwumike, Angel Reese, and Jonquel Jones.
