WNBA: Why the Sparks’ Kelsey Plum deserves to be an All-Star

When the Los Angeles Sparks traded their No. 2 choose within the 2025 WNBA Draft to accumulate Kelsey Plum, the concept was that she could be the reply to the backcourt woes which have plagued the franchise for many of the 2020s.

As we edge nearer to the midway level of the 12 months, it’s clear Plum has been all that and extra for Los Angeles.

On pure stats, her manufacturing stands out. Plum is averaging 20.4 factors, 5.4 assists and enjoying 36.1 minutes per recreation. She leads the crew in scoring, assists and performs greater than some other Sparks participant—and some other participant within the league. As a two-time champion, she instantly introduced a stage of respect and aura to Los Angeles, however, regardless of standard perception, that’s not sufficient to make it within the Metropolis of Angels.

To be liked right here, you have to be a winner. The highlight in LA is a magnifying glass. If that warmth burns you, then your time in California shall be short-lived. Thus far, Plum is exhibiting she has what it takes not simply to outlive, however to thrive.

Plum hit the bottom working in purple and gold

Photograph by Ezra Shaw/Getty Photos

Plum demonstrated her readiness for this improve in duty as a Spark throughout her debut recreation. LA beat the Golden State Valkyries 84-67 as she scored 37 factors, probably the most by a Sparks participant of their first recreation. Plum additionally added six assists and 5 steals. She turned the primary WNBA participant with a recreation of at the least 35 factors, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Plum completed all this whereas taking actually no time without work, enjoying all 40 minutes.

Whereas that quantity of play is way from perfect, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts talked earlier than their subsequent contest about Plum being up for that problem, emphasizing:

Kelsey’s health and energy and conditioning is otherworldly, so she instructed me after that occurred, “Hey, I can play 40. Take me out if I’m doing one thing fallacious, however don’t take me [out] since you suppose I’m drained.”

How Plum makes herself and others higher

Plum has carried out all the things you possibly can need because the chief and driving power that propels this franchise ahead.

As an on-ball creator, she will get herself going and nonetheless stay the crew’s help chief. Plum is consistently working with Dearica Hamby in actions, and even with Plum taking a team-high 16.5 subject aim makes an attempt, she has helped guarantee Hamby has remained efficient, averaging 16.4 factors per recreation.

Different gamers are additionally shining in 2025 with the Sparks in methods they haven’t earlier than. Azurá Stevens is off to the perfect begin of her profession, and Plum is a giant cause why. Groups are giving Plum a variety of consideration. They’re collapsing on her the second she touches the paint, and even by way of that physicality, she is discovering Stevens for open seems to be.

On the 57 assisted subject targets Stevens has transformed on this season, 16 of these makes are coming off of Plum passes. That’s probably the most by any participant on the Sparks.

Plum additionally delivers assists off the courtroom

Photograph by Ethan Miller/Getty Photos

With solely 13 WNBA franchises, being the face of 1 requires greater than only a heat smile and buckets. One should do the intangibles that impression tradition.

Plum has carried out all that and extra for this younger crew that is aware of the right way to lose, however is studying the right way to win. She has clearly led by instance along with her manufacturing. However she’s additionally used her voice to attract consideration to discrepancies. After a tricky 89-81 time beyond regulation loss to the Valkyries, she spent her press convention calling out the officiating and asking for equity.

Plum pointed to calls being missed for herself, Rickea Jackson and even instructed Roberts she’d pay her fantastic if any feedback throughout the presser warranted a penalty from the WNBA.

Whereas Plum handles the intense matters like officiating properly, she’s additionally been an excellent veteran presence for rookies like Sarah Ashlee Barker. She not solely guides the younger guard on the right way to be a professional, however she’s additionally helped her with issues so simple as getting the precise tools.

Throughout coaching camp, Plum realized Barker had an outdated pair of Sabrina Ionescu kicks. After studying that the rookie was struggling to get new pairs, she made the decision to Ionescu and obtained her attached.

As soon as the story was made public, Barker talked about how a lot she appreciated the help from her level guard.

Whenever you add up Plum’s profession excessive manufacturing, her capacity to make these round her higher on the courtroom and her management off of it, it’s clear she is deserving of her fourth All-Star choice. She has by no means been requested to do extra, and regardless of that demand, she has persistently delivered.

The Sparks are nonetheless in a darkish time of their franchise’s historical past, however Plum is bringing some gentle to Southern California as they try to climb up the WNBA hierarchy.