WNBA: Skylar Diggins and 5 extra should-be All-Star reserves

The 2025 WNBA All-Star starters have been introduced, however we nonetheless should fill out the remainder of the 2 rosters that might be chosen by captains Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark.

Whereas followers, gamers, and the media voted for the starters, it’s the 13 WNBA head coaches who will determine the bench gamers. Coaches aren’t allowed to vote for their very own gamers, however they are going to vote for 3 guards, 5 frontcourt gamers and 4 gamers at both place, no matter convention affiliation.

Listed here are six gamers who had been overlooked of the beginning lineup however are deserving of an All-Star spot.

Skylar Diggins, guard, Seattle Storm

Photograph by Jeff Bottari/NBAE through Getty Pictures

Diggins ought to already be on the crew. She is averaging 18.5 factors, 2.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per recreation. Because of her stellar play, the Storm have been one of many higher groups within the WNBA.

Diggings’ season-high this 12 months got here in opposition to her former crew, the Phoenix Mercury, on June 7, when she scored 26 factors because the Storm gained, 89-77.

Alyssa Thomas, ahead, Phoenix Mercury

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Thomas has had an MVP-caliber 12 months for the Mercury. She joined Phoenix within the offseason and is averaging 14.3 factors, 7.3 rebounds and 9.4 assists per recreation.

Her recreation is so versatile—she’s a real all-around participant. Thomas’ plus-minus is off the charts. The Mercury are +81 when she is on the courtroom this season. Solely Satou Sabally has a greater quantity at +114, and she or he’s already a WNBA All-Star. Thomas must be becoming a member of her.

Kelsey Plum, guard, Los Angeles Sparks

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Plum is the bona fide star for the Sparks. She’s doing every thing she will be able to to alter the tradition in Los Angeles. Plum is averaging 20.1 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.4 steals per recreation. She is the crew chief in factors, assists and minutes performed.

The Sparks haven’t discovered a lot success, however Plum has been a shiny spot and deserves to play in Indianapolis.

Kelsey Mitchell, guard, Indiana Fever

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Ought to the Fever have three gamers within the All-Star Recreation? Positive, why not! Mitchell has been top-of-the-line guards within the WNBA. Together with her stepping up, Indiana has been in a position to proceed successful recreation, regardless of Caitlin Clark’s absence.

Mitchell is averaging 19.3 factors per recreation and has performed in each single recreation for the Fever.

Dearica Hamby, ahead, Los Angeles Sparks

Photograph by Juan Ocampo/NBAE through Getty Pictures

Plum’s arrival has not slowed Hamby down within the slightest. She has discovered a approach to slot in and stand out even with a brand new ball-dominant participant becoming a member of the crew.

Hamby is averaging 16.9 factors, 7.9 rebounds and two steals per recreation. These numbers are very near her stats final 12 months when she earned her third All-Star look. Contemplating her play in 2025, she ought to earn a fourth one.

Brittney Sykes, guard, Washington Mystics

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Sykes has been a strong WNBA participant her complete profession. She has made a residing as an amazing defender and consummate skilled in all places she goes. This season, her offensive recreation has exploded. She’s scoring 18.6 factors per recreation, doling out 4.8 assists, and taking pictures 40 p.c from 3-point vary. These are all career-high marks.

Her protection is as sturdy as ever, averaging 1.1 steals per recreation. It’s been an extended journey, however Sykes is main the rebuild in Washington, and the nine-year vet deserves to make her All-Star debut this 12 months.