Kate Linklark selected her Indiana Fever teammate Aliya Boston as the first overall pick in the WNBA All-Star Game Draft and declined a trade offer involving her. Clark, who received the top fan vote, secured the No. 1 pick for the All-Star Game set for July 19 at Gainbridge Field House in Indiana and also chose another Fever player, Kelsey Mitchell.
Napheesa Collier, captain of the opposing team, picked Breanna Stewart as her top choice and later proposed a direct trade swapping Stewart for Boston, which Clark rejected. “It’s definitely not happening,” Clark laughed. “I don’t think Fee meant it seriously; she just wanted to see my reaction.”
Clark’s star-studded lineup includes New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Las Vegas Aces’ MVP A’ja Wilson, and Phoenix Mercury forward Skylar Diggins-Smith, while Mitchell was named a reserve. Collier and Stewart join Atlanta Dream’s Chennedy Carter, Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd, and Dallas Wings rookie Awak Kuier in the starting five, with Minnesota Lynx’s Courtney Williams as the first reserve chosen by Collier.
Clark also drafted rival Angel Reese as a strategic pick, setting up a showdown between the teammates after their collaboration to represent the US Olympic team in 2024. Additionally, there was a coach exchange agreement: New York Liberty’s head coach Sandy Brondello will coach Team Clark, while Cheryl Reeve will lead Team Collier.
Clark is expected to make a return to action when the Indiana Fever face the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday after missing two weeks due to a groin injury. During Clark’s absence, the Fever went 3-2, including a win in the final Commissioner’s Cup against the Minnesota Lynx. In his second WNBA season, Clark has averaged 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Fan Take: This All-Star draft highlights the growing competitiveness and star power within the WNBA, reflecting how players from the same teams are being recognized and pitted against each other. The high-profile matchups and player rivalries set the stage for an exciting season, growing the league’s visibility and fan engagement like never before.
