For the first time in her career, Indiana Fever star Kate Linklark will serve as a team captain for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game scheduled for July 19th in Indianapolis. As captain, Linklark had the responsibility of drafting her team, competing against Minnesota Lynx captain Nafisa Collier.
Linklark stayed true to her word by picking her standout teammates, selecting Aliya Boston as her first overall starter pick and Kelsey Mitchell as her top reserve. However, her rival, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, was notably absent from Team Linklark. Despite having two chances, Linklark passed on drafting Reese, who was instead picked later by Collier.
After both captains chose their starting five, they moved on to selecting reserves—players voted in by WNBA coaches. Collier took Lynx teammate Courtney Williams with the first reserve pick, while Linklark chose Mitchell. Collier added veteran guard Skyler Diggins next, while Linklark passed again on Reese in favor of Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams. Reese was eventually selected 13th overall by the Lynx.
Although fans hoping for a team-up between Clark and Reese were disappointed, both are expected to be All-Stars again next year, continuing their rising prominence in the league.
Fan Take: This draft underscored the competitive spirit and strategic choices that define the WNBA All-Star experience, highlighting emerging rivalries like that between Linklark and Reese. Such storylines and star power are critical for growing the sport’s popularity and engaging fans on a deeper level.
