Dearica Hamby and Brittney Sykes were among the unexpected players left off the 2025 WNBA All-Star team when coaches cast their votes. Hamby, a forward for the LA Sparks, expressed frustration that Sykes, a guard for the Washington Mystics, did not receive enough recognition despite her strong season. Meanwhile, Mystics rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron earned All-Star honors, drawing attention away from veteran standouts like Sykes.
Reflecting on the snub on Sunday, Hamby stated:
Taking two and not including the best player from a below .500 team is crazy.
—Dearica Hamby, LA Sparks Forward
Hamby’s defense of Sykes is supported by impressive statistics. Sykes leads the Mystics with an average of 17.9 points per game and tops the team with 4.6 assists. Additionally, she is fourth in rebounding on her team, pulling down 3.9 boards per contest, and has been recognized as arguably the team’s best perimeter defender. Despite these contributions, the coaches overlooked her for All-Star selection.
Mystics rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron emerge as key contributors
The Washington Mystics have benefited greatly from the impact of their rookies this season. Kiki Iriafen, a 6-foot-4 forward, remains durable, having played every game while averaging 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Her rebounding ranks her fourth in the entire WNBA, playing a significant role in the Mystics’ improved competitiveness this year.
Sonia Citron has also been crucial for Washington. The versatile combo guard is second on the team with 14.6 points per game and collects 4.9 rebounds, placing her third among her teammates. Despite her smaller stature, Citron’s scoring efficiency stands out, with a 46.8% shooting average overall and 38.0% from beyond the three-point line, showcasing her scoring threat from multiple areas on the floor.
LA Sparks and Washington Mystics set for key mid-July matchups
The LA Sparks, led by Dearica Hamby, are scheduled to meet the Washington Mystics in a two-game series in mid-July. This will mark their first encounter this season, providing Hamby and her teammates with the chance to compete against the Mystics’ promising rookies and their veteran guard, Brittney Sykes.
Both Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, selected third and fourth in the draft respectively, will again be pivotal to the Mystics’ game plan. The offense continues to revolve around Sykes, who also handles many of the team’s creative responsibilities on the court. Hamby’s experience and versatility will make her matchup with Iriafen particularly noteworthy, as both players bring a physical and aggressive style of play.
This upcoming series could highlight the strengths of both teams, and Hamby’s critique adds intensity to the anticipation surrounding these contests.