Kelsey Plum revealed her ideal WNBA dream team during a recent conversation with former NBA player Matt Barnes, highlighting key players she trusts in intense game situations. The LA Sparks guard included both familiar teammates and a standout from the Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston, known for her $233,468 contract and rising impact.
Kelsey Plum’s Competitive Spirit and Her Dream Team Choices
Known for her intensity on the court, Kelsey Plum combines a friendly demeanor with a fearless competitive streak. Natisha Hiedeman and Aerial Powers have witnessed Plum’s unwillingness to back down, recalling moments such as a near confrontation three years ago after a hard foul during a Las Vegas Aces versus Minnesota Lynx matchup.
When asked who she would want on her side in a team fight, Plum selected her LA Sparks teammate Rickea Jackson as her top pick. Following Jackson, she named A’ja Wilson, her former Aces teammate, then DiJonai Carrington and Rhyne Howard, completing the core of her dream lineup.
“If you were in a team fight…who are three people in the W that you would want in your side?” Barnes asked, later expanding the roster to five.
As Plum clarified if she intended to include herself in the group, she added Aliyah Boston from the Indiana Fever to round out the selections.
“Am I including myself,” Plum asked. [Timestamp 27:00]
Why Aliyah Boston Earned a Spot on Plum’s Dream Team
Aliyah Boston is enjoying one of her most impressive seasons, averaging career highs with 15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, which led to her being named an All-Star starter earlier this month. Boston’s consistent performance has not gone unnoticed by her league peers, especially Plum.
Following a game on June 26 where Boston scored 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting in an 85-75 defeat to the Sparks, Plum advocated for Boston’s inclusion as an All-Star starter, highlighting her efficiency and overall skill.
“Aliyah should be an All-Star starter,” Plum said. “I mean, she has had a phenomenal year, extremely efficient.”
Plum further praised Boston’s toughness and strength in the paint, emphasizing the growth that Boston has achieved this season.
“She’s super tough on the block; she’s strong, very skilled,” Plum added. “She has gotten a lot better. So give a lot of credit to her.”
The Significance of Plum’s Lineup and Its Potential Impact
By choosing a mix of established stars and emerging talent like Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Plum’s dream team picks reflect her respect for skill, resilience, and competitive fire. Her selections not only affirm her close relationships with teammates such as Rickea Jackson and A’ja Wilson but also underscore a recognition of rising stars poised to make significant impacts in the league.
Boston’s inclusion signals her rising status and the respect she commands from her peers, which could boost her confidence and visibility in future WNBA seasons. Plum’s thoughtful choices indicate that success in high-pressure situations requires a blend of toughness and skill from a balanced group of players.