The WNBA All-Star Game takes place on July 10th in Chicago. The rosters are now set and will undoubtedly be a great game with some of the best players in the league. A’ja Wilson is the co-captain alongside Sylvia Fowles for Team Wilson, coached by first-year Aces HC Becky Hammon. Breanna Stewart is the co-captain alongside Storm teammate Sue Bird, coached by Sky HC James Wade. Here is the WNBA All-Star Game 2022 Preview.
Your 2022 #WNBAAllStar Team Selections 👏🤩 pic.twitter.com/PMGJCZPb6E
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2022
Team Wilson
Team Wilson started off by selecting Candace Parker; Wilson clearly emphasized front-court play when selecting her roster. Six players on the roster for Team Wilson are listed as front-court players. The rest of the starters for this team include Fowles (co-captain), Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum. Under Coach Hammon, offense certainly will be a key, especially with the All-Stars. Hammon most likely will give them the freedom to move, score and create plays for one another, similar to the Aces’ offense can be successful for Team Wilson.
Two first-time All-Stars, Plum and Ionescu are two of the league’s leading scorers. Having them both on Team Wilson will be great for creating plays and shots for themselves and their teammates. Another first-time All-Star on Team Wilson is rookie Rhyne Howard. Rhyne has been dominating the competition and clinching both Rookie of the Month honors thus far. Another strong offensive player not in the starting lineup is Courtney Vandersloot. Vandersloot’s ability to shoot the 3 is impressive and the All-Star Game will be held on her home court.
On the defensive end, it is a specialty and the front-court game is strong for Team Wilson. Despite defense typically not being an emphasis for All-Star games, Team Wilson has many defensive specialists. A’ja, for one, has been a tremendous defensive player this season. She leads the league in rebounds and is 2nd in blocks. Another strong rebounder is fellow captain Fowles. Dearica Hamby and Parker are also tremendous rebounders and defensive players. Combining Team Wilson’s strong guard play with offensive specialties and the front-court defensive specialists, Team Wilson certainly is an All-Star team.
Team Stewart
Team Stewart started off by selecting first-year All-Star Jackie Young. Stewart said she picked Jackie because of both being Team Puma. But who wouldn’t want an up-and-coming star on their All-Star team? The rest of the starters include Bird (co-captain), Jonquel Jones, and Nneka Ogwumike. The starting lineup alone consists of three former MVPs, many of whom are leading scorers in the league. Under Coach Wade, versatility and offense, especially with this All-Star lineup with players who can play many positions, will be a key for this team.
Stewart and Bird have the chemistry coming from playing on the Storm together. In addition, many other talented scorers, such as Jones (reigning MVP), are versatile and can play both sides of the ball well. Stewart traded with Wilson to pick up her teammate Bird and Nneka. In the reserves, Team Stewart has some of the best offensive players in the league. These include Arike Ogunbowale (reigning All-Star MVP) and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Team Stewart also has two reigning champions hosting on their home, one being the most recent Finals MVP, Kahleah Copper, who is a tremendous offensive player.
On the defensive end of the floor, the versatility of this team will help them in this way. Many of the players on this team can not only play any position but guard any position. Team Stewart not only has versatile players but height that will come as an advantage when it comes to blocking and rebounding against a tall Team Wilson. Jonquel, Alyssa Thomas, and Breanna Stewart are all phenomenal defensive players that will be a huge part of this All-Star defense. Team Stewart is certainly an All-Star team when looking at the team’s chemistry, talented scorers and versatility.
Prediction
This All-Star game may be the closest one yet. Both rosters are filled with talent from top to bottom; the coaches must find a rotation that works best for the team. With all things considered and being in Chicago, I predict that Team Stewart, coached by Sky head coach James Wade, will win it all. Team Stewart has only one first-time All-Star, so the team is filled with experience and knows how an All-Star game works. But, when it comes down to it all, it is just an All-Star game and it is all for fun and anyone can win.
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