2025 WNBA All-Star Reserves: Predictions and Key Players to Watch

July is in full swing, and with it comes the excitement of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend. The league has already announced the eight starters who will join captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier on the court in Indianapolis. Now, the focus shifts to the 12 All-Star Game reserves, selected by the league's 13 head coaches. These reserves will be announced on Sunday, July 6, at noon ET on WNBA social and digital platforms.

Projected Reserves

Frontcourt Players:

• Angel Reese, Chicago Sky, F

  • Standout Stat: Leads the league in rebounding (12.6 RPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 1 Reese has rebounded from a tough start to the season, showcasing her elite rebounding skills and improved playmaking. Her recent 24-point, 16-rebound, 7-assist game against the Los Angeles Sparks highlights her development.

• Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury, F

  • Standout Stat: Leads the league in assists (9.3 APG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 5 Known as the "Engine," Thomas has seamlessly transitioned to Phoenix, propelling the Mercury to one of their best starts in years.

• Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream, F

  • Standout Stat: Leads the Dream in rebounding (8.1 RPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 3 Jones has been a key part of Atlanta's success, adding a 3-pointer to her offensive game and being a dependable defender.

• Kayla Thornton, Golden State Valkyries, F

  • Standout Stat: Leads Valkyries in points (15 PPG), rebounds (6.9 RPG), and steals (1.7 SPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: None Thornton is playing some of the best basketball of her career, helping the Valkyries exceed preseason expectations.

• Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm, F

  • Standout Stat: Leads the league in steals (2.6 APG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: None Williams has brought her elite play from the French national team to the WNBA, improving her shooting and versatility.

Guards:

• Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm, G

  • Standout Stat: Leads Storm in points (18.9 PPG) and assists (6.1 APG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 6 Diggins has been the leading scorer and distributor for Seattle, with her 41.8% 3-point shooting being crucial for the team.

• Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream, G

  • Standout Stat: 49 3-pointers made
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 2 Howard leads the league in made 3s and is averaging a career-high 4.7 assists per game, making her a strong All-Star candidate.

• Kayla McBride, Minnesota Lynx, G

  • Standout Stat: Shooting a career-best 45.5% from the field
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 4 McBride is the No. 2 scorer for the league-leading Lynx, fitting well into coach Cheryl Reeve's system.

• Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever, G

  • Standout Stat: Leads Fever in scoring (18.9 PPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 2 Mitchell has been integral to Indiana's success, especially with Caitlin Clark sidelined by injury.

• Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks, G

  • Standout Stat: Fourth in the league in scoring (20.6 PPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 3 Plum is playing at an All-Star level, with career-high marks in scoring, rebounds, and assists.

• Brittney Sykes, Washington Mystics, G

  • Standout Stat: Leads the league in made free throws (7.1 FTMPG)
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: None Sykes has been a key reason Washington is still competing for a playoff spot, averaging career highs in points and assists.

• Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces, G

  • Standout Stat: Averaging 17.3 PPG
  • Previous All-Star Appearances: 3 Young's consistent production and defensive versatility make her a valuable player for the Aces.

Tough Cuts and Notable Mentions

Several players narrowly missed the cut for the All-Star reserves, including Dearica Hamby, Alanna Smith, Sonia Citron, and Jonquel Jones. Each of these players has had standout performances this season, making the selection process highly competitive.

Who Deserved to Start?

Some reserves, like Skylar Diggins and Alyssa Thomas, were strong candidates for starting positions. Their exceptional performances this season have made significant impacts on their respective teams, highlighting their All-Star caliber.

As the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend approaches, the anticipation builds for the final roster announcements and the exciting exhibition game in Indianapolis.