“Kelsey vs. Kelsey: Who Will Define the WNBA’s Future?”
By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau
Call it a coincidence if you will, but during the 2024 free agency period, two Kelseys are set to become free agents for their respective teams. Each possesses the potential to reshape the WNBA landscape as we know it.
Kelsey Plum: The Championship Star
Kelsey Plum isn’t just a player; she’s a two-time champion, a former first-team All-WNBA selection, and a celebrated Olympian. In Las Vegas, she’s found her home, where the community and franchise adore the “Plum Dawg.” Her triumphant moments with the franchise have cemented her specific role on the team.
Playing alongside arguably the greatest women’s basketball player of all time—her teammate A’ja Wilson, who recently snagged the 2024 WNBA MVP title as a unanimous selection (only the second time in league history)—Plum is in the thick of a championship dynasty. With Wilson ascending to her prime at just 28 years old, the question looms: With all Plum has accomplished, is now the time she would consider leaving?
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon shared her thoughts after a tough loss to the New York Liberty when asked about potential offseason moves: “It’s not going to be the same group probably next year; it just won’t. And I’m sad about that because I really liked that group. They’re a pain in my ass…and I like that group,” said Hammon.
For Plum, who hails from the West Coast, the pressing question is: How aggressive do Joe Lacob and Peter Guber want to get? The newest WNBA expansion team, the Valkyries—also owned by the Golden State Warriors’ owners—have promised to bring excitement and a winning organization to fans.
“I’m telling you right now, we will win a WNBA championship in the first five years of this franchise,” Lacob declared at the Chase Center during the team’s unveiling event.
Can I interest you in a two-time champion and one of the top point guards in women’s basketball? A local talent with a massive West Coast following? A player poised to lead a team that she could build around, just as she has done throughout her career?
Securing Plum and surrounding her with other talented players in an expansion draft could be instrumental in turning that bold promise into reality.
Mitchell: The Rising Star
The same spotlight shines on Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell.
“I’ll always be in your backcourt,” Mitchell quipped to Caitlin Clark in an Instagram post celebrating Clark’s Rookie of the Year win.
With Clark in her backcourt this season, Mitchell became a back-to-back WNBA All-Star, appearing in both contests alongside Fever teammates Aliyah Boston. With this trio, she now has the chance to usher in a new era for the team.
They’ve already reached new heights, making the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Mitchell finished eighth in scoring, averaging 19.2 points per game on nearly 47% shooting from the floor and an astonishing 40% from the three-point line.
Kelly Krauskopf has been appointed as the new general manager of the Indiana Fever, marking her return to the franchise after a previous tenure. Joining Pacers Sports & Entertainment in 1999, she served as the Fever’s president and general manager from 2000 until 2017, where she oversaw eight consecutive playoff appearances and a total of 13 postseason runs, leading to three conference titles and a WNBA championship in 2012.
“Pokey Chatman was our coach and GM. I went to see Kelsey play with USA Basketball in Santa Barbara at one of their workout camps,” Krauskopf shared. “I called Pokey and said, ‘I’m watching our draft pick right now. She’s going to be a star. This player is going to be a dynamic guard for us for years to come.’ So, we wouldn’t be where we are today without Kelsey Mitchell. She’s clearly a foundational piece.”
But the burning question remains: with this newfound success, would she want a team of her own? Or will she remain loyal to the soil with the franchise that drafted her?
While Indiana can exercise their core expectation to retain Mitchell’s rights, would they want a disgruntled player in that scenario?
Mitchell seems content in Indiana, but free agency is often a period of anxiety.
Mitchell has the talent to lead a team on her own. Although she faced initial struggles in Indiana earlier in her career, she is now in her prime and could be a valuable asset for a championship contender.
Ironically, Las Vegas could be a fitting destination for her as well.
Kelsey Plum & Ksey Mitchell: Key Players in WNBA’s Offseason
“Kelsey vs. Kelsey: Who Will Define the WNBA’s Future?”
By D’Joumbarey A. Moreau
In the world of the WNBA, two names are poised to capture the spotlight during the 2024 free agency period: Kelsey Plum and Kelsey Mitchell. While it may seem like a coincidence, the simultaneous free agency of these two talented players could significantly reshape the league’s landscape. Each player brings a unique skill set, a storied history, and a fan base that could influence the direction of their respective teams and the league as a whole.
Kelsey Plum: The Championship Star
Kelsey Plum isn’t just another name on the roster; she’s a two-time WNBA champion, a former first-team All-WNBA selection, and a celebrated Olympian. Her journey with the Las Vegas Aces has been nothing short of remarkable. The community and franchise have embraced the “Plum Dawg,” and she has become a cornerstone of the team.
Plum’s contributions have been vital in establishing a championship culture in Las Vegas, where her on-court chemistry with teammate A’ja Wilson—a player often heralded as one of the greatest in women’s basketball history—has set the tone for success. Wilson recently achieved the prestigious accolade of the 2024 WNBA MVP title, marking only the second time in league history that a player has won the award unanimously. As both players are in the prime of their careers, the question now arises: could this be the moment Plum considers taking her talents elsewhere?
Following a tough loss to the New York Liberty, Aces head coach Becky Hammon shared her insights on the potential offseason changes, indicating that the team might not look the same in the following year. “It’s not going to be the same group probably next year; it just won’t. And I’m sad about that because I really liked that group. They’re a pain in my ass…and I like that group,” said Hammon, shedding light on the tight-knit nature of the team.
For Plum, the question of loyalty versus opportunity looms large. The ownership group of the Golden State Warriors, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, has recently expanded their reach into the WNBA with the new team, the Valkyries. This new franchise is eager to make a splash and promises a competitive atmosphere and a winning culture, which could be an enticing prospect for a player like Plum.
Lacob boldly proclaimed, “I’m telling you right now, we will win a WNBA championship in the first five years of this franchise.” This declaration raises eyebrows—could Plum be the key to turning that ambition into a reality? The allure of playing for a new, ambitious franchise could tempt her, especially given her West Coast roots and the potential to build a team around her talents.
Plum’s skills as one of the top point guards in the league make her a coveted asset. Imagine her teaming up with other standout players through an expansion draft, combining forces to create a powerhouse team. If the Valkyries can successfully secure Plum, they might just fulfill Lacob’s ambitious promise.
Kelsey Mitchell: The Rising Star
While Kelsey Plum shines brightly in the spotlight, Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever is also making waves. With a fierce competitive spirit, she quipped in a recent Instagram post to Caitlin Clark, “I’ll always be in your backcourt,” highlighting her camaraderie with the Rookie of the Year winner. This season has been monumental for Mitchell, as she has emerged as a key player for the Fever, leading the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 alongside teammates like Aliyah Boston.
Mitchell’s performance has been nothing short of stellar, as she finished eighth in scoring with an impressive average of 19.2 points per game. Her shooting efficiency is commendable, with nearly 47% shooting from the field and a remarkable 40% from beyond the arc. As a back-to-back WNBA All-Star, her evolution as a player has been pivotal in transforming the Fever’s fortunes.
With Kelly Krauskopf returning as the new general manager of the Indiana Fever, the franchise is looking to build on this momentum. Krauskopf’s past tenure with the Fever from 2000 to 2017 saw the team achieve eight consecutive playoff appearances, culminating in a WNBA championship in 2012. Her insight into player development is invaluable, and she recognizes Mitchell as a foundational piece of the team’s future.
“Pokey Chatman was our coach and GM. I went to see Kelsey play with USA Basketball in Santa Barbara at one of their workout camps,” Krauskopf recalled. “I called Pokey and said, ‘I’m watching our draft pick right now. She’s going to be a star. This player is going to be a dynamic guard for us for years to come.’” Mitchell’s ascent from rookie to All-Star has validated Krauskopf’s early assessment.
But the pressing question remains: as the Fever find success, will Mitchell desire a team of her own, or will she remain loyal to the franchise that drafted her? While Indiana can exercise their core expectation to retain her rights, keeping a player who may feel stifled or undervalued is a risky proposition.
Mitchell appears to be content in Indiana, but the free agency period can induce anxiety for any player. The potential for a change in scenery often presents a tantalizing opportunity. With her talents, Mitchell could be a leading figure for a championship contender. Ironically, Las Vegas could also be a fitting destination for her, should she seek to join forces with fellow Kelsey Plum in a bid for a championship.
The Bigger Picture
As the offseason approaches, the narratives surrounding Plum and Mitchell could significantly impact the WNBA’s trajectory. Both players are not just stars in their own right; they symbolize a broader movement within women’s basketball. Their decisions will resonate beyond their individual careers, potentially influencing team dynamics, marketability, and the overall growth of the league.
Plum and Mitchell are emblematic of the increasing visibility and significance of women’s sports. As they navigate the complexities of free agency, their choices could inspire a new generation of athletes. The WNBA’s landscape is shifting, and the decisions made by these two Kelsey’s could pave the way for future stars, shaping the narrative of women’s basketball for years to come.
The dynamics of free agency are ever-changing, and both players hold the keys to their futures. Will Plum choose to stay in Las Vegas, solidifying her legacy as part of a championship dynasty? Or will she venture into new territory, potentially with the Valkyries, to carve out her own path? Meanwhile, will Mitchell remain loyal to the Fever or seek new horizons to lead a team to greatness?
As fans, analysts, and fellow players watch with bated breath, the WNBA offseason promises to be a thrilling saga of choices and opportunities. The implications of Plum and Mitchell’s decisions could ripple through the league, making this free agency period one of the most exciting yet. It’s more than just Kelsey vs. Kelsey; it’s a moment that could define the future of the WNBA and inspire countless athletes around the world.
Conclusion
The futures of Kelsey Plum and Kelsey Mitchell are more than personal choices; they are emblematic of a league poised for growth and transformation. Their decisions will echo throughout the WNBA, influencing team strategies, fan engagement, and the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sports.
As we anticipate what the offseason holds for these two remarkable athletes, one thing is certain: their impact on the WNBA will be felt long after the final whistle of the free agency period. Whether they remain with their current teams or embark on new journeys, Kelsey Plum and Kelsey Mitchell are set to be defining figures in shaping the league’s future. Their legacies are intertwined with the evolution of women’s basketball, and fans everywhere will be watching closely as they make their next moves.
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