Another View
MSR was there to bring home the backstories
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Whether it’s here in Vegas or elsewhere, the annual WNBA All-Star Game, is always more than the game itself.
“It is so awesome to be an All-Star,” noted Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier. But she pointed out it can be taxing as well. “You really don’t get a rest.”
Along with the commissioner’s “state of the league address” and a post-address Q&A—which seems to always include a question about expansion—this longtime W reporter tries to find interesting backstories from the players that all too often aren’t reported elsewhere.
Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard was among five first-time All-Stars this year, a late substitute due to an injury suffered by Elena Delle Donne. Earlier this season, Howard became the second-youngest player in W history to score 40 or more points in a game (43) as well as the youngest player in the league to hit 40 or more by making at least five three-pointers.
Howard, however, reportedly felt slighted by not being an All-Star selection in the first place, and we asked her about that. “I had performed to the level of being an All-Star,” the second-year forward stressed. “Definitely frustrated. I definitely wasn’t happy. It’s definitely a big deal to be an All-Star. And now that I am in it, it didn’t change [her initial feelings]. I’m still going to play with that chip on my shoulder.”
A year ago, Phoenix’s Brittany Griner was sitting in a Russian jail. This year, she was back playing as a nine-time All-Star. “It’s always a new experience,” she told me.
The 6’9” center and this reporter both learned during her rookie year that we shared a love for Jimi Hendrix, and she even accepted a couple of album suggestions for which she thanked me later.
“He is going on my leg soon [as a tattoo],” admitted Griner of her musical hero. “I’m getting Jimi soon. Richard Pryor is going on there [too]. It is going to be a real nice leg piece.”
Perhaps one of the underreported WASG facts from this past weekend in Vegas was that three former South Carolina players were in the game, all of whom previously played for legendary Coach Dawn Staley: A’Ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Allisha Gray.
Wilson told us that it’s a living testimony to the huge impact Staley has had on the former Gamecocks, now W pros. “Coach Staley has prepped us for this moment,” she said proudly.
Boston, the first rookie All-Star starter since 2014, and eighth overall, added that Staley helped prepare her mentally for the pro game. “Dawn Staley is a special person. I don’t think she gets enough credit for what she has done for women’s basketball,” noted the first-year center.
This was also Gray’s first WASG in her first year at Atlanta, and six years in the league. “I feel I worked very hard this season, and to finally be named an All-Star is a great feeling,” said the guard.
“It’s pretty dope to see,” added Wilson of Gray, her college roommate and teammate.
Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell’s first-half of season play was rewarded with her first All-Star nod. “I’ve weathered a lot of storms, a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” said the fifth-year veteran. “To celebrate where I am at in life, that’s the best part.”
Wade now a W owner
Retired NBA star Dwyane Wade is joining the WNBA’s Chicago Sky ownership group. Wade, who is going into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame next month, sat courtside with his wife at last Saturday’s WASG. He talked to the MSR afterwards.
“It’s about these women,” said Wade. “It’s about these players. I’m thankful for all the attention, but I want the attention focused on them and this league. It’s a beautiful league and a beautiful platform, and I am excited to be a part of it along with my family.”
Asked if he envisions more former NBAers getting involved as WNBA team owners, Wade said, “That would be amazing, I’m sure. We all are fans of the game. I think it helps others see that this is attainable.”