The WNBA is adding an intriguing wrinkle to its All-Star Game this year — setting up a showdown between Team USA and the league’s other All-Stars who didn’t make the country’s roster.
The league unveiled the rosters Wednesday for the event that will take place July 14 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The WNBA All-Stars were chosen by coaches from a 36-player pool voted on by fans, media and players.
Elena Delle Donne, who hasn’t played all season while she recovers from back surgery, was part of that pool thanks to strong fan support.
Chicago’s Candace Parker leads the WNBA All-Stars with her sixth selection. Joining her will be Las Vegas’ Liz Cambage and Dearica Hamby, Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally, Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner, Jonquel Jones and Brioanna Jones, Chicago’s Kahleah Williams and Courtney Vandersloot, New York’s Betnijah Laney and Atlanta’s Courtney Williams.
The WNBA team will be co-coached by Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson.
The Washington Mystics did not have any players make the WNBA All-Stars roster, but two from the team will represent Team USA. League-leading scorer Tina Charles and guard Ariel Atkins both made the Olympic roster and head to Tokyo later this summer.
Team USA is led by Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who will be making their fifth Olympic appearance. It’s a record 12th All-Star Game for Bird and 10th for Taurasi — tying her with Tamika Catchings for second most all-time.
Typically, the WNBA All-Star Game does not happen in Olympic years, but the league made an exception given it is the 25th anniversary of the women’s league. The game will take place three days after the first half of the season concludes on July 11.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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