Kelsey Plum: Los Angeles Sparks Will Fly

The Los Angeles Sparks are in win-now mode. They’ve signaled that to their fanbase, the staff, players in the organization, and the rest of the WNBA world. They officially introduced to their franchise one of the most competitive, electric, and battle-tested guards in the WNBA—Kelsey Plum.

As one of the best winners in the league—two championships with the Aces, an Olympic gold medalist—Plum still feels she has more to prove. As one of the most lethal scorers in the league, she’s stepping into a slightly new role. Plum confirmed that she will be playing the point guard position next season. Though Plum has spent most of her career as a bucket-getter, she will now be taking the reins and leading the offense. Thankfully, though, spending time with playmakers like Chelsea Gray has helped her game tremendously.

“I’ve learned a lot playing with Chelsea. She’s one of the best at running a team…I plan to be top 5 in assists this year…I do know that for me, I have the ability to get to the paint…I made the Olympic team as a point guard.”

Plum already has the skill set. The fact she’s embracing the challenge is a revelation. However, to expect her to become the same type of point guard as Gray would be ludicrous. Plum should be expected to score more than she facilitates and still have the ability to run the offense to her liking. If she can truly get a good balance of when to score versus knowing when to pass, LA’s offense could take a massive step forward.

Why the Sparks Went All-In on Plum

The Sparks had the option to draft a game-changing point guard. There were two players at No. 1 or No. 2 that would’ve been available for them to select—either UConn’s Paige Bueckers or Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles. Both are great players in their own right and should, and most likely will, have dynamic careers.

Each of them might also have impactful seasons in their rookie year. However, the Sparks were looking for a surefire leader from their guard position. They wanted to accelerate their process of winning now.

“To ask a young rookie point guard to win now and the style of basketball that we want to play…we just kept feeling that all roads lead to Kelsey,” said GM Raegan Pebley.

Additionally, when it comes to leadership, they wanted another leader in their ranks. Between Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and Rae Burrell (three players who are expected to play a lot in the starting lineup), they wanted more experience and leadership. Plum is a proven leader who’s been in big moments and had tremendous success. Plum, who often is the top dog on most rosters she’s a part of, will continue to lead the way.

“It’s always been leading by example. A level of consistency as a pro. These days we get caught up on how we feel. It doesn’t matter how you feel as a leader, you gotta show up and lead…there’s a level of competitiveness that has to be consistent every day…it’s a culture,” said Plum.

Having someone who knows how to set the tone is a great blessing this franchise has needed. Plum knows the power it takes to win. More importantly, she knows what it means to empower other players so that their team can find success.

“I play a little fiery, competitive, but the best basketball is with joy…you only go as far as you bring people. Good tides rise the ship…winning games in this league is tough…I know that we have a ton of talent. My style of leadership is competitive but empowering,” said Plum.

Why LA? Why Now?

Plum couldn’t have chosen most franchises in the WNBA. For her, it was clear that there was no other place for her but LA.

“They have not just met but exceeding my expectations. I’ve been treated better than I ever been as a WNBA player. It’s been first class. This league is going to continue to grow…I know that this franchise is extremely valuing how to support players in anyway that they can..I’m excited to be apart of the new wave and we’ll be able to show players LA is the place you want to play” said Plum.

Additionally, outside of the amenities that the organization offers, she spoke about the basketball fit. Plum sees herself fitting into Lynne Roberts’ fast-paced system.

“The vision coach had…from the beginning the tone was set…her style matches perfectly with my skill set. The talent of what they already have and what they needed. I’ve been chopping at the bit to lead and get to show who I am as a player.”

Also, another huge piece of her signing in Los Angeles was the chemistry that she already has with some of its players. One of Plum’s best friends in the WNBA is none other than Sparks power forward Dearica Hamby. The two are now reunited in Los Angeles. Hamby can play in multiple settings in an offense. Hamby is athletic enough to run up and down the court quickly. She has the ability to play in the half-court setting well. There’s not much she can’t do on the court, and that’s similar to Plum in her own right.

“Dee & I have always had just a true bond…I’m so grateful for her friendship and just the player she is. We’ve always had a great connection…I’ve always been her biggest fan. Nothing but love.”

The Sparks Are Back. Period.

The expectations? High.

People want to see the Sparks fly. Moreover, the pieces they’ve brought in, including Plum, know what comes with being in Los Angeles—winning. They might not be able to compete for a championship on day one, but they are definitely going to get in the mix for a playoff seed.

“We’re here to compete. There are expectations to win right away…really I’m grateful for this opportunity to show I’m one of the best players in the world and take this franchise back to where it’s been and where we’re going to go…it’s a new day in LA, and we’re going to hoop.”

It’s a new day with new energy, and the Sparks are no longer rebuilding. They are building toward working for a championship.