As All-Star voting tips off this Wednesday at 2pm, fans are preparing to send their favorite players from across the W to the big game. With many candidates expecting their annual nod, here are five under the radar players looking to crack the roster for the first time.
(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Cheyenne Parker, Atlanta Dream F
After signing a contract extension with the Dream back in March, Parker is showing that she's well worth the money. the 6-4 forward is having a career year, leading Atlanta in rebounding (7.6) steals (1.6) and being tied for the team lead in points per game (17.2). Parker boasts these numbers while shooting an efficient 47.7% from the field and 91.7% from the charity stripe.
(Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever G
Even with the addition of number 1 pick Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell has continued to shoulder the offensive load for Indiana. The 5th year guard from Ohio State leads the Fever in scoring (17.2) and steals (1.2) while shooting an impressive 41.7% from three. Voters may choose to look past Mitchell's subpar field goal percentage (39.2%) in order to send her to Vegas for the first time.
(The Canadian Press)
Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm C
Likely the biggest reach on this list, an Ezi Magbegor All-Star nod is a win for fans of elite defense. The Aussie center is currently fifth in the league in rebounding, (10.0) fourth in blocks, (2.0) and also leads the Storm in steals (1.8). As Seattle still looks to fill their Breanna Stewart-sized hole, Magbegor is not only making her case to be an All-Star, but potentially the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
(Getty Images)
Shakira Austin, Washington Mystics C/F
After cracking the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2022, look for Shakira Austin to make a push for an All-Star selection in her young career. The second-year big is averaging 13.7 points per game, only behind Elena Delle Donne for Washington, while adding nine rebounds plus roughly a block and a steal per game. Austin is proving to be a reliable second option for Atlanta, shooting over 54% from the field this season.
(Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever F/C
Although the stat sheet may leave something to be desired for an All-Star, the South Carolina product will likely have fans of her alma mater chomping at the bit to send her to Vegas. Although averaging 14 points and over five rebounds per game, Boston's 67.5% field goal percentage is what stands out against those also vying for an All-Star selection.
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