#Kelsey plum imagines | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

caitified · 2 months ago

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Hi again! I am the one who asked if you wrote for kelsey plum but speaking of my wife I don’t have a specific idea but honestly anything with her and a pregnant reader (if your comfortable with it) anything super fluffy please💓

growing

kelsey plum x reader

warnings: pregnancy, ivf, i’m so sorry for keeping you waiting for so long!! hope this is okay. another kelsey fic coming out at the same time. 🖤

kelsey hadn’t stopped smiling since the moment you told her you were pregnant. every time she looked at you, there was this glint in her eye, a mix of wonder and pride, like she still couldn’t believe that the two of you were about to become parents. she’d always been focused, intense even, on the court – but lately, her focus had shifted, and all that energy had turned into this fierce, protective love for you and the tiny life growing inside you.

the ivf process had been extremely taxing for both of you, and now that you had reached the other side kelsey was more protective than ever.

tonight, she’d come home from practice a little later than usual, exhausted but excited. you were curled up on the couch, resting a hand on your belly and watching your favourite show on the tv. when you heard the door open, you looked up, smiling as she dropped her gym bag by the door and made a beeline for you.

“hey, mama,” she murmured, bending down to kiss you softly before settling onto the couch beside you. her hand immediately went to your belly, her thumb brushing gentle circles over the fabric of your shirt. “how are my girls?”

you chuckled, placing your hand over hers. “we’re good. she’s been kicking a lot today – i think she misses you.”

kelsey’s face lit up, and she leaned closer, whispering to your belly, “hey, little one. i’m right here.” she pressed a soft kiss to your belly, and you could feel her warmth and excitement as she whispered sweet words to the baby. it was one of those things she did that made you fall in love with her all over again.

after a while, she sat back, her arm around your shoulders as you snuggled into her. “i still can’t believe this is real,” she said, her voice soft. “i mean… we’re having a baby. you’re gonna be a mom.”

“we’re gonna be moms,” you corrected with a smile, reaching up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear. “and you’re gonna be amazing at it.”

kelsey looked at you, her expression serious but full of love. “i’m just so grateful. for you, for her, for all of this.” she paused, her thumb still tracing gentle patterns over your shoulder. “i know the season’s been a lot, and you’ve been dealing with so much on your own. i just want you to know i’m here for you, no matter what.”

“kelsey, you don’t need to worry,” you reassured her, squeezing her hand. “i know you’re busy, but every time you’re here, you make me feel so loved. that’s all i need.”

she leaned in, her lips meeting yours in a slow, lingering kiss that made your heart race despite the familiarity. when she pulled back, she rested her forehead against yours, her hand finding its way back to your belly.

“i can’t wait to see her,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “to see her little fingers, her first smile… she’s already got me wrapped around her finger, and she’s not even here yet.”

you smiled, feeling tears prick your eyes. “she’s lucky to have you.”

do we want more of this? thanks for reading! requests open.

#kelsey plum x reader #kelsey plum #wnba x reader #wnba imagine #wbb x reader #wbb imagine #las vegas aces #lv aces

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yaretziloveswbb · 4 months ago

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if i make a second-chance romance story on wattpad with kelsey plum as the love interest, would anyone read it? i swear there’s barely any kelsey stories.

#wnba basketball #wnba x reader #kelsey plum #wbb x reader #las vegas aces #lv aces #wnba #wnba imagine

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jareaul0ver · 9 months ago

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Come With Me

Summary: Nika gets drafted to a team all the way across the country, and you're terrified of what's coming next, but she has everything planned out.

inspired by this request

wc: 917 warnings: angst if you squint, nothing else really pairings: nika muhl x fem!reader

After being with Nika for the last three years of your life, spending almost every single day with her, sleeping in her bed every night, you couldn't imagine how life would be if she got drafted to somewhere far from you.

You were hoping she'd be drafted to the Connecticut Sun, so you two could stay together after graduation. If that didn't happen, you at least hoped for a team on the east coast.

Of course, your hopes and dreams were shattered, but momentarily put on pause, when you heard her name called as the Seattle Storm's first draft pick.

Pushing down any emotion but happiness for Nika, you jump up and hug her tightly. "I'm so proud of you." You whisper against her ear. She pecks your cheek before hugging a few others and heading up to the stage.

You can't help but let a few tears fall down your face as you watch her. You're overwhelmed with pride, excitement, sadness - pretty much every emotion ever.

Your girlfriend is going to be a professional basketball player. How many people get to say that?

When she comes back over to you, your arms wrap around her neck and you pull her body close to yours. The two of you have never been much for PDA in the past, but in the moment, neither of you cared.

"I am so incredibly proud of you, my love." You mumble before pressing a sweet kiss on her lips. She can't help the smile forming on her face, and she kisses you back before pulling away.

Her hands settled on your waist and she spoke softly. "I love you."

"I love you, Nika."

The next few days felt like a blur. Nika was packing her things to head to Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class training camp. As you watched her from the doorway of the bedroom, a small frown etched itself on your face.

Nika glanced over at you and saw your expression. She stopped what she was doing and immediately walked over to you. "What's wrong, bebo?"

You shook your head. "You're leaving."

Her hands settled on your waist and pulled you towards her. "Only for a week. Then I'll be back and-"

"And then you have to go to Seattle. Not just for a week or two, but for good." The tone of your voice was sad, and Nika found herself frowning.

"That's only if I make the team." Her thumbs gently stroked the fabric of your shorts her shorts that you stole.

You laughed in a bit of disbelief. "You're making the team, don't be ridiculous." You stared at her and felt your eyes beginning to water. "I really don't want you to go. To leave me." Your voice was low and shaky.

She placed a kiss on your forehead and pulled you into a tight hug. "I don't want to leave you, either. If I could stay, I would."

You sniffled and nodded. "I know. You're just-" You took a deep breath. "You're gonna be so far."

Nika pulled away and looked at you, her soft brown eyes not leaving yours for a second. A brief light lit up in her gaze, and you noticed it. "Then come with me." She spoke quickly, like she was ripping off some sort of metaphorical band-aid.

"What?" You looked up at her.

"Come to Seattle with me. After graduation, we can move out there, and- We won't have to be apart." Her words came out so delicately and you found yourself mentally falling apart.

Uprooting your life and moving to the other side of the country? It sounded insane, almost. "Nika.." But you would do anything for her.

"I'm serious, we can get an apartment- or even a house- and it'll be perfect!" You had never seen her so genuine about something in her life. Your heart was pounding against your chest, you felt like at any moment it would leap out and expose to Nika how she was making you melt.

You stared at her for what felt like forever as you contemplated your choices. You could either go with her after graduation, and live the life you've always wanted with her, even though you'd be throwing everything in Connecticut behind. Or, you could stay here, losing the best thing that's ever happened to you.

You'd lose the one person that kept you grounded, that knew your coffee order without having to ask, knew what temperature you liked the bedroom to be at night. She was the only person in your life that had ever given you so much security to where you felt like, maybe, you just could give up everything else for her.

"Okay." You nodded, tears spilling from your eyes. "Yeah, okay."

Nika could’ve screamed at your answer. "Really?" Her eyes widened and she brought a hand up to wipe your tears. "You really want to?"

“I do.” You sniffled, angling your head to lean into her hand.

Her smile was wide as she leaned in and pressed your lips together, only for a split second before pulling back and pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“I love you, bebo.” She mumbled.

You tucked your head under her jaw and took a deep breath. “I love you.”

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fruitbasketball · 7 months ago

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wnba recap 7/2

okay life is so hectic but i want to yap ab the fever aces game so bad so that’s all y’all are getting for today

las vegas aces vs. indiana fever

thank you christie sides 🙏🏽🙏🏽 for not starting crusty wallASS. oh my god 12 minutes on the floor just to go 1-4 you actually make me sick. double doubles for caitlin and aliyah, both valid all star picks yupppp! i loved the little interactions between the aces players and caitlin it was so adorable.

temi was CRASHING THOSE BOARDS during her lil 16 mins on the court loooove to see it :)

GODDAMN A’JA. idc if it’s stat padding bruh leave her in for 1 min to get that last board for the double come onnn but! KELSEY PLUM?? PLUM DAWG??? good LORD i cannot imagine how this team has lost 6 WHOLE games when this is how they play even when chelsea gray doesn’t contribute that much.

kate martin 11 minutes 0 points 😭😭 y’all always have this girl panicking dear god imagine how embarrassing it would’ve been if she’d ended up on that all star roster 💀💀💀

okay anyway enjoyed that game i will be back on my recap grind soon y’all!! promise!!

#wbb #wnba #women’s basketball #las vegas aces #indiana fever #caitlin clark #wnba recap by mina

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bballlvr8 · 4 months ago

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do we think that Kelsey Plum is re-signing with the aces? I can’t imagine her anywhere else honestly

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kevinbriansatterwhite · 7 months ago

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I don’t watch sports that much. I kind of lost interest in it. When it comes to music and film - even if you don’t like an artist - every now and then there’s a performance or a song that really picks you up. Sports is not art. What you see is what you get. They’re human beings. As an artist myself - I just think about - Indiana Jones - talking about - fortune and glory. I think as a society - we focus too much on - fortune and fame. Chasing fame is not an admirable quality - no matter how many songs we hear about it - or how many movies we watch - where it looks cool. To me - a part of glory - is the honor bestowed upon another by the world - allowing someone to use their fame for good. Sports is great because - you could possibly see someone’s great deeds - reflected in their game - live. This literally makes it a dangerous game - unlike Liam Hemsworth, Michael Douglas, and Ice-T - who were portraying characters in movies with dangerous plots. When someone is chasing fame - you don’t really see anything - it’s just a player playing a game. I think sports has great potential. I think someday men and women could compete together on the same teams - with a few adjustments to the rules and regulations. I remember when I used to watch basketball players talk and I used to get nervous - like when watching a “black” person read the prompter at a fancy award show. Things have gotten better - society is improving. We have found time to care about things that don’t seem to matter - like speech and teach. It’s not just about wasting money anymore. I don’t recall exactly. I vaguely remember seeing Kelsey Plum talking about the importance of managing money and making the money she deserves. It’s something that people need to understand. How to save money, how to get the money you deserve, and how to spend money. I’ve heard of too many athletes going broke after making millions. It’s not just athletes that need this information. I think Kelsey Plum should be the face of the WNBA. By that I mean - she should be in a leadership position - to help promote the league.

Women have been through some serious stuff when it comes to beauty. Dorothy Dandridge, Elizabeth Taylor, and Barbara Streisand. I can’t imagine the stuff they went through as women. Not just stretching the mold, but breaking it - so other people could fit into it. I remember growing up - Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jonathan Brandis, Cory Haim, Luke Perry, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Jaleel White - they were all the standard of beauty in the nineties. I didn’t fit the description, but I was okay with it. It didn’t offend me. I don’t think it’s fair to look back and say it was wrong for society to put them up there like that. Unfortunately, we lost Cory, Luke, and Jonathan. We don’t hear much about Taylor Thomas anymore. The world was starving for purity and innocence and it didn’t seem to pan out. The “black” community was really into Denzel Washington. I wonder if that’s why it went from - Brad Pitt to George Clooney, Ryan Renyolds, and Ryan Gosling. Denzel, Ryan, Ryan, and George seem like a more heartfelt and wholesome choice than pure and innocent. Brad Pitt may have let everyone down - when he didn’t seem to be what people expected. The world got fed up with purity and innocence - because it just kept fading away. Then it all felt wrong because it wasn’t diverse enough. But, was there a bigger picture? There are no racial slurs worse - to me - than the ones against Asian people. Gook and chink - they sound more like a direct aim at someone’s features. If you think about Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Tyson Beckford, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift - they have features that I believe - everyone can relate to. Their universal beauty provides healing and protection. It also allows us to see ourselves as more beautiful - by practicing on someone else. I think Kelsey Plum as the face of the WNBA will open humble doors - that we didn’t realized were closed. It’s like - “white” culture back in the nineties was not just tripping. They were up to something. The popularity of BTS - may be proof that there’s something going on. The world has to address the negative and hold ourselves accountable for our actions - before we plan the positive. The best we can do in the meantime is prepare for something better.

#Hello Kitty #Sanrio #Wikipedia

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female-buckets · 2 years ago

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uw has landed big recruits recently? they got ladine who was instrumental in beating stanford and stines and they’re getting chloe briggs if i remember correctly and she’s pretty highly touted?

True. But compared to Kelsey Plum and Aari Mcdonald? There was a moment back in 2016 when it felt like UW would leave the mid-majors behind. There was a moment where it felt like UW could become a big consistent program.

And then Adia took Aari to Arizona and UW hired the worst coach they could find lmao. Jody Wynn's record as UW head coach was 25-57!!! Imagine what could've been if UW gave Adia a competitive offer and made her head coach? We would've seen UW in the NCAA championship game! But instead we got Jody Wynn... 25-57. But it's okay. Wynn is gone now.

The brand new UW coach, Tina Langley, is impressive. The 9 losses on Washington's record this year no longer count because they beat Stanford 😌

#WSU is still better than UW but... we'll discuss that another day. For now let's celebrate the Huskies #ncaa wbb

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outsideratheart · 3 years ago

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Is That A Plum? (Kelsey Plum x reader)

Anon request: Can you do a Kelsey Plum and tattoo reder fluff if possible

It was announced that the 2020 olympics would now happen in 2021, meaning that you would finally have national team training camp.

This meant that you would be able to play the sport you love with some of your closest friends and most of all your girlfriend.

Arriving in South Carolina you were informed that you have to quarantine for 10 days and the only time you were allowed to leave the room was for COVID testing. During those 10 days you had seen Kelsey twice and you were instructed to keep your distance but now quarantine was officially over. You were finally allowed to see you girlfriend and practice with the team.

The morning of the first practice you had slept in which wasn’t surprising, everyone knew how much you loved your sleep. What you didn’t expect was that Jewel slept in too which meant you were now both late and by the time you got to reception the rest of the team had already left to go the arena.

“Great way to start camp” Jewel says.

“Oh, they expect if from me. What is your excuse?” You tease

“What can I say, I didn’t want you to face the team alone” she says causing you to laugh.

Over the years you have become close with Jewel as you both play for the storm.

You call one of the coaching staff and they tell you that you have to make your own way to practice. You and jewel leave the hotel but not before getting a coffee. You were already late, at least this way you would arrive to practice awake.

Meanwhile at the arena the rest of the team arrive and Dawn notices your absence straight away.

“You seem to be missing two players Sue” Dawn says.

“They overslept, Y/N texted to say they are on there way. They shouldn’t be too long”

Sue was right because 5 minutes later you and Jewel walk into the arena.

“You’re late” You are about to respond when Dawn notices your cup “and you stopped for coffee” She says.

“Of course she did” Kelsey says under her breath

“I thought it would be best if I was more alert when I arrived” you say hoping she would buy your excuse.

The rest of the team laugh at your words. This is how you was, always having an answer. You liked to have a joke but when it came to playing your were focused.

“How about this” Dawn pauses as she passes you a ball “Score from there and your off the hook. Miss and you and Jewel have to run the stairs”

Jewel sighs from beside you. She had faith but you hadn’t even been up an hour and you hadn’t warmed up.

“Deal” you say handing Jewel your coffee.

“and if you miss I get your coffee” Dawn raises the stakes.

You laugh at her bet “Ooo now it’s on, I don’t share my coffee. Anyone else want to place a bet, we might as well make this interesting”’ you say looking at your team mates.

“I bet $50 you miss” Diana says and bring your hand to you chest acting offended.

“I’ll match you but I say she makes it” Kelsey says.

“Thank you baby” You send her a wink.

“Anybody else” you ask and take the the silence as no” Fine by me, set the shot clock”

You bounce the ball three times and take the shot. Just like in the movies, it feels like the ball is in slow motion but low and behold you watch as the ball goes in the net.

You jokingly bow at your team before taking your drink from jewel.

You walk towards the bench where the rest of the players are now sitting. You see a sign with your name on next to Kelsey and you mentally thank whoever set the seats up.

“Good Morning” Kelsey says leaning over to kiss you.

“It is now” You say returning the kiss.

“No kissing on the court, COVID rules” you hold you hands up in defeat.

You take you sweatpants off so that you are in your shorts and when you look up you see Kelsey taking a sip of your coffee.

“I thought you said you don’t share your coffee” Diana says.

“What’s mine is hers” you reply causing Diana to laugh, she is about to walk away when you stop her “I’ll be collecting my $50 after practice, I accept cash, card and Starbucks gift cards”

Diana just shakes her head at your words.

You go to take your hoodie off but then remember that you have a new tattoo which you are keeping hidden for the time being.

“Hoodie off Y/N” Dawns says.

“I will once I warm up” you reply.

“That’s not like you. Normally you love to show your arms off” Kelsey says and you wave her off.

It felt like a good idea at first but now here you were half an hour into practice and sweat was dripping off you.

“Y/N I know want to show her your sleeve in private but you are doing to pass out if you don’t take your hoodie off” Stewie says.

You had gotten a new sleeve after the play offs and you had yet to show your girlfriend. You wanted to show her in person and you hadn’t seen her since you got it.

“I know” you pause “you’re right. I am sweating buckets” You take your hoodie off. Perhaps nobody will realise.

That hope is short lived.

As soon as you take your hoodie off, Brittany comes over to you. This was the thing you had in common, you both loved tattoos.

“That’s new, what is it?” She asks.

You look around and thankfully Kelsey it too focused to notice you.

“Some letters. I got it after the finals. Please keep it down, Kelsey hasn’t seen it yet” You laugh as BG pretends to zip her lips.

The rest of training you and Kelsey are on opposite ends of the court. You were both to focused on practice to really notice the other one.

Dawn calls you over the bench to go over the next drill. You are too busy concentrating on what she is saying, you don’t even realise Kelsey is by your side checking out your new ink until she says something.

“This is new, I like it” Kelsey tells you.

Thankfully she doesn’t notice what the tattoo was. You would be able to have your reveal when you got back to the hotel.

The second half of training you were on a team with Kelsey and Brittany. This is what you loved about national team, BG wasn’t on your ass and Kelsey was on your team so the points she scored were your points too.

You, Sue and Diana do some 3 point shots. You three were the top scorers in the league and were also the most confident at taking the shots.

“So Romeo did your girl see your tattoos?” Sue asks.

“She did but she didn’t realise what they were” you reply.

“What are you talking about” Diana asks.

You show your sleeve to D whilst sue takes her shots.

“these are from her” You nod as Diana inspects your arm. “I think this one is my favourite” she tells you.

“Mine too”

After you finish your shooting practice Dawn tells you all to call it a day and to head back the hotel.

Everyone meets in the hotel restaurant after showering and getting changed.

When you get there you notice a seat free near Kelsey so you sit there.

You made sure to wear a short sleeved t-shirt so that your tattoo is on show.

Kelsey takes a closer look at the tattoo and you just watch her. You loved her, you were completely smitten. 2020 made you realise that Kelsey was it for you. Not being able to see her was horrible and it made you think about the future, and that was what she was to you, she was your future.

“Are these?” Her voice breaks and she can’t finish her sentence.

“They are” you say.

Kelsey’s hand was resting on your bicep so you leaned down to place a kiss on her knuckles.

“I really struggled in the wubble. I have always being a people person and to be isolated for that long was really hard but your letters was the highlight of my day. I would wait every morning for your knock and then I would read them over and over again, I swear that by the time I stopped I would have been able to read them back to you from memory”

By now some of the team has come back to the table with their food and was listening to you talk to your girlfriend.

“This one is the first one you gave me” you point to the one at the top of your arm.

“This is from the morning after my horrible game, I was beating myself up but you knew exactly what to say to calm me down. Now I look at it every time I am hard on myself”

You feel your nose tingle as you continue explaining what each letter meant you.

“What is this one?” She asks not recognising the words.

This is the one tattoo on your arm which for her from you.

“It says ‘In all the world there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world there is no love for you like mine’”

You blink and a tear falls down your face. Kelsey moves her thumb over your face, wiping the tear away.

“Who said that?” She asks.

“I did but I am pretty sure Maya Angelou said it first” you say trying to laugh off your tears.

“Is that a plum” She asks and you laugh remembering how you got it.

“That was my idea” Stewie says proud of herself.

#WNBA x reader #WNBA imagines #WNBA one shot #Kelsey plum imagines #Kelsey plum x reader #Kelsey plum one shot

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junker-town · 3 years ago

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Stefanie Dolson on winning gold in Tokyo, the challenges of 3x3 basketball, and more

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Sometimes overshadowed on the Chicago Sky, Stefanie Dolson stepped out onto the international stage this summer, winning a gold medal in Tokyo.

The debut of 3x3 basketball at the Summer Olympics was a rousing success, especially for the United States women’s team composed of Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. The Americans went 8-1 and came home with the event’s inaugural gold medal.

The pace of the game seems suited for quicker guards, and yet 6’5 Dolson — known as Big Mama Stef — played some of the finest basketball of her career en route to the gold, making 72.3 percent of her field-goal attempts and just being a general nuisance for any opponent trying to get to the basket.

Dolson spoke to SB Nation about what it took to winning gold and the role her UCAN energy products played in getting her to her physical peak.

Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

SB Nation: How does it feel to be an Olympic gold medalist? Has it sunk in yet, do you call yourself that when you answer the phone? How does it work?

Stefanie Dolson: I don’t. I got to see Allisha (Gray) yesterday, we played Dallas. And I said, “What’s up Gold Medal Lish?” cuz she said she only wanted to be referred to as that. I did not, but it’s been really great. I mean, my family, friends, my teammates, it’s just, I don’t know, just overwhelming with how much love and support and excitement everyone’s given me. So it’s definitely set in. I think at this point now it’s like, I almost have to put it to the side because now I’m focused on just our Chicago games, but I mean it’s pretty amazing. I still look at it, I’m like, wow, that really happened.

SBN: Do you have any special plans for the medal?

SD: I don’t think so. I’m gonna get a tattoo though, I just have to get it. But not the medal. I mean, I’m trying to figure out what to do with it, to be fair.

SBN: are you gonna get the Olympic rings tattoo?

SD: Yeah, I’m thinking about getting the rings or actually getting the Olympiad that’s on the back, like the angel-looking thing. I saw a tattoo like that, it looked really cool, so up in the air.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stefanie Dolson (she/her) (@bigmamastef)

SBN: I wanted to ask you a little about 3x3 because I know USA, obviously when you’re part of — especially the women’s basketball program — for five on five, there’s an expectation of winning, and I was curious if you guys had that same sort of expectation going in for 3x3 given that it was a new tournament.

SD: Yeah, I think there was because, you know, not only just USA basketball, but just the WNBA, like all of basketball in the U.S., there’s an expectation of being really great at it. So for us it was just like, we’re WNBA players. We almost put on ourselves that pressure, like we need to be the best. So going into it I think I was really nervous, I mean the first game of the Olympics I was — we were all freaking out. I was thinking it’s so different compared to the qualifying tournament. So there’s definitely that pressure and expectation of wanting to be the best, wanting to win the gold. It was there.

SBN: What was the day like when you guys found out that Katie Lou Samuelson wasn’t gonna be able to come and Jackie (Young) was gonna be taking her place?

SD: That day was just a roller coaster. It all kind of happened so fast, too, you know, finding out that she tested positive and then next it was like, “okay well now what do we do?” And then an hour later, we’re like, okay Jackie Young’s on the plane right now coming, like straight from a vacation. So it was really sad, my heart just went out for (Katie Lou) and it just broke for her because I know how hard she worked to get us to that point and how much time she put into it. So it was really really hard, but Jackie was amazing to just come straight from vacation. She knew all of the plays the first day, we worked out with her and stuff, so I was just really impressed with the way that she was able to jump right into it with us.

SBN: So it doesn’t seem like there was much of an acclimation process once Jackie got there?

SD: We didn’t have time for it. She had to be acclimated quickly.

SBN: I read about all the physical transformations that you had to undergo to get ready for this. I know you said you stopped drinking and you lost all this weight — did you also have to change the way you play your game to be ready for 3x3, or was it more just like getting ready for the speed?

SD: Yeah, I think it all kind of intertwines. For me, honestly my entire career, my biggest battle has been conditioning, you know my ability to be quick on my feet and just agile. So, after quarantine and all that stuff, being at home, it was rough, and then I got injured. So I had to kind of change everything: my diet, my lifestyle. I focused so solely on basketball, I put everything aside because of 3x3, but also because of, you know, the WNBA. Either way it was for my career. And part of it was 3x3 because the way the game is played. It’s so quick. Half the time I’m guarding a guard. If I didn’t do that, I don’t know that we would have been as successful as we were.

SBN: How did the UCAN factor into your physical transformation, for lack of a better word?

SD: Yeah it’s been perfect, honestly. It goes right in with kind of that just healthy living, that healthy lifestyle, because it is natural and plant based, and it’s zero sugar. A lot of the things that I usually use are like really high in sugar and I’ll usually crash, but when I’m training, and even the last few games here in the WNBA, I’ve been using the UCAN during the games with the electrolytes and everything and it’s just like, I feel a difference because I don’t crash. And then on top of that I don’t feel kind of that guilt of like, ughhh I just had so much sugar with whether it’s like Gatorade or whatever you’re drinking or eating. So the UCAN products have been kind of that perfect product to fit into this new lifestyle, if you will.

SBN: You’d been using them for a little while before you got to Tokyo?

SD: Yeah, a couple of weeks.

SBN: And then, obviously, you must have felt the difference while you were in Tokyo because you killed it.

SD: We were training, we were doing heat training in Vegas, to kind of prepare for Tokyo because we knew how hot it would be. So I was using the products there in Vegas to kind of stay hydrated, and protein-wise because the food they had for us was pretty heavy most of the time, so I was able to use the UCAN products for protein before we were going to work out.

SBN: What was the most challenging part of that experience in Tokyo? Was it the heat or the diet or the caliber of the opposition, like what really stuck out to you?

SD: I just think it was all of it. I don’t think we all were fully prepared for it until we got there, you know, even the heat training, it was like oh it’ll be fine, and then we get there and it’s not only the heat training, but the sun is, you’re literally shooting with the sun in your eyes. So there’s like so many different elements that kind of hit you. One day we’re shooting, and we’re playing in the rain, obviously there’s some cover over us, but it’s humid, things are wet and slippery, so it’s all just the elements. And then of course the teams that we were playing. I don’t think we realized how hard playing them would be, so just the overall experience was extremely difficult.

SBN: I mean you guys only lost once, and that came after you’d already set your place in the knockout rounds, so what do you think was the the biggest key to you being so successful?

SD: I feel like it was just staying the course. We knew every team was gonna give us their best game and play as hard as they could. And for us we just focused on ourselves, like it didn’t really matter who we were playing, it was just play our game, you know, play strong, don’t get caught up with the refs, and even the games that we won, they were close. It was because we just stayed the course, we focused on what our ultimate goal was. And then we were just able to kind of pull out those games because yes, we lost one, and everyone kept saying that, but a few of them were real close, because these teams were just so incredible and it was for a gold medal, you know it’s not supposed to be easy. So, it was really tough.

SBN: Yeah, I feel like every time I checked a score, it was like 21-17 or 21-18.

SD: It was close, yeah. Real close.

SBN: Yeah, it’s so nervy because with the clock too, just everything feels so compressed and so heightened and I mean I imagine just like the experience of competing in pressure situations helps prepare you for WNBA and other leagues that you play in, but like at the same time it just felt so different, like, oh my god, things are happening so quickly.

SD: Hundred percent. Our first — the Austria qualifying tournament — that was the first time I had ever actually played 3x3 in that type of tournament. And when I tell you my anxiety and nervousness the night before a game, or like 20 minutes before a game. It’s just extremely heightened because of what you just said, everything’s so compressed and short, that you could lose the game in the first minute, compared to a 40 minute game that’s up and down. So it’s a quick game and it’s high anxiety, but very fun.

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Dolson had 5 points and 4 rebounds in an 18-16 semifinal win over France, which had four of the top-5 3x3 players in the world.

SBN: How did you make that decision that you wanted to be a part of 3x3 because I’m sure you had thoughts about playing in the 5-on-5 national team pool at times in your career?

SD: Yeah well, 5-on-5 obviously, there’s so many amazing players. I’ve been in the pool and just been with USA basketball for a long time. And so I think they’ve seen how much hard work, and how much time I’ve put in with USA basketball, so it was really them giving me that opportunity. There are so many players in 5-on-5, but we have this opportunity with 3x3, would you like to try it, and I was like yeah, of course. So I tried it, I didn’t know if I would like it or if I would be good at it. But once I played, it kind of fit pretty seamlessly with the way that I play basketball. Because at UConn we were really taught like 3-on-3 and then you have 2-on-2 games, so I kind of just fit in pretty naturally and I really enjoyed playing it.

SBN: I guess we should talk about the Sky. How do you feel like you’ve become a better player like through this experience over the last year, and how does that translate to your performance with Chicago?

SD: I just think for me it’s my confidence. You know a lot of times that goes up and down with the way that I play. But I think it’s just like that confidence and knowing what I bring to the table, and what my role is on a team. And for me with the Chicago Sky it’s like, you know I may not always score, but I’m a big facilitator, I screen a lot for our players to score. So it’s really just growing into that role of what type of player they need me to be. But yeah, it’s just like that maturity of knowing what you bring to the table.

SBN: You guys have a really diverse and talented from court in Chicago, like I’m thinking about Astou (Ndour) who was just killing it in the Olympics with Spain, and obviously Candace (Parker) and Ruthy (Hebard)’s there now and Azura (Stevens). There’s just so many different pieces, what is your role fitting into all of that?

SD: Just being kind of that big body that can do anything that they need me to. If it’s screen, cool, if they need me to score, I’ll score. Facilitate, great, defense, great. Just whatever they need me to do, you know, I think that’s the best part about our team is that we’re so versatile. In different games and different teams, our matchups are going to be different because we’re all really good at different things. So it’s kind of like, you know keeping other teams on their toes with what kind of Chicago team they’ll get.

STEF SAID NAH ‍♀️@bigmamastef | #skytown pic.twitter.com/T7qjxvqpbZ

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) August 22, 2021

SBN: Over the past couple years, I feel like the reputation of Chicago has been just this standout offensive team, the sets you guys run are so gorgeous, and then this year I think your record is about the same, but, you know, the defense has really picked up but the offense has come down a little bit. I’m curious, why do you think that has happened?

SD: I don’t know. I do feel as though we have put a higher emphasis on defense. Unfortunately, it hasn’t led to as much offense as I think we were hoping it would. Plus I think teams are just scouting us well, I mean they know that we love to be in transition, that is our bread and butter, and that has been for the past few years. So I do think that teams are doing a pretty good job of getting back on us when we do get a stop, so it’s just about finding what works for us, you know what lineups work, what matchups work, and kind of sticking with those and just kind of riding it out from there.

SBN: Is there anything in particular that you want to improve on for the last 10-11 games of the season, or for the team as a whole?

SD: I think for me, just being more aggressive. I think since I’ve been back from the Olympics I’ve become a little bit more aggressive. I don’t always — because we have a lot of scorers, or people that are capable of scoring, I usually get pretty passive with my shots. But I think it’s kinda like why not, you know? I know I can shoot the ball so I think I’m just gonna be more aggressive and more versatile in what offensively.

SBN: I have a couple of random questions before we get out of here, but you went to Connecticut with Breanna Stewart, right? I feel like we’re living in the golden age of Stewie right now and I’m curious, did you see that when you were with her in college? Did you see the start of something this special with her?

SD: 100% I mean, she was great back then at UConn, and then she just kept getting better after I graduated. I don’t think I knew it was gonna be this much, you know, gonna be this good, but I knew she was gonna be good. Really good. But I mean, she’s just incredible, and she’s an incredible person, I mean that’s what makes it even better is like getting all the accolades and awards that she’s getting and whatnot, she deserves it, you know, and she’s such a great person and humble that I’m just really happy for her.

SBN: What’s the experience like trying to guard her?

SD: I don’t know, I don’t ever guard her. If I guard her, it’s usually because we switched for some strange reason, and if it happens, I just face guard her. I just look at her, I just won’t even help anyone, because I don’t want you to get the ball because if you get the ball, you’re probably gonna score on me. That’s my way of guarding her.

SBN: And then I also wanted to ask, you know we’re at the point, 25 years of the WNBA, where people who were coming into the league now grew up with the WNBA so they had a relationship with the league ideally when they were growing up. What was your relationship like with the WNBA when you were younger? Did you like have a favorite team, were you dreaming about becoming a pro?

SD: I actually did not. So, for me, I just didn’t know I would be good at basketball like this, or even have this chance. I wasn’t expecting to go to college for basketball, I played volleyball in middle school too, so it was kind of like I always loved volleyball too, so I didn’t think I would do anything with basketball. And then scholarships started happening and I was like, oh, okay, maybe I could be pretty good. And then UConn happened, and then the league. So growing up I just never thought that was a possibility for me until I really got to college, then I was like okay, I think I can make the league and I think I can be a part of it, so. Yeah, unfortunately it was not but it’s really great to know that other girls now are growing up and seeing the league and just our game the other day against Seattle was one of the top-viewed games, so seeing things like that, it just shows how much more viewership we’re getting, which is awesome.

SBN: Where does the nickname Big Mama Stef come from?

SD: Literally nowhere. It’s just like, my friend in college, you know, he just called me Big Mama Stef one day, and it just stuck, I mean I am motherly, like I just want people to be taken care of, like I would do anything for anyone. I don’t know if I want to be a mother, so it’s kinda weird but, yeah, it’s not really much to it.

SBN: It’s funny I was talking to my brother. Yesterday I told him that I’d have a chance to talk to you and he’s like oh, Big Mama Stef, and I was like yeah, Stefanie Dolson.

SD: That’s all they called me in Tokyo and the qualifying tournament, it was like, “Big Mama!”

SBN: I guess 3x3 has a little bit more flair to it, so nicknames kind of work, right?

SD: Yeah, much more flair.

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caitified · 2 months ago

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christmas time

as a christmas enthusiast, i want to give you an advent calendar so i will post a holiday themed fic everyday of december, on top of my regular fics but i need ideas. 🎄🎅🎁

please leave me ideas in my inbox, messages or comments. i’ll write for anybody!

#wnba x reader #caitlin clark x reader #wnba imagine #wbb x reader #wbb imagine #iowa wbb #caitlin clark #indiana fever #paige bueckers x reader #kate martin x reader #kate martin #jackie young #azzi fudd x reader #paige bueckers #kelsey plum #diana taurasi

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archeyesmagazine · 5 years ago

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In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection. At the time, Pasadena was so influential in contemporary art that its only American rival was lower Manhattan. The museum was previously known as the Pasadena Art Institute and the Pasadena Art Museum.

Norton Simon Art Museum Technical Information

Architects: Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey

Location: 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

Material: Umber-colored tiles

Type: Art Museum

Area: 500 m2

Style: Late Modern

Project Year: 1969

It was late in the afternoon and the coppery plum colored shadows on the mountains were repeated in the tile of the museum. It was so exciting

– Edith Heath1

Norton Simon Art Museum Photographs

Text by the Ladd and Kelsey Foundation2

The undulating exterior — influenced by Pasadena’s Arts & Crafts tradition, Beaux-Arts City Hall, and streamline and modern design –changes with the light of day. Ladd & Kelsey’s signature white concrete base and white-finished roof crisply contrasted with the blue Southern California sky and green landscape. The curvilinear tiled exterior, a Ladd & Kelsey hallmark, is comprised of 115,000 Edith Heath-designed custom brick red and onyx glazed 5 x 15-inch tiles. They embrace the palette of the San Gabriel Mountains above the structure and their mood still changes with the day’s light. For Edith Heath, the project earned her the prestigious AIA Industrial Arts Medal award from the American Institute of Architects in 1971. This was the first time the award was granted to a non-architect.

The avant-garde interior architecture housed equally avant-garde contemporary art. The interior plan was imagined as a series of pavilions by which one crosses glass-enclosed “bridges” with views to nature outside before entering another Pavillion. The interior was designed to be an unconventional space to house unconventional art by the likes of Robert Irwin, Ed Moses, Ed Ruscha, and Ellsworth Kelly, among others.

A debt-laden Pasadena Art Museum was taken over by the industrialist Norton Simon in 1974, leading it to become the Norton Simon Museum. The structure’s original interior architecture was altered in 1977 by Craig Ellwood and largely lost to a 1996-1999 Frank Gehry redesign. The classical modern reflecting pool central to the plan was demolished in 1999 and replaced with an organic landscaping redesign by Nancy Goslee Power.

History of the Museum

Norton Simon died on June 2, 1993. As a tribute to her husband, Jennifer Jones Simon oversaw the major renovation of the interior galleries from 1996-1999 by the noted architect Frank O. Gehry. The sculpture garden was remodeled by Nancy Goslee Power, and the renovation completed in 2000 when the Museum’s Theater was remodeled by Arthur Gensler, Jr. & Associates.

Norton Simon Art Museum Image Gallery

Map

About Ladd & Kelsey Architects

Thornton Ladd (1924-2010) and John Kelsey (1925-2012) firm operated from 1959 till 1982. Despite its lack of recognition today, the Ladd & Kelsey name is tied to some of the iconic buildings of Los Angeles modern architecture. Other works from Ladd & Kelsey Architects

Notes

The curved exterior walls of the museum are lined with 115,000 vertically stacked umber-colored tiles designed by ceramicist Edith Heath.

Ladd & Kelsey Foundation

In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection. #americanarchitecture #nortonsimonmuseum #ladd&kelsey In 1969, Ladd & Kelsey designed the award-winning, thought-provoking – and controversial – Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to house the institution’s large and prestigious contemporary art collection.

#1960s Architecture #1969 #American Architecture #Frank Gehry #Ladd Kelsey #Late Modern #Museum #Tiles

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junker-town · 3 years ago

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Olympic 3x3 basketball is perfect in every way

Photo by Stanislav Krasilnikov\TASS via Getty Images

Who knew this was going to be so fun?

It’s no secret that the IOC has reached the point of throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. There’s a concerted effort to try and attract younger viewers to the games, and get the new generation invested in the Olympics. Alongside the addition of skateboarding, BMX, surfing and other youth-focused sports came the 3x3 basketball competition, and it was better than I imagined.

I’ll admit, I was a little jaded about the concept of three-on-three basketball at the games. I mean, did we really need another basketball competition added to the slate? Now, with both the men’s and women’s competition in the books I’m overjoyed to say I was wrong. The 3x3 was utterly perfect.

The event never overstays its welcome

The blistering, first-to-21 or 10 minute structure makes the 3x3 the perfect small bite Olympic event. You can tune in, watch a couple of games with your coffee, and just when you feel like watching something else, you’ve seen some games to completion.

Honestly, for a lot of fringe sports I kinda tune out after the first 15 minutes — especially when I don’t have a vested interest in the countries competing. However, with 3x3 you can dive in, fall in love with the players in seconds, then get out and feel satisfied.

Fouls are BRUTAL

Look at the women’s gold medal game between USA and ROC for the best example of this. Russia found itself in deep foul trouble early in the game and it created a hole they couldn’t dig their way out of. Instead of players fouling out (since there are just four on a team), they just keep going — so it creates this fun dichotomy of a team not being able to afford giving up fouls, while an increasingly frustrated player just keeps fouling.

And hoo boy, does it hurt when you’re in foul trouble. The penalty, like traditional ball is shooting free throws, but keep in mind this is still first to 21 and a foul shot is the same as a basket. Then, when you hit 10 team fouls it’s like mega bonus, and you shoot two. What a delightful concept.

The announcers make everything amazing

There’s a certain irreverence that comes with calling the 3x3, and the casters know it. Yes, there are breakdowns of the sport itself, complete with the offensive and defensive nuance of playing on a half court — but then there’s just goofy asides that make the whole package more fun.

USA Network commentator on Kelsey Plum: "She's quicker than J. Cole's hoop career."

— Mark (@tole_cover) July 28, 2021

There were also astounding observations like: “USA is great at putting the round thing in the round thing.” That’s the kind of analysis I need in my life.

So ... uh ... did we win?

The U.S. women dominated Russia to take gold in a match that never felt close from the jump. The U.S. men didn’t qualify for the Olympics.

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junker-town · 7 years ago

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Isaiah Thomas has something to say

Good morning. We have that and more in Thursday’s NBA newsletter.

We'll keep this intro short and sweet: you need to go read Isaiah Thomas in The Players' Tribune on his trade from Boston to Cleveland. If you don't root for this dude, something's wrong with you. He perfectly distills what one imagines are the mixed and combustible feelings of being traded after a banner season. He warns those who stand in the Cavaliers' path. He talks about loyalty. It's a hit parade. Go read it.

The WNBA playoffs began on Wednesday. We had a barnburner that included SCUFFLIN' in Dallas vs. Washington with the Mystics advancing, plus Brittney Griner was the hammer Phoenix needed to beat the Storm. The next games are Sunday: the Mystics will face the cracklin' hot New York Liberty and the Mercury will visit the Connecticut Sun. After that, the semifinal series begin Tuesday.

Why a Lynx-Sparks Finals isn't as likely as it was last season.

The San Antonio Stars did not make the WNBA playoffs. Will all three guards, including Kelsey Plum, be back next season?

By the way, in Tuesday's newsletter I confused myself about the WNBA playoff structure and said the Lynx or Sparks could be knocked out in single elimination. This is not true. The WNBA playoff structure confounded me, and I regret the error!

Tom Haberstroh goes deep on Isaiah Thomas' labrum injury and explains how it could impact the Cavaliers' title run.

The entire field for the 16-team knockout round at EuroBasket 2017 is set. Perhaps the best story: Hungary, who won a EuroBasket game for the first time since 1969. Led by Adam Hanga, who apparently almost joined the Spurs this summer, Hungary is in the knockouts. So is Finland, who is in position for its best Euro finish since 1967 (if not ever). The seeds will get sorted out on Thursday; the knockouts begin Saturday.

Other than favorite Spain, Slovenia has been the best team at EuroBasket. Part of the credit is due to Luka Doncic, who is making his case to be the No. 1 pick in 2018.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, who joined the Kings this summer, is fighting hard to become the leader Serbia needs without Milos Teodosic.

We have some sniping unfolding, as well. Ettore Messina, the legend, is coaching the Italian team for the last time. He ripped the new FIBA qualification system in a cogent critique. His main beef: the players called on to qualify during the inconvenient midseason international windows won't be the players to actually represent their countries at the World Cup or Olympics. This is true! In response, FIBA grand poobah Patrick Baumann ripped into Messina, basically telling him to shut up and coach and diminishing the power of Euroleague. Time will tell.

I feel like I understand Jimmy Butler better after this Michael Pina profile.

I wrote about five young free agents who are surprisingly still available.

In praise of the coming JaVale McGee-Nick Young Reunion Singularity.

Since we last met, Tilman Feritta announced he'd be buying the Rockets for $2.2 billion, a record amount. Here's what you need to know about him. My prediction from July holds: this is going to start a boomlet of franchise sales as older owners or those who picked up teams on the cheap cash out.

Did you know 18 NBA players have signature shoes? Michael Sykes has the full list here.

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junker-town · 7 years ago

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The San Antonio Stars need to let Kelsey Plum live

Plum hasn't received a lot of playing time this season, but the Stars are 5-0 when she's plays at least 30 minutes.

San Antonio Stars guard Kelsey Plum is in the midst of an unfortunate rookie season, but her play of late shows there is still time to turn it around. The Stars selected Plum No. 1 overall in the 2017 WNBA draft but have rarely given the 22-year-old guard enough minutes to showcase her skills this season.

That wasn't the case in San Antonio's 87-80 win against the Seattle Storm on August 5. Plum played for a season-high 39:53 minutes and poured in a team-high 23 points, while shooting over 60 percent from deep. She is a pure markswoman from beyond the arch and seems to be finding her rhythm in the league. San Antonio is at the bottom of the WNBA standings at 6-21, so anything they can get from Plum would be a welcome change.

Plum has been receiving more playing time as of late and it is paying off for the Stars, but that hasn’t been the case all season and many are wondering what is going on in San Antonio.

the stars are 5-0 when kelsey plum plays 30+ minutes and 1-18 when she plays any less than that.#freekelseyplum

— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) August 7, 2017

She averaged 14 points, 5.6 assists, and connected on 53.3 percent of her 3-point shots over the course of those five games. The Stars are currently on a three-game winning streak, and while they won’t make the postseason this year, this shows letting Plum develop could have a great payoff for San Antonio in the future.

Why haven’t the Stars been playing Plum like this all season?

Plum did sprain her ankle in the preseason but has since recovered, so the Stars cannot use that injury to explain her true lack of minutes this season. She’s also a rookie who will have the same growing pains any other rookie, but young players need time to develop and she can only get that through time on the court.

The problem in San Antonio is that the team already highly values the two guards they have in the starting rotation, Moriah Jefferson and Kayla McBride. San Antonio envisioned a three-guard lineup when it drafted Plum, but Colas wasn't sure if first-year head coach Vickie Johnson agreed to that.

When San Antonio used their No. 1 overall pick on Plum, her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, questioned the teams' decision to change Plum's position, according to Howard Megdal of summitthoops.com.

“San Antonio is saying they took her and plan to play all three together,” Colas told The Summitt. “You have established assets who have played well, so why are you taking the number one pick to play out of position? In what sport does that happen? It’s entirely unprecedented. You don’t take Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Sue Bird or Derrick Rose to play the two. This is a woman who has twice been selected for USA Basketball as a point guard and broke the NCAA scoring record as a 1—and you’re going to ask her to essentially change positions?”

Megdal also reported that Johnson was reluctant about signing Plum before the draft. Johnson called Plum, McBride, and Jefferson the team's three marquee players.

“Just imagine Kayla pushing the ball,” Johnson said with evident relish, “and you have Plum and MJ running the wing. And then you have Plum and Kayla on the wing: great shooters! Or you have Plum pushing it, and then Kayla and MJ on the wing. Great things. I see great things.”

While this vision sounded great in theory, Johnson has yet to make it a reality. In the first 14 games of the season, Johnson struggled with inserting all three players on the court at once. The Stars continuously decided to not make general manager Ruth Riley and Johnson available to field questions concerning the matter. Instead, the organization released an e-mail statement from Johnson.

“We realize that it has been a challenging season,” Johnson said in the statement. “We have overcome a lot of injuries early on. We are working out different lineups and although we haven’t played Plum, MJ and McBride together a lot these first 14 games, we still believe there is great potential for them in the future. We are a young team and we’re trying to figure out how we can grow together and be productive together.”

This has been an up-and-down season for Plum, but she still has a chance to steal the Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season, according to Megdal. She currently is stepping in for Jefferson, who is dealing with a knee injury.

If Plum continues to play at this level and lead her team to victories, she could easily take home the award. As for next season and beyond, the Stars have to figure out a plan where Jefferson, Plum, and McBride can coexist on the court. If not, some roster changes will need to be made and there are plenty of teams that will find a way to get Plum the minutes she deserves.

The season is winding down for San Antonio and it would be wise to let Plum finish her rookie campaign by allowing her to start for the rest of the season. While that seems like a smart move, the Stars haven't exactly treated Plum correctly since they drafted her.

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