This WNBA Standout Is the Biggest All-Star Starter Snub

With only 10 players able to start in a league full of superstars, there were always going to be some controversial omissions. But perhaps the most notable name missing is that of Phoenix Mercury forward and 5x All-Star Alyssa Thomas.

Thomas is in the midst of an incredible season for a Mercury team that currently holds the second best record in the league at 12-5. She’s averaging 14.8 points, 9.3 assists (most in the WNBA), and 7.3 rebounds. A 3x All-Defensive selection, Thomas has been a linchpin on that end of the floor for Phoenix as well. 

In terms of efficiency, Thomas’ 53.8% mark from the field is a career-high and good enough for fourth in the entire league. Thomas has missed five games due to injury, but the Mercury are 10-2 when she plays and 2-3 when she doesn’t. She’s arguably having the best season of her career at age 33.

According to FanDuel SportsBook, Thomas currently has the fourth best odds to win WNBA MVP. That’s how good she’s been this season.

Yet, Thomas was not voted to be a starter. As a reminder, fans accounted for 50% of the vote while media and player voting accounted for 25% each. Thomas finished in 10th place amongst front court players, with other non-starters like Gabby Williams, Kiki Iriafen, and Angel Reese receiving more votes. Although Thomas ranked 6th in the player vote and 7th in the media vote, she got hurt in the all-important fan vote placing 13th.

With so much talent abundant in the WNBA, it's a tough task to whittle the pool down to just 10 starters. Thomas possesses the resume of a starter but the masses were not on the same page. She'll almost certainly be amongst the reserves, who are selected by the league's head coaches.

The full list of reserves will be announced on Sunday, July 6th at noon eastern, while the All-Star game is set for Saturday, July 19th from Indianapolis.