Kelsey Plum, one of the most recognizable stars of the WNBA, announced on Wednesday that she has withdrawn from the upstart Unrivaled 3-on-3 league. The Las Vegas Aces guard shared the news via her Instagram story, explaining her decision to prioritize rest and recovery during the offseason.
“I’ve decided not to take part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled in order to take some more time for myself this offseason,” Plum wrote in her Instagram story. “I appreciate the league being so accommodating. I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch!”
Plum’s announcement comes as a surprise to many fans, given her high-profile status within the WNBA and her selection during the inaugural draft of the Unrivaled league.
She was set to play for Team Laces, which is coached by Andrew Wade, alongside notable players such as Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride of the Minnesota Lynx, Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun, Stefanie Dolson of the Washington Mystics, and her Las Vegas Aces teammate Kate Martin.
Despite her withdrawal, Plum expressed support for her fellow athletes and excitement for the upcoming season of the new league.
Kelsey Plum has established herself as a premier talent in the WNBA. Over the past three seasons, she has made consecutive All-Star appearances, and her contributions were crucial in helping the Aces secure a championship.
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Last season, Plum averaged 17.8 points and 4.2 assists per game, while also making 2.9 three-pointers per contest, demonstrating her value as both a scorer and a playmaker. Her decision to step away from the Unrivaled league suggests a desire to preserve her health and maintain her high level of performance heading into the next WNBA season.
The Unrivaled 3-on-3 league is an ambitious new venture designed to provide top WNBA talent with opportunities to compete during the offseason. With its unique format and high level of competition, it has garnered considerable interest from both players and fans.
Plum was originally one of five Las Vegas Aces players expected to participate, alongside Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Tiffany Hayes, and Kate Martin. However, Las Vegas superstar forward A’ja Wilson opted not to join the league, focusing instead on her own plans for the offseason.
While Plum’s withdrawal is a notable absence, the Unrivaled league still features a lineup of talented athletes and promises to deliver exciting action for basketball fans.
Plum’s decision reflects the growing importance of offseason balance for professional athletes, especially in a league as competitive as the WNBA, where the grind of a season can take a physical and mental toll.
By taking this time for herself, Plum is ensuring that she remains at her best for the upcoming WNBA season, where her presence will be instrumental in the Aces’ pursuit of another title.
Fans of Kelsey Plum will have to wait a bit longer to see her in competitive action again, but her commitment to taking care of her body and mind ultimately serves both her and her team’s long-term interests.
As the Unrivaled league prepares for its inaugural season, Plum’s supporters will be watching closely, cheering on the league and hoping to see her return to 3-on-3 competition in the future. For now, Plum’s focus remains on recharging and preparing for another standout WNBA season with the Las Vegas Aces.
