The Los Angeles Sparks are evaluating Kelsey Plum’s role as point guard, with questions arising about whether it’s the best fit for both her and the team.
Plum’s Strengths and the Point Guard Role
Plum, a four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Champion, is known for her exceptional shooting. She also provides strong veteran leadership for the team. While capable of providing assists, her primary instinct is to shoot.
This worked well on the Aces, where she played alongside Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. Those players could get the ball around the court and take shots, allowing Plum to focus on her strengths. In Los Angeles, however, Plum is struggling to create opportunities for her teammates.
Creating looks for teammates is a crucial part of running point. Floor captains need to read the floor for everyone, not just themselves. Failing to do so doesn’t make Plum a bad player or a bad teammate; it mostly just indicates she should probably be a shooting guard.
Sparks’ Limited Options at Point Guard
The Sparks face a challenge as they don’t have many alternatives to Plum at point guard. Nneka Ogwumike and Rae Burrell have the potential to create a Gray-Young situation. But Plum will have to participate in that scheme.
Last season, Plum averaged 5.7 assists. This is closer to Sabrina Ionescu’s 5.7 assists during the 2025 season, but still far from Caitlin Clark’s 8.8 in a season shortened by injury and 8.4 in 2024.
Finding the Right Fit for Plum and the Sparks
It’s possible Plum is still figuring out how she can best support the Sparks as a point guard this season. The 2026 season is very, very young, and we’re hopefully not seeing anyone’s best basketball on the court just yet.
If the Sparks want to be contenders this season, Roberts and Plum will need to come up with a plan that works for everyone.