Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum stands as one of the most accomplished guards in the WNBA today. After establishing herself as a cornerstone player, Plum has become a fan favorite and respected veteran. However, her path to WNBA success wasn’t always smooth.
The 30-year-old guard entered the league in 2017 and has captured two WNBA Championships (2022, 2023) along with four All-Star honors. During a recent podcast appearance with WNBA legend Sue Bird, Plum opened up about her professional journey, revealing some behind-the-scenes challenges she encountered early in her career following the WNBA Draft.
How Did Kelsey Plum Handle Early Career Uncertainty With Sue Bird?
As the 2017 No. 1 overall pick, Plum carried enormous expectations when the WNBA season began. While the guard averaged 8.5 points during her rookie campaign with the San Antonio Stars, Plum revealed she faced a harsh reality check about her situation.
During her conversation with Bird on the podcast, Plum discussed her rookie season experience and personal growth:
“I was just more kinda at a loss for words ’cause I got drafted but there was very much of a ‘hey we’re not really sure what to do with you’. And I was kinda like, you guys had the No. 1 pick, like…you could have traded it for something else so you could have picked and then traded it or you could have done a lot of things.”
Plum highlighted the apparent indecision from the Stars organization while acknowledging they were placed in a difficult position. Sometimes coaching staffs and front office personnel don’t align on roster decisions, creating awkward situations for incoming players.
“It was tough,” Plum explained further. “Because when I got there it was made clear, like, ‘hey, we don’t want you here but you’re here. So we don’t know what to do with you.”
Bird shared her own experiences from a similar situation, noting that first overall picks face unique pressures and expectations. The Seattle Storm legend was also the No. 1 overall pick when she entered the league in 2002.
What Career Milestone Did Plum Reach During the Aces’ Recent Victory?
Now averaging a career-high 20.3 points per game in 2025, Plum has reached the peak of her abilities with the Sparks. Her experience has enhanced her already excellent playmaking skills, making her one of the league’s most complete guards.
This nifty bucket gives Kelsey Plum 4,000 career points. 🔥@Kelseyplum10 x @WNBA pic.twitter.com/8rtprsjObP
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) August 15, 2025
During a recent victory over the Dallas Wings, Plum achieved a significant career milestone by reaching 4,000 career points. She accomplished this feat during the first half, finishing the game with 28 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in an impressive all-around performance.
The Sparks, ranked ninth in the WNBA with a 16-17 win-loss record, are scheduled to play the Washington Mystics next.
