Boom. Just like that, the biggest WNBA news dropped Sunday night, and it wasn’t about the season pause for the FIBA World Cup. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, two absolute studs, both officially withdrew from Team USA’s roster on Monday. Talk about a shocker right before the tournament kicks off!
Plum’s Season Ends Early, Wilson Manages Load
Okay, so let’s break down what’s happening here because it’s a big deal. Kelsey Plum’s situation is the tougher one, no doubt. She’s been battling a nasty lower-leg ailment, and it’s bad enough that she’s now officially out for the *rest of the WNBA season*. Plum missed five of the last six games, and when she *was* on the court, you could tell she wasn’t 100 percent. This means her season, after a midseason trade to the Mercury, ends with only five games played for Phoenix, and a total of just 17 games this year. That’s a huge blow for her and the Mercury, and frankly, a gut punch for Team USA losing a high-level veteran scorer like her.
A’ja Wilson’s withdrawal is a bit different, but no less impactful for the national squad. Wilson, a generational talent and a four-time MVP, isn’t known to be dealing with any significant injury. She hasn’t missed much time this season, either. So, the word is her absence is more about managing that insane workload she carries. She’s still favored to win her fifth MVP award, coming off back-to-back 27-point games before the break. The Aces aren’t expecting her to miss time when the WNBA season resumes on September 17. But still, removing a player of Wilson’s caliber, even for workload management, leaves a massive hole in Team USA’s lineup as they head to Berlin.
Mystics Duo Steps Up for Team USA’s Title Quest
So, with two massive names suddenly off the roster, who’s stepping into the spotlight for Team USA? Get ready for some Washington Mystics firepower, because Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are getting the call-up! Citron, the No. 3 pick from the 2025 draft, has been an All-Star in both her first two WNBA seasons. She’s averaging 16.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this season, shooting a smooth 47.5 percent from the field. That’s some serious production.
Right alongside her is Kiki Iriafen, selected one pick after Citron in the same draft. She’s also become a cornerstone for the Mystics, racking up 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season and earning her second All-Star selection. These two are legit, and it’s a huge opportunity for them to show out on the international stage. Coach Kara Lawson from Duke has her work cut out for her, integrating new talent right before the tournament.
The FIBA World Cup kicks off Friday, September 4, over in Berlin, with Team USA opening against China on Friday morning. Our squad is chasing a fifth consecutive FIBA World Cup title, and these sudden withdrawals definitely shake things up. It’s going to be wild to see how Citron and Iriafen rise to the occasion. Can they fill those huge shoes? This tournament just got a whole lot more interesting!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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