Caitlin Clark Chooses Fever Teammates, Passes on Angel Reese in WNBA All-Star Draft

A Draft That Says More Than Just Names

Caitlin Clark made headlines yet again—this time not for a buzzer-beater or a dazzling assist, but for her choices during the WNBA All-Star Game draft. As captain of Team Clark, she used her picks to select close Indiana Fever teammates while notably passing on Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, reigniting fan discussions around one of the league’s most talked-about rivalries.

Clark Prioritizes Loyalty and Chemistry

With the first overall pick, Clark chose Aliyah Boston, her trusted frontcourt partner on the Indiana Fever. Later in the draft, she added Kelsey Mitchell, another key Fever contributor. These decisions reflected more than just basketball logic—they represented trust, familiarity, and team chemistry that Clark wanted to bring into the All-Star setting.

Being able to showcase her Fever teammates on such a big stage, especially with the game hosted in Indianapolis, felt like a natural decision for Clark. The home crowd was sure to embrace it.

Angel Reese Goes Unpicked by Clark

While Clark had multiple chances to draft Angel Reese, she consistently passed. Reese was eventually selected by Team Collier, led by Napheesa Collier. The moment didn’t go unnoticed—onlookers and fans quickly began interpreting the omission as symbolic rather than strategic.

This wasn’t just about All-Star tactics—it seemed to signal that the Clark-Reese rivalry, which began in college and has followed them into the pros, remains very much alive.

Rivalry Rooted in NCAA History

The tension between Clark and Reese stretches back to the 2023 NCAA Championship Game, when Reese’s LSU team defeated Clark’s Iowa. Reese’s hand gesture celebration quickly went viral and sparked media narratives that have followed both women into their professional careers.

Since joining the WNBA, both Clark and Reese have brought high ratings, sold-out crowds, and new fans to the league. However, the fire from that college showdown has never fully cooled.

A Missed Opportunity—or a Clear Message?

Some fans viewed Clark’s decision to bypass Reese as a missed opportunity to move beyond rivalry and showcase unity. Others saw it as a clear, deliberate move—a competitive message sent without words.

Whether it was about team dynamics, game strategy, or personal preference, Clark’s pass on Reese added an extra layer of drama to what is already one of the most anticipated events on the WNBA calendar.

Reese Finds Her Spot with Team Collier

After Clark passed, Napheesa Collier quickly scooped up Reese for her own squad. The move seemed both strategic and symbolic—putting two of Clark’s most vocal rivals on the same team. Fans online quickly pointed out that All-Star weekend might become more intense than expected, especially if Reese and Clark face off in key moments.

Clark and Reese: Publicly Polite, Privately Competitive

Despite all the speculation, both Clark and Reese have kept things respectful in public interviews. Clark has praised Reese as a competitor, while Reese has largely deflected questions about their relationship. But fans and commentators continue to analyze every interaction, every glance, every post-game comment for signs of deeper emotion.

The Crowd Factor in Indianapolis

With the game taking place in Clark’s current home city of Indianapolis, the pressure and attention are greater than ever. Her picks clearly catered to giving Fever fans a show—and her teammates a spotlight. Still, by not picking Reese, Clark may have also drawn more attention to herself than intended.

Coach Trade Adds More Intrigue

In a first for the All-Star format, Clark and Collier even traded head coaches during the draft. Clark chose to go with Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, while Collier stuck with her Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. The coach swap added to the evening’s entertainment—and possibly hinted at off-court preferences and alliances within the league.

Social Media Lights Up

Within minutes of the draft ending, social media was ablaze. Some praised Clark for staying loyal to her team. Others criticized the choice to pass on Reese as “petty” or “calculated.” Whatever side of the debate fans landed on, one thing was clear: the drama only heightened interest in the upcoming All-Star game.

A Rivalry That Keeps Evolving

Whether intentional or not, Clark’s draft choices have further defined her public narrative. She’s a competitor, a loyal teammate, and someone who’s not afraid to stand firm—even when the cameras are rolling. As for Angel Reese, her response may not come in words but in performance.

When the All-Star Game tips off, all eyes will be watching—not just for points or rebounds, but for subtle moments, body language, and everything in between.

And that’s exactly what makes this rivalry—and this league—so exciting right now.