Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu Help Rookie with Sneaker Dilemma

Los Angeles, California — Kelsey Plum of the Sparks noticed her rookie teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker needed new sneakers during training camp. On Wednesday, Plum posted a video on Instagram explaining how she helped Barker, who was wearing a beat-up pair of Ionescu’s signature shoes. “Yo, we have to get you some new shoes. What’s going on here?” Plum recalled saying in the video.

Barker explained that she had ordered new shoes, but they were taking too long to arrive. Plum then offered to reach out to Sabrina Ionescu, a guard for the New York Liberty, for assistance. “I know Sabrina, let’s ask her for some shoes,” Plum said.

Ionescu responded positively to the request, delivering six different colorways of her Nike Sabrina 2 sneakers to give to Barker. Plum joked about the situation, saying, “Dog, she hooked up SA [Barker], come on baby, I’m hyped for you.” Plum expressed excitement for her rookie teammate and emphasized the strong connection between players across teams.

Ionescu and Plum are both recognized as two of the greatest collegiate women’s basketball players, having been selected as No. 1 overall picks in the WNBA Draft. Plum is averaging 25.2 points in her first season with the Sparks after being traded from the Las Vegas Aces.

This act of kindness only showcases the camaraderie among players in the league. Plum noted that WNBA rules prevent her from gifting Barker Under Armour sneakers since she is signed with Under Armour and Barker does not have a shoe deal. Therefore, the rookie is required to wear Nike shoes.

Despite these restrictions, the exchange highlights how players support each other. Plum’s desire to help Barker, paired with Ionescu’s generosity, emphasizes the tight-knit nature of the WNBA community.