Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston

Episode 23: Kelsey Plum on Playing with Aliyah Boston & Candace Parker, Aces Legacy & LA Sparks Trade
Date: January 21, 2026

Overview

This episode features Kelsey Plum, two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, joining hosts Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston. The trio dives into Kelsey's current play and team dynamics, reflects on her journey from San Antonio to Vegas, and discusses her move to the LA Sparks. They also share candid stories about work ethic, growth after injury, team chemistry, and the evolution of women’s basketball both in the WNBA and internationally. The episode is full of humor, behind-the-scenes details, and personal insights into leadership and mentorship in the league.

Key Discussion Points

1. Unrivaled 3-on-3 and Team Chemistry

Timestamps: 09:22 – 13:44

• Adjustment to 3-on-3:

  • Kelsey admits the transition was tough at first due to the game's pace and physicality.
    “That first game, I'm not going to lie, I was like, whoa, slow down.” — Kelsey [10:51]
  • Learning on the go helped her adapt quickly, and playing with Aliyah Boston accelerated her growth and enjoyment.

• Playing with Aliyah Boston:

  • Kelsey praises Aliyah's rare defensive talent and incredible hands in the paint.
    “You make me look good a lot. Like, I just... throw it, and she catches everything.” — Kelsey [12:20]
  • The two joke about their pick-and-roll chemistry, rating themselves as the #1 duo.
    “I wrote I rate us number one.” — Aliyah [17:56]

• Candace Parker's Analysis:

  • Parker breaks down what makes their pick-and-roll so effective: Kelsey’s speed changes; Aliyah’s positioning and finishing; their synergy on and off the court.

2. Kelsey Plum’s Aces Legacy and Growth

Timestamps: 18:24 – 24:55

• San Antonio to Vegas Transition:

  • Kelsey reflects on humble beginnings (YMCA practices, “dodgeball at 1 o’clock!”) and the growth of the franchise.
  • She discusses the value in playing alongside Hall of Famers and the shaping influence of tough coaching.
    “You don't realize what it feels like to play with Hall of Famers until you probably are, like, in a different situation.” — Kelsey [20:14]

• Perseverance and Role Changes:

  • Facing bench roles, tough feedback, and often being the “scapegoat” made her resilient.
  • Kelsey recalls Candace Parker checking in on her during those tough years, illustrating the importance of veteran support and empathy.

• Advice to Young Players:

  • “You cannot point fingers or decide to blame anyone else for this. I need to figure out what I need to do to be successful... It just might not be the traditional route.” — Kelsey [23:38]

3. Work Ethic and On-Court Habits

Timestamps: 24:55 – 30:49

• Practice Stories:

  • Aliyah shares how Kelsey inspires her and improves her self-talk and mental toughness.
    “I love playing with KP. I’m like, the way she works, but the way you talk — like, I don’t crash out anymore.” — Aliyah [24:55]
  • Kelsey gives a glimpse into her demanding shooting drills and mindset in practice.
  • “You have to be exceptional in certain assets, you know what I’m sayin’? I have to shoot like this or I wouldn’t have a job, let’s keep it a buck.” — Kelsey [30:49]

• Changing Internal Narratives:

  • Self-criticism in practice becomes a conversation, evolving into mutual motivation and support.

4. Handling Injury and Role Acceptance

Timestamps: 30:50 – 35:34

• Achilles Injury Journey:

  • Kelsey opens up about the mental and physical toll of tearing her Achilles in 2020, and how it compelled her to take recovery, strength, and nutrition seriously.
  • Embracing the “super sub” (Sixth Woman) role changed her perspective and helped Team USA win gold.

• Fight for Starting Role:

  • After a breakout bench year, Kelsey resolved not to stay in a supporting role:
    “I'm not coming off the bench again. Like, you're gonna have to kill me.” — Kelsey [34:08]
  • Describes a fiery training camp performance for coach Becky Hammon, pushing for and claiming a starter’s spot.

5. Transition to LA Sparks and Leadership

Timestamps: 38:25 – 43:01

• Why Kelsey Chose the Sparks:

  • A candid discussion on feeling capped in Vegas and wanting a bigger challenge and impact:
    “If I really am who I say I am and I really believe in who I know I am, I can affect winning on a roster that necessarily hasn't won in a while.” — Kelsey [39:33]

• On Being a Veteran Guide:

  • Kelsey recognizes her role as a mentor and models consistency for younger players like Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink:
    “That's what a professional is... show up every day, be consistent, and just chip away.” — Kelsey [42:39]

6. Off-Court Vibes: Fashion & Fun

Timestamps: 43:01 – 45:45

• Signature Fits:

  • Kelsey highlights her love for bold outfits, especially a Balmain suit on opening night.
  • Aliyah teases Kelsey about her “body tee” and the challenges of crop tops after eating an English muffin.

• Fashion Inspirations:

  • “My favorite right now is Teyana Taylor... I love her range, she’s so fit, that’s top tier.” — Kelsey [44:46]

• Locker Room Roasting:

  • The squad jokes about Candace’s black kicks and white socks, drawing laughs about who can and can’t set trends at year 17.

7. USA Basketball & The Future

Timestamps: 47:00 – 50:49

• Moving from 'Young Buck' to Vet:

  • Kelsey reflects on being one of the oldest at USA camp, marvels at the influx of young talent, and notes the challenge of international rule differences and physicality.

• International Play:

  • Kelsey cites France as rising competition for 2028 and discusses how playing FIBA and overseas, or in physical leagues like Unrivaled, helps prepare for international play.
  • “If you've never played FIBA… you’re playing a different sport. Prepare your mind.” — Kelsey quoting Kara Lawson [49:22]

8. Fan Questions & Viral Moments

Timestamps: 51:00 – 55:45

• Funniest Teammates:

  • Kelsey and Candace both pick Sydney Colson as the funniest WNBA teammate, sharing legendary HR meeting pranks and podcast moments.
  • “She's just so different... nothing she says is real, but it's very much real.” — Aliyah [52:36]

• Popcorn-Eating Viral Clip:

  • Kelsey laughs about the famous eating popcorn “like a raccoon” on camera and her T-shirt toss going viral.
  • “My greatest accomplishment. I'll never supersede that.” — Kelsey [55:32]

• Little Victories:

  • Celebrating not being late to the podcast and helping Aliyah with positivity in practice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Aliyah Boston:

• “I love playing with KP... the way she works, and the way you talk — I don’t crash out anymore.” [24:55]
• “I rate us number one [pick-and-roll duo].” [17:56]

Kelsey Plum:

• “If I really am who I say I am...I can affect winning on a roster that necessarily hasn’t won in a while.” [39:33]
• “You are arguably the most talented player I’ve ever played with in terms of just your versatility...” (on Rickea Jackson) [41:41]
• About embracing bench role: “I'm going to try to be the best bench player I could possibly be. And that actually ended up helping win a gold medal.” [32:45]

Candace Parker:

• “I hadn't really had guards that people had to go over screens on consistently. ... Once we kind of got our groove is when things ended.” [37:28]
• “It's crazy how when you go from being competitors to teammates, how there's a little bit more leniency.” [16:36]

Major Timestamps

• 09:22 — Kelsey Plum joins, Unrivaled stats and chemistry
• 12:12 — Kelsey on playing with Aliyah Boston
• 18:24 — Aces legacy; San Antonio "YMCA dodgeball" memories
• 24:55 — Aliyah talks about work ethic & mental shift
• 30:49 — Kelsey on why she loves training: “I just like playing basketball”
• 31:47 — Kelsey opens up about Achilles injury and bench role
• 38:25 — Sparks decision, embracing leadership
• 43:01 — Fashion hot takes & locker room style debate
• 47:32 — Team USA, new generation, and FIBA differences
• 51:16 – 55:45 — Fan questions, funniest teammates, viral moments

Tone & Style

Throughout, the conversation remains candid, full of banter, supportive teasing, and honest reflection. The hosts and Kelsey blend humor (lots of “roasting”), vulnerability, and clear passion for the game and growth in women’s basketball. The episode is both insightful for hoop heads and fun for casual fans.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a must for anyone interested in the evolution of top WNBA talent, the realities of pro development, and the joys and challenges that come with changing roles, new teams, and higher expectations. Whether you’re a Kelsey Plum superfan, new to Unrivaled, or just want to hear locker room wisdom from three of the league’s best personalities, this conversation will leave you laughing, inspired, and even pondering your own “little wins.”