WNBA Hall of Famer teases return from retirement at All-Star Weekend

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Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

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WNBA All-Star Friday brought out past, present, and potential future stars for the Shooting Stars contest held at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

For the event, teams consisted of three players: a younger Nike Elite Youth Basketball League star, a current WNBA star, and a former WNBA great.

The Team Washington trio included Nike EYBL's Jezelle "GG" Banks, current Mystics star Shakira Austin, and former Mystics All-Star Elena Delle Donne, who was among the top stars throughout her career in the W.

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She appeared like she still had a great shot, too, as she and her teammates made logo shots from halfcourt look effortless as they connected on them. With the trio knocking down multiple shots from that long-distance spot, they claimed the trophy for the event.

Elena Delle Donne and Shakira Austin talk to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe at WNBA All-Star Friday event

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After the event, ESPN's Holly Rowe spoke with Team Washington about their performance. She mentioned that Delle Donne will probably have teams calling to sign her after seeing her performance in the Shooting Stars event.

"I gotta work on my stamina. My second round was not nearly as good as my first, but you know, we're champs, so I'll take it," Delle Donne said.

"That wasn't a no," Rowe quickly said, with Delle Donne replying, "It wasn't a no, but it was not a yes."

The former Mystics star's humorous reply brought laughter from the spectators in Wintrust Arena, and potentially has some fans hoping she might contemplate what Rowe said.

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Delle Donne's career spanned from 2013 to 2023 and included her winning the WNBA MVP Award twice and a championship in 2019. In addition, she was a five-time All-WNBA Team selection, 2015 scoring champion, and seven-time WNBA All-Star.

Her final All-Star appearance arrived in her final season, which saw her averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. That was only three years ago, and Delle Donne looked like she still could contribute to a team, especially with how her shot looked in that Shooting Stars contest.

She was selected for the 2026 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Class along with fellow WNBA stars Chamique Holdsclaw and Candace Parker. This year's class has its induction ceremony in August.

Even though Dell Donne has retired, many teams could use an experienced veteran mentor on their roster, including the Mystics. Should she get the call, it would be great to see her step back into the gym and show what she can do against opposing WNBA players.