Coming into this season after their second-straight WNBA title, I don’t think anyone would have believed that the Las Vegas Aces would be fourth in the West (6-6) one month into the season. It just wouldn’t have made sense, especially with A’ja Wilson having an all-time season.
With their backs against the wall, their roster changing regularly and the missing leadership from Chelsea Gray, the Aces appear to be at a crossroads. Can they course correct and get back on track for a three-peat?
The roster is still shifting
The Aces announced this week that they were parting ways with Emma Cannon. She only appeared in five games this season, roughly averaging two minutes per game in those contests. In a related move, the team announced the signing of Jessika Carter, who was on my Las Vegas Aces draft board and will look to provide the Aces with some needed depth down low. Carter averaged 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game as a senior at Mississippi State. Her addition will add much-needed size to Aces’ lineups.
A’ja is giving it her all
Looking at the Aces struggles from the outside, you probably wouldn’t believe that A’ja Wilson is having an all-time season. Through the first 12 games, Wilson is averaging 28.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.5 blocks per game, absolutely unreal numbers that are sure to keep her snug in the MVP race this season. For Wilson though, it’s not enough to keep her satisfied. In a very emotional postgame press conference after Saturday’s loss to the New York Liberty, a teary-eyed Wilson vocalized her pain and passion for her team and this game.
Wilson goes into detail about how the game is more than numbers to her. It’s about being a good person, a good teammate and doing whatever it takes to put her team in the best position to win. It was a very strong showing of leadership as she takes a large chunk of accountability for the Aces’ shortcomings so far this season.
Continuing to move forward
Clawing for victories that would’ve been breezes in the past with a roster that’s shuffling like a deck of cards while the world wonders what’s going on with the champions has put an unreal amount of pressure on this squad, and it’s showing.
Luckily, it’s only temporary. Chelsea Gray should be back soon and a lot of stability should come along with her return. The Aces, who’re so accustomed to being the upper-echelon, are having to dig inside themselves in a rough spot and evaluate themselves as individuals and as a team, and while it may be tough now, it will do wonders for them as the season and dynasty progresses.