The Las Vegas Aces have been in the mix for the WNBA Championship the last few seasons but haven’t been able to get over the hump. Last year the Aces went 24-8 and led the WNBA in offense with 89.3 points per game, sporting an offensive rating of 109.1.
Las Vegas will look to new head coach Becky Hammon to help them summit the WNBA mountain and finally win an elusive league title. Hammon became the first WNBA coach to sign a $1 million contract, so the pressure will be on for her to produce immediately.
Potential Starting Five
C-A’ja Wilson
PF-Dearica Hamby
SF-Jackie Young
SG-Riquna Williams
PG-Chelsea Gray
A’ja Wilson is now the unquestioned leader following Liz Cambage’s departure. With a new head coach and offensive scheme Willson should have lots of room to work down low. Las Vegas figures to spread the floor and shoot more threes than they did under Bill Laimbeer’s guidance. This will provide Wilson with space to work in the paint. The 25 year old averaged 18.3 points per game last year, but with an increased offensive role, that number should increase in 2022.
Dearica Hamby will most likely slide into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the last few seasons. She can do a little bit of everything for the Aces. Jackie Young played well for Vegas last season but will need to be even better this year. She’ll be counted on to knock down outside shots in Hamon’s new look offense.
Riquna Williams should start at the two-guard spot as she can hit the three and defend well. Williams scored 51 points in a WNBA game back in 2013, so she’s more than capable of getting hot and filling the bucket. Chelsea Gray at the point will be great for the Aces, as she seems to sink clutch shots at the biggest moments of the game, and can make plays for her teammates as well.
Key Bench Players
Kelsey Plum PG
Kierstan Bell G/F
Sydney Colson G
Kiah Stokes C
Kelsey Plum has had a fantastic training camp and looks ready to have a huge season for Las Vegas. She can score and set up her teammates and will fit in nicely in Hammon’s system. Kierstan Bell is a rookie that can score the basketball at will and could be instant offense off the bench. Sydney Colson will bring leadership and energy to the Aces locker room.
When Kiah Stokes returns from overseas, she’ll bring size to the Aces front line alongside Theresa Plaisance. Finally, expect rookie Aisha Sheppard to give Las Vegas some more backcourt depth as she’s eased into the professional ranks.
2022 Outlook
With Hammon running the show, the Aces should once again be in the mix for the WNBA title. Shooting more three-point shots should help the Aces’ offense become more effective, and could unlock Wilson’s full offensive potential.
It may take time for the Aces to adapt to the new style of play, but once they’re comfortable in the system, they’ll be a dangerous team that could go on a deep playoff run. Don’t be surprised if A’ja Wilson turns in another MVP caliber performance this summer.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83
Photo: Lorie Shaull. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.