Las Vegas Aces: The Urgent Need for Scoring Support Beyond Their Three-Time MVP
The Las Vegas Aces, despite boasting one of the WNBA's most dominant players in A'ja Wilson, are navigating a challenging season marked by significant roster turnover and a persistent struggle with scoring support, particularly from their bench. While Wilson continues to perform at an elite level, the team's championship aspirations hinge significantly on achieving a more balanced offensive attack. This ongoing challenge underscores the critical need for other players to consistently contribute to the scoreboard. Without this crucial support, the burden on Wilson becomes unsustainable for a championship contender.
The Aces experienced a notable "mass exodus" after their last campaign, prompting a substantial reshaping of their lineup. Key departures included Kelsey Plum, who was notably traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, and Alysha Clark, who subsequently signed with the Seattle Storm. Tiffany Hayes also left, joining the Golden State Valkyries, while Sydney Colson found a new home after signing with the Indiana Fever. The Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft, further affecting the team’s depth, selected rising talent Kate Martin.
To fill these voids and bolster their roster, the Aces strategically brought in several new faces, aiming to rebuild their championship-caliber depth. These significant additions include Jewell Loyd, a prolific scorer acquired from the Seattle Storm via a pivotal three-team trade, and Dana Evans, a dynamic guard acquired from the Chicago Sky via another key trade. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus was signed as a free agent, though her immediate impact is tempered by her expected absence for the first half of the season due to maternity leave. The team also invested in future talent with the addition of Aaliyah Nye, a promising second-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring NaLyssa Smith, who was traded from the Dallas Wings, signaling a commitment to reinforcing key positions.
Despite the roster adjustments, the Aces' bench continues to be a major concern, struggling persistently to provide consistent offensive firepower. "For most of the season, the Aces haven't had a reliable scoring boost off the bench. The Aces' bench ranks 10th in scoring, 12th in rebounding, and 13th in assists, and has often lacked a go-to scorer," as critically reported by The Next Hoops. This glaring inefficiency places them among the lowest-performing benches in the entire league, with only the Dream and Storm benches averaging fewer points per game. Currently, rookie Aaliyah Nye, a second-round pick, stands out as the singular consistent performer off the bench, highlighting the urgent need for broader contributions.
A'ja Wilson's defensive contributions remain outstanding, consistently highlighting her MVP-caliber talent and unwavering impact on that end of the floor. However, her scoring output and overall field goal percentage have seen a noticeable dip, with her 44% mark from the field currently representing the lowest of her distinguished career, as highlighted by Sports Illustrated. This decline in offensive efficiency has not gone unnoticed by the team's devoted fan base. One fan's poignant social media post encapsulates the widespread sentiment: "A'ja, I need you to find that jumper queen. We are missing it @_ajawilson22." The pressure on Wilson is immense and visibly taxing. Following a disappointing playoff exit, coach Becky Hammon expressed her profound emotions, stating, "I guess a lot of it that hurts now too is just with A'ja having the season that she did." Wilson herself has candidly acknowledged the inherent challenges of navigating a new season with a significantly altered team, underscoring the complexities of their current situation.
For the Las Vegas Aces to truly contend for a championship, alleviating the immense scoring pressure on A'ja Wilson and igniting their bench production will be paramount. This critical shift demands either strategic player rotations that unlock new offensive dynamics, comprehensive offensive scheme adjustments that create easier scoring opportunities, or individual players finding more consistent shooting rhythms. Developing multiple, reliable scoring threats across the roster is crucial for sustained success. If the team can collectively increase their offensive output and diversify their scoring options, it will undoubtedly open up more opportunities for Wilson, reduce her defensive burden, and solidify the Aces as a far more formidable opponent as the season progresses.
