Alicia Jay did not spare her words when she assessed the Las Vegas Aces’ offseason moves in an episode of the “We Need To Talk” podcast. Jay touched on the burden that two-time MVP A’ja Wilson has had this season.
Jay’s comments were made as there have been increasing questions over the 17-14 record of the Aces and whether they have done enough to build around Wilson.
“A’ja Wilson is having another MVP season. She’s definitely carrying the team; a fact is a fact. I would have loved to see them do something. Jewel Loyd hasn’t panned out the way they thought she would. That was a huge trade in the offseason that happened, but you have to get her some help,” she said (22:00).
In further review of the team’s playing style, Jay quoted Becky Hammon, who said, “I have watched them play at a very high level.” That is the reason why you believe in this group. It is due to the fact that you witness glimpses of genius.”
The Aces had entered the 2025 season with championship aspirations, and the roster moves, such as the high-profile signing of Jewell Loyd, have not helped A’ja Wilson so far. The trade of Loyd to Las Vegas in a three-team deal that also netted Kelsey Plum was initially thought to be transformative.
Roster Shifts by Las Vegas Aces Insufficient Under MVP Burden
One of the reasons why the Las Vegas Aces have fallen is their decreased depth. The Plum-Loyd trade and the loss of first-round draft picks have constrained offseason moves in the future.
According to journalist Andy Letlow, even though the Aces had constructed a seemingly unstoppable Big Three of Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, the team failed to add to it sufficiently in the quiet trade period.
Wilson remains the focal point of the league, the only player who can continue being elite with the instability of the teams. Yet, now there are doubts among insiders that the franchise will ever be able to reclaim its former throne or even be able to compete in a stacked 2025 playoff field.
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