Soon to be a six-time All-Star, A’ja Wilson’s reign atop the WNBA doesn’t look like it’ll end anytime soon.
On Sunday, Wilson became the Las Vegas Aces’ all-time leader in points (4,301) after turning in a 28-point night against the Dallas Wings. Having taken her jump shooting to another level this season, the already unstoppable Wilson looked indomitable, scoring from all three levels.
Wilson is also the Aces’ all-time leader in rebounds (1,854) and made free-throws (1,101).
Aces’ A’ja Wilson Adds To Hall of Fame Resume
Now averaging career-highs of 27.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game, the former No. 1 pick is well on her way to a third MVP award. Ever competitive, Wilson would likely like to complete a three-peat even more after leading the Aces to a championship the past two seasons. Wilson and Co. would be the first WNBA team to accomplish that feat since the mythical Houston Comets (1997-2000). Nonetheless, if she should win the 2024 WNBA MVP award, she’ll join Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson as the only players with three.
It isn’t quite a shoo-in though.
At 13-7, the Aces have the fifth-best record in the NBA. Fortunately for Las Vegas, none of the players from the teams ahead of them in the standings have matched Wilson’s output. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has the best argument. A two-way force herself, she’s averaging 20.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. However, Wilson’s scoring volume and efficiency have still been vastly superior to hers.
The Lynx (15-6) have a better record than Las Vegas. They also won the Commissioner’s Cup in June. Still, it’s all but impossible to say Collier has had a greater individual impact on her team.
Collier could have better luck in the Defensive Player of the Year race. However, Wilson will also be in the running for the award. In fact, she could win her third straight Defensive Player of the Year award, joining Swoopes.
The Chosen One?
Hypothetically speaking, Wilson could join the rarified air occupied by Swoopes after just her seventh season. Three MVPs, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a three-peat.
With that being said, the pace at which Wilson’s demonstrating in-season dominance is already awe-inspiring. Her historic resume at just 27 years old is simply jaw-dropping. For comparison, it took Swoopes nine seasons to accomplish the bulk of her success. For all of the attention being paid to a sensational rookie class, Wilson reminds fans she’s the queen every night she plays.
One day, when fans reminisce about the greatest women’s basketball players of all-time, they’ll say her name. By the time she retires, she might be the name to remember.
