The upcoming training camp for the Las Vegas Aces presents a unique challenge as coach Becky Hammon kicks off preparations for the WNBA season. With 17 players currently on the roster, the Aces will need to make some tough decisions, trimming that number down to a maximum of 12 by May 15. This deadline comes right before the Aces face the reigning champions, the New York Liberty, on May 17. The looming salary cap issues mean that most teams, including the Aces, often choose to carry just 11 players, increasing the urgency for Hammon to finalize her lineup.
Hammon has openly expressed her frustrations regarding the league’s roster constraints. “I’ve let a lot of talent walk out the door,” she remarked in December. The sentiment suggests a struggle between wanting to invest in emerging players and the reality of roster limitations. As she gears up for her fourth season, the tough choices ahead will likely resonate with her previous experiences.
Veteran Stars Bring Depth
The Aces return with a wealth of experience, starting with three-time MVP center A’ja Wilson, six-time All-Star guard Chelsea Gray, and three-time All-Star guard Jackie Young. Their veteran presence is complemented by recent acquisitions, most notably six-time All-Star guard Jewell Loyd, who joined the team in a notable trade that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks. This move not only enhances the roster but also exemplifies the team’s commitment to winning now.
Additionally, the Aces have added guard Dana Evans from the Chicago Sky, emphasizing their solidification of both backcourt and frontcourt depth. Other foundational players include Kiah Stokes and the recently drafted Elizabeth Kitley, both expected to be key figures this season. Megan Gustafson is also in the mix, adding even more size and skill to the roster.
Veteran guard Tiffany Mitchell, a former college teammate of A’ja Wilson, is virtually assured a roster spot. Meanwhile, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, entering her 11th season and pregnant, has taken a pay cut to remain with the team, demonstrating the loyalty and long-term planning many players have when it comes to securing their place in the league.
Alongside these larger names, younger talent like Kierstan Bell has a guaranteed contract, though her performance last season averaged a modest 2.8 points in 7.2 minutes per game. Despite her underwhelming numbers, the Aces’ commitment hints at a long-term strategy. The Atlanta Dream could be a potential landing spot for her, especially since her former coach from Florida Gulf Coast now leads the team. However, the financial considerations may delay any moves.
The training camp will see newcomers Aaliyah Nye, Harmoni Turner, along with training contract players Queen Egbo, Crystal Bradford, Jordyn Jenkins, and Deja Kelly battling for one or two final roster spots. Aces president Nikki Fargas has shed light on the broader league issue, indicating that many seasoned players remain in the league, leaving limited opportunities for newcomers. “There’s not a lot of movement on the back end,” she noted, emphasizing the need for a more dynamic talent pipeline.
Tough Calls and the Need for Change
<pThe Aces' recent release of guard Elena Tsineke before training camp underscores the sobering reality of roster management. After a serious foot injury was detected during her physical assessments, it became clear that she could not contribute right away. Teams such as the Aces face challenges in supporting young talents through injuries while still competing for immediate success. Hammon discussed this duality, stating, “Typically, the W drafts based on, ‘Can you help me win right now?’” creating a complex landscape for developing young talent.
The Aces managed to keep Elizabeth Kitley during her recovery from an ACL injury, showcasing a potential model for player development within the existing framework. However, not all teams can afford to take a similar approach. Hammon highlighted the disparity in developmental pathways between the WNBA and the NBA, where the latter benefits from structures like the G League. “Keeping and developing talent has to be a huge priority for the W moving forward,” she urged, especially with the promise of new teams entering the league by 2026.
As the Aces gear up for a pivotal season filled with both challenge and opportunity, the decisions made during training camp will not only shape the team’s immediate future but could also influence the broader movement towards enhancing player development in the WNBA.
Aces Training Camp Roster
No., Name, Position, Height
0 Jackie Young, G, 6-0
1 Kierstan Bell, F, 6-1
2 Deja Kelly, G, 5-8
3 Tiffany Mitchell, G, 5-9
4 Queen Egbo, F/C, 6-4
8 Crystal Bradford, F, 6-0
11 Dana Evans, G, 5-6
12 Chelsea Gray, G, 5-11
13 Aaliyah Nye, G/F, 6-0
14 Harmoni Turner, G, 5-10
17 Megan Gustafson, C, 6-4
22 A’ja Wilson, C, 6-4
24 Jewell Loyd, G, 5-11
32 Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, F, 6-4
33 Elizabeth Kitley, C, 6-6
35 Jordyn Jenkins, F, 6-0
41 Kiah Stokes, C, 6-3