Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has been pivotal in shaping the side into a powerhouse with 3 WNBA titles, and she recognizes how vital A’ja Wilson is to the team right now.

In a recent episode of The Dunker Spot Podcast, Hammon discussed Wilson's impact on the team and how her influence has enhanced the team’s offensive system.

Hammon highlighted how the 4x MVP was getting "double or triple-teamed" at the beginning of the 2025 season, which she handled pretty efficiently. However, she highlighted that everyone on the team needs to coordinate and follow her style, which doesn't often happen.

"It's really hard for a player of her stature [Wilson] to [keep up] when maybe your teammates aren't knocking it down at a high enough clip... If A'ja is going to play the right way and you see her passing out of a double team, everyone on this d*** roster better be passing it when they see two people!"

Despite facing immense defensive pressure from opponents, Wilson led the 2025 WNBA season in terms of points per game, averaging 23.4. However, the 29-year-old also made a massive impact with her effective defense. As a result, she won the Defensive Player of the Year jointly with Minnesota Lynx's Alanna Smith.

Hammon continued her praise for Wilson, stating, "One of our best plays all year was just her bringing it [the ball] up."

The 4xMVP's impressive performance in 2025 included 21 Double-Doubles in 40 regular-season games, with a game-high 37 points and 20 rebounds.

It doesn't just stop at scoring. Hammon also praised A’ja’s ability to distribute the ball. “She’s a very good screener… but really turning A’ja into a playmaker for us and a distributor just as much as a scorer.”

The coach and player bond between Hammon and A’ja Wilson

Hammon admitted that Wilson struggled against lengthier defenders in the early stages. However, she adapted to the style well, becoming an "absolute nightmare for for matchups defensively."

Hammon put it bluntly: “You put a little on her, they’re probably too little. Put a big on her, they’re probably too slow.”

The Aces had a 104.4 defensive rating this season, finishing 30-14. But they weren't always on a high. After a tough 111-58 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, the Aces were stumped.

But it was coach Hammon who got them back up. And Wilson expressed her gratitude during the Aces' championship celebrations, saying, “She believed in us when no one did. She brought us back to life.”

So, it's pretty apparent that the strong bonding between the Aces' key player and the side's head coach propelled them to success. Together, Hammon and Wilson have redefined what it means to be a leader and a team player. But, do you think the defending champions can keep the trophy at home next season?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy