Aces’ A’ja Wilson Talks WNBA MVP Race, Caitlin Clark, Olympics, More in B/R Interview

The WNBA should be wary if A’ja Wilson never receives another fourth-place vote in an MVP race.

Before the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Aces center was already considered an all-time great, but she has taken the league by storm this season, playing at an historic and unstoppable pace. Despite finishing third in last season’s closest three-way MVP race in league history, Wilson’s focus was on the fourth-place vote she received.

“Not even coming close, I feel like the biggest thing was just a fourth-place vote,” she told Bleacher Report. “I feel like that was kind of a slap in the face to me. First or second, I could deal with. But fourth was ridiculous. That was definitely a chip on my shoulder that I focused on in the offseason while getting better.”

Improving even more means solidifying her status as one of the WNBA’s greatest of all time at just 27 years old.

This season, Wilson is playing the best basketball of her career, averaging 27.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from deep.

She dominates both inside and outside the paint, controls the boards, and excels defensively, making her a force to be reckoned with on the court.

If she maintains her current pace, Wilson could break Diana Taurasi’s single-season scoring record and potentially become the first player in WNBA history to lead the league in points, rebounds, and blocks in the same season.

Wilson is a strong contender for the MVP award, vying for her third win and aiming to join the ranks of WNBA legends with the most MVP titles.

The Aces are also hitting their stride as they pursue a third consecutive title, with Wilson leading the charge and the return of Chelsea Gray adding to the team’s success.

As they aim for historic achievements, Wilson and the Aces face stiff competition, with every team targeting them as the reigning champions.

Wilson is also impressed with the performance of high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, as they adjust to the WNBA spotlight and showcase their talent.

Wilson is actively participating in All-Star Weekend events, partnering with Starry to engage with fans and provide an enhanced fan experience.

As Wilson looks ahead to the Olympics in Paris, she anticipates the support of her family as she represents Team USA once again, aiming to secure another gold medal.

With Team USA facing off against Team WNBA in the All-Star Game, Wilson is prepared to lead her team to victory and continue her exceptional season in the WNBA.