Throughout the entire 2024 season, Aces players and staff donned hoodies featuring the word “GRACE.”
Coach Becky Hammon’s concept of establishing a theme for the year by playing on the team’s name became a reality.
In the end, the back-to-back WNBA champions found themselves in need of it. Despite aiming for a three-peat, they fell short, losing in the semifinals to the New York Liberty, a team they defeated in the 2023 Finals.
For the first time since Hammon’s appointment, the team isn’t engaged in play or celebration at this time of year.
“It’s been a strange time,” shared assistant coach Tyler Marsh at the Aces’ training facility on Thursday. “I believe the key takeaway is that we all need to show ourselves grace.”
Marsh discussed the positive aspects of the season, the lessons learned, and the team’s resilience.
Looking ahead to next year, the team is expected to undergo some changes, a reality that brought out emotions in Hammon after the final game.
Less than a week later, the group has already undergone a transformation. Lead assistant coach Natalie Nakase was announced as the head coach of the league’s new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, on Thursday.
Keep an eye on these developments as the Aces’ offseason progresses:
‘Get A’ja some help’
General manager Natalie Williams, seated at a conference table overlooking the team’s empty practice courts on Thursday, emphasized the biggest takeaway from the Aces’ challenging season.
“We need to provide A’ja (Wilson) with some assistance,” stated Williams. “She carries a heavy load, and we want to prolong her career as much as possible.”
Wilson, the Aces’ standout forward, secured her third WNBA MVP award this year after leading the league in points and blocks per game and setting records for points and rebounds in a season.
The Aces had no choice but to rely heavily on her. With point guard Chelsea Gray out for the first 12 games due to a lower left leg injury, the team struggled to find consistent contributions from their bench beyond Sixth Player of the Year Tiffany Hayes.
Centers Megan Gustafson and late-season addition Queen Egbo failed to earn Hammon’s trust, while center Kiah Stokes moved in and out of the starting lineup. Forward Kierstan Bell and rookie guard Kate Martin saw limited playing time as the season progressed.
“We recognize that we have a strong core group, but the focus is on finding a bench that Becky (Hammon) feels confident in utilizing during the playoffs,” explained Williams.
Next season, the league is extending the regular season from 40 to 44 games, with the Finals expanding from five to seven games. The Aces will aim to have a deeper rotation, with the emphasis not necessarily on adding a center.
There is anticipation surrounding Elizabeth Kitley, the center from Virginia Tech chosen by the Aces with the 24th pick in this year’s draft. The three-time ACC player of the year is under a deferred contract as she recovers, with assistance from the Aces, from a torn left ACL suffered during her final college season.
“We hope to sign her in February, and we believe she could be the missing piece we need,” Williams said. “She stands at a legitimate 6-foot-6 and is a fantastic individual.”
Future of Plum, veterans
One of the key uncertainties surrounding the Aces’ roster is whether guard Kelsey Plum will remain with the team in 2025.
Plum is the only member of the “Core Four” not signed through the 2025 season. Wilson signed a two-year extension in 2023, while Gray and Jackie Young received extensions this year.
“Plum’s decision to wait is completely understandable,” commented Williams. “When the time comes, we will commence negotiations. … She faced a challenging offseason, so we will offer our full support and work towards the best outcome for her and for us.”
The Aces’ other free agents are experienced veterans: Alysha Clark (37), Sydney Colson (35), and Hayes (35). Clark is the league’s second-oldest player, and Hayes joined the Aces after previously retiring.
WNBA legend Candace Parker’s retirement just before training camp presented a challenge for the Aces this offseason, Williams explained, underscoring the importance of the team’s older players communicating their plans sooner this time around.
“We had her in our plans,” noted Williams. “But then we had to scramble in free agency to secure players, and many had already committed to other teams.”
Coaching staff
With Nakase’s departure, there are decisions to be made regarding the Aces’ coaching staff.
Williams stated that Hammon will have full authority to choose her preferred coaching staff.
“Becky will bring in someone who fits her style, who challenges her and the other coaches,” added Williams.
Hammon’s former WNBA teammate Teresa Weatherspoon, recently dismissed after just one season coaching the Chicago Sky, fits the criteria. The question remains whether Weatherspoon would be willing to transition from leading a team to potentially focusing on player development.
Nakase held the role of first assistant for the team, a position that Marsh, the team’s player development coach, seems likely to assume. Former LSU assistant Charlene Thomas-Swinson currently serves as the third assistant.
Marsh referred to the ongoing process of determining his role with the Aces in light of Nakase’s departure.
Having experience as a player development coach and assistant with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, Marsh is a strong candidate for the WNBA’s three vacant head coaching positions due to his equivalent background to Nakase and his reputation for enhancing players’ skills.
“I aspire to become a head coach,” Marsh shared. “But for now, I am fully committed to my current role and giving my best effort. I am an Ace, and I plan to remain one.”
Contact Callie Fin at clawsonfreeman@reviewjournal.com. Follow @CallieJLaw on X
