The Las Vegas Aces are coming off a historic championship win in the 2022 WNBA season and looking ahead to defending their title in 2023. The team’s potential roster for the upcoming season includes some of the league’s top players, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, Candace Parker, Riquna Williams, Alysha Clark, Kiah Stokes, Sydney Colson, Cayla George, and Jackie Young, who won last season’s Most Improved Player award.
However, there are a few new additions to the team, and returning players will have some competition for a spot on the final roster. So let’s begin by taking a closer look at the returning players who are sure to make the roster for the Aces.
Chelsea Gray
Gray, one of the league’s top point guards, joined the team in 2021 and immediately impacted the court. She was instrumental in leading the Aces to their first championship in franchise history. Gray, who averaged 13.7 ppg, 6.1 apg, 1.6 steals per game, 3.2 total rebounds, 29.7 minutes per game, and 49% from the field, was also named Finals MVP of the 2022 playoffs.
Kelsey Plum
Plum, another talented combo guard, missed most of the 2020 season due to injury but made a strong comeback in 2021 and 2022. She is a dynamic scorer who can make shots from beyond the arc and get to the rim. Plum’s ability to shoot the three makes her a valuable asset to the team’s offense. Plum was amongst the WNBAs leading scorers in 2022 with 20.2 ppg.
A’ja Wilson
Wilson, the 2020 and 2022 WNBA MVP, is a post player who is a dominant force on both ends of the court. She can score in the paint and make shots from beyond the arc, and her defensive skills make her one of the best players in the league. Wilson will continue to be an integral player for the Aces in 2023 as they look to defend their title. During her MVP season, Wilson finished with an outstanding 19.5 ppg, 9.4 RPG and 1.9 blocks per game.
Candace Parker
Parker is a new addition to the team and brings her veteran leadership and championship experience to the Aces. A former two-time WNBA MVP, Parker is a versatile player who can play both forward and center positions. Her playmaking ability and leadership were on full display last year as the 14-year veteran was still able to put up big numbers. Her second season in Chicago saw Parker finish the 2022 season averaging 13.2 ppg, 8.6 RPG, and 4.5 APG.
Riquna Williams
Williams is a shooting guard known for her ability to make shots from beyond the arc. She is also a good defender who can shut down the opposing team’s offense. Williams will continue to be an important player for the Aces in 2023.
Alysha Clark
Clark is a veteran shooting forward who brings her toughness and defensive skills to the team. Her energy and hustle are crucial components of the Aces’ success, and her rebounding and defensive abilities are necessary for defending the title in 2023. In her first full season with Washington, Clark finished the year with 8.0 ppg, 2.0 APG, and finished the season with 46% from the field.
Kiah Stokes
Stokes is a center who is a solid rim protector capable of cleaning up the boards. Her shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess make her an asset to the team’s defense. Stokes finished the 2022 season with 4.4 total rebounds and 42% from the field.
Sydney Colson
Colson, a point guard, is known for her playmaking ability and leadership on the court. She is solid on defense and can make smart decisions on the offensive end.
Cayla George
George is a versatile center-forward who can stretch the floor and create space for her teammates. George’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc will be valuable for the team’s offense. George was named the WNBL MVP in 2023 while averaging 18.1 ppg along with 11.3 RPG while shooting 41% from the arc.
Jackie Young
Finally, Young, who won the Most Improved Player award in the 2022 season, which saw her finish with 15.9 ppg, is a dynamic shooting guard who can score from all areas of the court. Her defensive skills and scoring ability make her a key player in the Aces’ future.
Fighting for a spot
While the majority of the roster spots seem to be set, there will still be competition for the final few spots on the team. Returning players Kierstan Bell and Aisha Sheppard will be joined by newcomers Alexis Peterson, Brittany Davis and Elizabeth Balogun in the fight for a spot on the roster.
Alexis Peterson
Peterson is a dynamic point guard known for her playmaking skills and scoring ability. Her speed and agility make her tough to defend against opposing teams.
Brittany Davis
Davis is a shooting guard with a reputation as a 3-point specialist. Her ability to make shots from beyond the arc will be valuable on the offensive end for the Aces.
Elizabeth Balogun
Balogun is a young forward with lots of potential for the future. She’s known for her athleticism and ability to score inside the paint.
In summary, the Las Vegas Aces have a talented roster with a mix of veteran leadership and young, up-and-coming talent. Their potential roster for 2023 includes some of the top players in the league, such as Gray, Plum, Wilson, Parker, Williams, Clark, Stokes, Colson, George, and Young.
While most of the roster spots seem to be set, the competition for the final few spots will be intense, with returning players like Bell and Sheppard vying for a spot alongside newcomers Peterson, Davis and Balogun.
The Las Vegas Aces will be a team to watch in the 2023 season as they aim to defend their championship and continue their success in the WNBA.
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