Las Vegas Aces 2025 WNBA Season Preview

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The Las Vegas Aces enter the 2025 WNBA season with championship aspirations, looking to reclaim their spot at the top after falling short in the 2024 playoffs. Despite losing their first-round draft pick due to league violations, the Aces made strategic moves in free agency and the draft to strengthen their roster.

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Key Additions

  • Aaliyah Nye (Draft Pick No. 13) – A sharpshooting guard from Alabama, Nye set a school record with 111 three-pointers last season and shot an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor will be valuable for Las Vegas.
  • Harmoni Turner (Draft Pick No. 35) – A high-scoring guard from Harvard, Turner averaged 22.5 points per game, ranking ninth in the nation. She brings offensive firepower and depth to the backcourt.
  • Jewell Loyd (Trade) – The Aces acquired six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd in a blockbuster trade, adding another elite scorer to their lineup.
  • Dana Evans (Trade) – A former Chicago Sky guard, Evans joins the Aces to provide additional playmaking and scoring.
  • Tiffany Mitchell (Free Agency) – A versatile guard who adds experience and defensive presence.

Projected Starting Lineup

  • PG: Chelsea Gray – A veteran floor general with championship experience.
  • SG: Jewell Loyd – A dynamic scorer who can take over games.
  • SF: Jackie Young – A two-way player with strong defensive skills.
  • PF: A’ja Wilson – The heart of the team and a perennial MVP candidate.
  • C: Kelsey Plum – A versatile scorer who can play multiple roles.

Season Outlook

The Aces open their season on May 17 against the defending champion New York Liberty. With a record-high 44 games scheduled, Las Vegas will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves against top-tier competition.

The biggest storyline will be how the new additions fit into Becky Hammon’s system. Nye and Turner bring much-needed shooting depth, while Loyd’s arrival gives the Aces another elite scorer. If Wilson continues her dominance and Gray orchestrates the offense effectively, Las Vegas could be a serious contender for the title.

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WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.