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Aug 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

'A Very Fast Learner': A’ja Wilson Gives High Praise To NaLyssa Smith Addition As Aces Aim To Reclaim Lost Glory

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The Las Vegas Aces are beginning to look like themselves again. With the addition of NaLyssa Smith, reigning MVP A’Ja Wilson is leading a roster that suddenly has fresh legs and a renewed sense of urgency. And Wilson herself is making sure Smith feels valued from the jump.

“NaLyssa’s a very fast learner,” A’Ja Wilson said. “We were throwing her in the fire, we were taking her through a lot of actions, and she’s showing every single time. I hope that we can continue to communicate and talk, and she’s asking questions, and wanting to learn more, and that’s what we love.”

A’ja Wilson emphasized how important it is that the locker room stays open for feedback and growth.

“When you’re able to share and people are receiving it well, you can continue to pour into them and I hope that we continue to do that for her and let her know how valuable she is to this team.”

A page from the A’ja Wilson leadership playbook includes keeping the team’s spirits up, keeping the ball game sharp. Eyes on the prize, no doubt about that. Smith’s arrival gives Wilson another weapon to work with, especially with the Aces locked in on a title rebound this season.

A’ja Wilson knows it won’t be easy with the target on their backs. Building chemistry as early as now could make the difference come the playoffs. And if NaLyssa Smith continues at this pace, she may turn out to be the spark they didn’t know they needed.

NaLyssa Smith’s Upgrade Under A’Ja Wilson Adds Fuel to Aces Title Push

NaLyssa Smith has hit the ground running since joining the Las Vegas Aces, and credit goes to how A’ja Wilson is bringing her into the mix.

“NaLyssa’s a very fast learner,” A’ja Wilson said after Smith dropped a double-double in her first start with the Aces. “We were throwing her in the fire… she’s another piece to our puzzle.”

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) searches to pass the ball against Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

That line speaks volumes about A’ja Wilson’s leadership. She isn’t guarding her legacy—she’s lifting new talent and ensuring Smith steps into a system that’s built to win.

Veteran coach Becky Hammon said the addition of NaLyssa Smith gives A’Ja Wilson “some breathers” during heavy workloads. With Wilson continuing to pour into Smith and the rest of the frontcourt, the Aces are building more than depth. They’re building momentum.

Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) rushes up the court Friday, July 12, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 95-86.

If Smith responds like this every time A’Ja Wilson throws her into the fire, Las Vegas could be charting its return to WNBA glory.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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