Aces Face the Same Expectations with a Different Reality

After being drafted first overall in 2017, Plum became one of the best shooters and secondary playmakers in the WNBA. Her lethal three-point shooting and ability to move without the ball made life easier for Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young.

More importantly, Plum was Vegas’ heartbeat. She brought an unmatched intensity to every possession. Her competitive spirit lifted Vegas when they needed it most. Her chemistry on and off the floor with Gray, Wilson, and Young fueled the Aces to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, cementing Vegas as a budding dynasty.

The decision to trade Plum couldn’t have been easy, but there may be no one better equipped to replace her than Jewell Loyd.

A Hit to the Reserves

In addition to the blockbuster addition of Jewell Loyd, Vegas also performed a platoon swap on the bench.

The void Alysha Clark and Tiffany Hayes left is about more than production on the floor. As veterans in the WNBA, Clark and Hayes understood what it meant to win at the highest level. Clark’s defensive toughness and timely three-point shooting became a staple of Vegas’ identity on both sides of the ball.

Meanwhile, Hayes’ scoring abilities brought a much-needed offensive jolt off the bench and often swayed momentum in Vegas’ favor. Clark (2023) and Hayes (2024) validated their status as the best bench players in the WNBA by winning the Sixth Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons. While Clark and Hayes leave a hole on the bench as seasoned vets, Sydney Colson and Kate Martin leave a different hole to fill in Vegas.

Even though Colson and Martin didn’t log many minutes during their time in Vegas, their presence will certainly be missed. Colson’s infectious energy and unmatched charisma cemented her as an emotional anchor in Vegas that held the locker room together. Martin embodied Vegas’s core values: hustle, determination, professionalism, and readiness.

No matter when the opportunity arose, both players stayed ready to provide meaningful minutes when Vegas needed it most. While their impact on the box score was minimal, their impact on Vegas’ chemistry was undeniable and not easily replaced.

Vegas’ New Arrivals

What’s the best replacement for a championship-winning guard? A championship-winning guard.

Loyd brings her lethal three-level scoring ability and championship experience to a Vegas team eager to bring a title back to Sin City. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and others will fit seamlessly with the Aces’ offensive identity. While her play style differs from Plum’s, Loyd shares Plum’s relentless, go-get-it mentality.

Additionally, Loyd’s presence on the perimeter ensures that Vegas maintains a viable scoring threat outside while Wilson dominates inside. The transition may not be seamless, but Loyd’s experience playing with Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird in Seattle will aid her as she adjusts to playing alongside Wilson and Chelsea Gray.

If anyone can make the acquisition of Jewell Loyd work, it’s head coach Becky Hammon . Maintaining the tempo and unselfishness that defined Vegas with Kelsey Plum will be a priority. Encouraging Loyd’s natural ability as an isolation scorer is just as important. Balancing Loyd’s one-on-one strengths and Hammon’s fast-paced offense will take sacrifices from everyone.

However, Loyd’s presence will unlock a heightened potential for Vegas’ offense once that balance is found.

Replacing the veteran experience of Clark and Hayes and the energy and charisma of Colson and Martin is no easy task. Vegas, however, turns to Dana Evans and Tiffany Mitchell, two vets who will bring energy off the bench to fill these voids. Evans comes to Vegas from Chicago and brings a much-needed scoring punch and go-get-it mentality for the Aces’ second unit.

Additionally, Mitchell brings her defensive versatility, shot-creation ability, and veteran experience, all qualities that should fit beautifully with Hammon’s coaching philosophy.

In addition to Evans and Mitchell, Vegas signed Cheyenne Parker-Tyus to bolster the frontcourt. Parker-Tyus won’t be available right away as she is currently expecting a child. However, once she can play, her toughness, inside scoring, and rebounding will be a great complement to Wilson and a great example for Liz Kitley.

Final Thoughts

There’s no avoiding change, even if you’re a dynasty.

Despite these changes, Vegas’ identity remains intact. With Wilson, Gray, and Young still leading the way, Loyd, Evans, and Mitchell joining the cause, and Hammon calling the shots, the Aces enter the 2025 WNBA season poised to remain championship contenders.

Things may not click for Vegas right away. There will likely be some ups and downs throughout the regular season. However, when push comes to shove, the Aces still have a roster that can compete with the very best the WNBA has to offer.

Who knows? If all goes well this summer, the Aces may be celebrating their third title under Becky Hammon in the fall.