Las Vegas Aces General Manager Natalie Williams announced today that the team has waived nine-year WNBA veteran guard Bria Hartley.
Hartley was selected No. 7 by Seattle in the 2014 WNBA Draft and traded to Washington that day. After playing three years for the Mystics (2014-16) and three for New York (2017-19), the 2014 WNBA All-Rookie Team member landed with Phoenix ahead of the shortened 2020 ‘wubble’ season. She was averaging career-highs of 14.6 points and 4.5 assists in 13 games before a torn ACL sidelined her for the remainder of the year.
Injury plague star
Hartley returned from injury in time to see action in the Mercury’s last six regular season games in 2021. Then played in 10 postseason contests for Phoenix, which fell to Chicago in the WNBA Finals. Hartley’s 2022 season, during which she played for both Indiana and Connecticut, was cut short by another ACL tear in late July. She did not see action in the league in 2023. After finally being healthy, Hartley was looking to gain a role in the Aces backcourt. With injuries multiple injuries plaguing Hartley, her best days could very well be behind her.
Season Opener around the corner
The Aces, who will play a preseason game against Puerto Rico on May 11 in South Carolina. They tip-off their season against Phoenix at 7 pm on May 14 at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as prior to the game the Aces will receive their 2023 WNBA Championship rings and unveil their championship banner in Michelob ULTRA Arena.
More must-reads: