The two-time defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces are off to a good start in 2024 despite not having the services of Chelsea Gray. Off to a 2-0 start, the favorites to win a third straight title should have their star back in the mix at some point this season.
While Chelsea Gray revealed that she doesn’t have a target date set yet, she is sure she will be back at some point this season. She injured her foot in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty and missed Game 4. That is the last time she has been on the court.
“We’ll see how practices go,” Gray said prior to the Aces’ 89-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. “You don’t want to play when you’re rushing yourself back into shape. So, I don’t really have a timetable. But I’ve seen [suggestions] that I’m out for the year, and that’s just not true.
“I’m good. We’re just taking our time with it. It’s a long season. And if I’m lucky enough to be selected for the Olympics, it’s longer.”
As long as she is healthy, the Las Vegas Aces star point guard is considered a near lock for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. She was part of Team USA’s gold medal-winning team in 2021 and has cemented her status as one of the best players in the world.
In 2023, Chelsea Gray had the best statistical season of her WNBA career. She averaged 15.3 points, 7.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. That followed her winning the WNBA Finals MVP award in 2022.
While the Las Vegas Aces would certainly prefer having Chelsea Gray in the lineup, they aren’t hurting for star power. Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum are both All-Star guards and league MVP favorite A’ja Wilson leads the frontcourt.
This is a loaded and deep team that has more than enough talent to survive without Gray in the mix. They are going to take their time, as everyone is on the same page and okay with exhibiting patience.
As shared by ESPN, “Gray said she and Aces coach Becky Hammon have agreed, “‘Let’s be smart about this.’ I don’t feel I need to rush. Am I anxious? Heck, yeah, because I don’t like sitting on the sidelines. But I understand there’s a bigger purpose.”
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