Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson is a dominant force in the WNBA, both as a player and a public figure. Known for her remarkable performances and memorable quotes, Wilson recently made her eighth All-Star appearance. Before the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, she shared her main driving force in an interview with ESPN.
“My haters!” Wilson exclaimed, laughing. “I love proving people wrong. I enjoy being my true self and ruffling feathers. It’s something I truly love.”
Wilson continued, “While winning rings, banners, and trophies is nice, nothing compares to being genuine and enjoying that space. It’s fun, and inspiring the next generation is also important to me.”
During a pregame press conference, Wilson spoke about her interaction with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “My only relationship with Cathy is when she presents me with awards, which is wonderful. I enjoy seeing her in that context,” she noted.
A’ja Wilson, a dominant player with the Las Vegas Aces
Wilson’s career began when the Aces picked her from South Carolina as the top pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. She has since achieved remarkable feats, including four MVP awards, eight All-Star selections, six All-WNBA team appearances, and three Defensive Player of the Year titles. She also claimed two scoring titles and has been a three-time WNBA champion.
Last season, Wilson achieved a historic milestone by winning the Defensive Player of the Year, WNBA MVP, WNBA Finals MVP, and a championship in a single season, according to ESPN. Wilson’s era with the Aces has seen the team win three championships.
Recently, Wilson set a record, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 6,000 career points. Currently, she averages 26.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game over 24 games. She leads the league in scoring and blocks. The Aces are 18-8, ranking third in the league standings, and are set to continue their title defense against the Portland Fire on July 28.
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