A’ja Wilson’s journey to becoming the league’s first-ever four-time MVP was one of the most exciting ones. For most of the season, it seemed like Napheesa Collier would be the runaway winner. But as the Aces ended the season on a 16-game undefeated streak, the odds swiftly shifted towards A’ja Wilson, and with the announcement last Sunday, history was made in the WNBA. Being the first-ever to do something in a league is certainly noteworthy. But do these A’ja Wilson’s achievements make her GOAT-worthy?

Almost two years before the announcement, A’ja Wilson appeared on Paul George’s Podcast P and spoke about her status among the GOATs of the WNBA. She said, “When you are talking about the GOATs of the W, I need my name up there. At least top 3.” Since then, A’ja has achieved a lot that many might think would make her case stronger to at least be one of the faces on the Mount Rushmore of the WNBA. Since the podcast, she has won a WNBA Championship (and named Finals MVP),  led Team USA to an Olympic gold, become the first player to have multiple seasons with 10 or more games with 30+ points, and so many more.

After getting the latest accolade, this clip of hers is coming to light once again. And naturally, fans are having some strong reactions to these comments. While some are indeed supportive, the main prevailing opinion coming from the fans does not paint a pretty picture. Let’s explore some of these reactions coming from passionate WNBA fans.

Fans’ Reaction to A’ja Wilson’s GOAT Race Plea

“GOATS don’t call themselves GOATS.” A fan commented. These five words were enough to bring attention to a bigger issue. Should a player call themselves a GOAT? When you have achieved as much as A’ja Wilson, it’s natural to be considered among the greatest players in the league’s history. But, as many WNBA analysts believe and often say, it’s not fair to rank someone until their career is done. Sure, it is clear that A’ja’s career is headed on a historic trajectory till now.

But with the way the league is changing, there is no telling how her career or her game would age as the league switches to a more electric and pacy style.

Another person commented that experts often say these subjective things. They commented, “I like A’ja. I think she is the goat but these are things you let people say about you. You yourself don’t say, cause it comes off disrespectful to the ones who came before you.” A statement as true as it comes, as it addresses all the concerns sports commentators have. Generally, whoever is considered the GOAT of a sport does not label themselves as one. Maya Moore, who is often considered the GOAT of the WNBA, has never once spoken about being the GOAT or not.

Yet another fan raised concerns about the consequences of calling yourself the GOAT. They said, “Calling herself that immediately disqualify her.” There are plenty of cases where a player calling themselves the GOAT does more harm to their case than good. Sure, a player should always be confident in their abilities and be proud of their resume. But calling yourself the best of anything gives the fans an impression of ego. And being a fan ourselves, that does no good for your case.

Coming to some more examples of players calling themselves the GOATs working against them, fans pointed out a similar case from the world of the NBA. “The LeBron effect smh.” LeBron James and A’ja Wilson are similar in their if we consider their resumes, but just like it did with LeBron and MJ, proclaiming or even demanding yourself to be the GOAT has only turned a big part of the fanbase against their case. Just like in the case of Maya Moore, Michael Jordan also just let his career and resume do the talking and leave doubts about their status in the league.

While most of the fans were giving their opinions, for or against her GOAT case, there was a fan who was just looking forward to seeing how the debate went against her case. They commented, “Can’t wait to witness the debates on why she isn’t or won’t be #1 on the list.” It will certainly be an interesting debate. On one hand, fans will bring her unprecedented achievements of four MVPs. While others will bring up some of the other legends that paved the way long before her. Be it Maya Moore, Lisa Leslie, Tamika Catchings, or even someone else.

What’s certain is that right now, she is one of the, if not the best, players in the league. If she continues on the same trajectory, by the time she hangs up her boots, it will be very hard to argue against her case. But for now, all of her and the Las Vegas Aces fans’ focus would be on beating the Indiana Fever and making it back to the WNBA Finals.