The reigning champions made light work of Japan, even without their MVP. A’ja Wilson sat out their opening preseason game with an illness she has been dealing with in the training camp. “With A’ja, we are just taking our time, making sure she gets what she needs,” Becky Hammon said before the game. Initially, it seemed like Wilson could miss more time considering the cautious tone but coach Hammon has clarified Wilson’s status as they lost another player to injury. 

The Aces dominated Japan 94-78 with 6 double-digit scorers. They were led by Chennedy Carter’s 18 points. Jackie Young scored 17, Chelsea Gray had 16, Kierstan Bell checked in for 14, Jewell Loyd added 13 and NaLyssa Smith posted the game’s lone double-double with 11 points and 13 boards. All while Wilson sat on the sidelines. Yet, Hammon clarified that Wilson is not completely unfit. 

“I’ll check in with her,” Hammon said in the post-game press conference.  “Her thing is, if we were playing in a playoff series, she’d be playing.”

The preseason is time to experiment and there is not going to be any change to Wilson’s role or play after winning her second MVP on the trot last year. She is going to go about her business as usual and other players are the ones Hammon needs to have a look at. So, there is no need to risk her fitness. Beyond Wilson, the injury woes don’t stop for Becky Hammon, as the Aces had their promising rookie, Janiah Barker, injured late in the game. Barker is known for her ability to score at all three levels and is also a two-time gold medalist.

With 2:23 to go in the fourth quarter, Janiah Barker ran into a backscreen and went down holding her head. Slowly, she got up and walked towards the dressing room as a physio examined her. Barker did not return and Hammon did not have an update on her injury after the game. 

“I don’t have an update for you guys,” she said. Janiah Barker was selected in the second round at No. 29 by the Aces. She had a point, a steal and 2 rebounds in 7 minutes before being injured. The team already has Dana Evans sidelined with a lower leg injury. There could be a minor injury crisis in Vegas and Hammon will need to ensure that it does not get worse. The coach further laid out a clear outline for their next game, signaling a more realistic rotation. 

Becky Hammon Outlines Rotation Change Against Dallas

The Las Vegas Aces are built on continuity. They re-signed their big 3 of Jewell Loyd, A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray along with NaLyssa Smith, Cheyenne Parker Tyus and Kierstan Bell. Why fix something when it’s not broken? However, they still have some new additions like Chennedy Carter, Stephanie Talbot and Brianna Turner. As the season approaches, Hammon is still looking for the perfect combination and addressing any kinks they might have. 

“We’re going to use it as a way to get better,” Hammon said regarding their Dallas Wings game. “We’ll probably be a little more into a realistic plan because we’re going to have games right around the corner after that. Right now we’re still moving pieces, figuring out what works and what combinations work best. I’m very open-minded with all of them.”

The main point of discussion is Chennedy Carter. The talented bucket getter is on a training camp contract but her abilities are those of a mainstay. However, the only problem is her past friction in the locker room. If things go smoothly for the rest of training camp, she might find her position in this lineup as well. 

In addition, Hammon will need to sharpen up their existing team. The disastrous start to the 2025 season is still fresh in the mind. While they had overwhelming success with the WNBA title, this team is not without its weaknesses. The Aces were 8th in rebounding, 9th in assists and 8th in defensive rating. So, there is a lot for Becky Hammon to correct before the season begins.