A’ja Wilson finally broke her silence this week, telling reporters the real reason she sat out the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin: she simply wasn’t feeling 100 percent physically. Forget all the wild speculation about Caitlin Clark’s shadow or prioritizing the playoffs; the four-time WNBA MVP made a choice for her body, and honestly, who can blame her?
No Shadow Play, Just Smart Self-Care
The rumor mill was churning hard, wasn’t it? People were out there saying Wilson, one of the greatest players of her generation, was scared of Caitlin Clark’s rising star. Seriously? That’s just wild. Wilson missed only three games for the Las Vegas Aces all year, so her absence from Team USA’s gold medal-winning run was a huge deal. But Wilson shut down all that noise on Tuesday from Aces practice. “It was just (about) taking care of my body, what I need to do,” she explained. “This ball is going to stop bouncing eventually, and I want to make sure that I at least feel good in that.” It wasn’t about strategically sitting to prep for the playoffs either, as some suggested. Wilson said it flat out: “It was moreso ‘I just don’t feel well.’” She feels like if she can’t give 100 percent, she’d be robbing her teammates and the USA uniform. That’s real talk from a proven winner.
Becky Hammon Backs Her Star, Aces Gear Up
Aces coach Becky Hammon didn’t just support Wilson’s decision; she fully reaffirmed it. Hammon knows Wilson. She called her a “proven winner,” emphasizing that it doesn’t just happen. “I know the USA decision weighed heavy on her, and I know she wanted to be over there,” Hammon told reporters. This is a player who wants to compete for everything, so sitting out was clearly a tough call. But Hammon also gets that a rested Wilson is good for everyone. The reigning WNBA champions are likely heading into the postseason as the No.3 seed, eyeing a ridiculous fourth title in five years. You know a healthy, recharged A’ja Wilson makes that quest a whole lot more dangerous for the rest of the league.
With the WNBA season resuming this week, you can bet Wilson is ready to go. The Aces need her at her best as they gear up for the playoffs, aiming for another championship run. And hey, while we’re looking ahead, mark your calendars: Wilson will be back in the USA uniform for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, ready to bring home some Olympic gold. The league just got put on notice.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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