Aces give A’ja Wilson injury update, defend MVP’s choice to miss FIBA World Cup

LAS VEGAS — Amid criticism surrounding A’ja Wilson’s choice to miss the FIBA women’s World Cup, the Las Vegas Aces are prioritizing the four-time WNBA MVP’s health.

“She's needed some time, obviously,” Aces coach Becky Hamon told USA TODAY after Wednesday’s practice. “I still think she's dealing with some back stuff. Some days it's a little sorer than others.”

When the WNBA returns from the FIBA break on Sept. 17, Hammon expects Wilson to be in position to help the Aces in the final four games of the regular season. With victories in those contests, the Aces should be primed to maintain the third seed and embark on another championship run.

“For the most part, I think she's able to come out here and compete, and be there for her teammates, which is always her first priority,” Hammon said of Wilson. “But I'm keeping an eye on her, you know? Even in this downtime.”

Wilson and former Aces teammate Kelsey Plum were both late scratches from the global tournament, with USA Basketball announcing on Monday, Aug. 31 that Washington Mystics players Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron would be their replacements on the roster.

The news came days before the U.S.

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/