Caitlin Clark might be the most popular player in the WNBA, but Las Vegas Aces star A’Ja Wilson is unequivocally the best player in the league.
Wilson recently reminded fans that neither she nor her fellow WNBA stars deserve to be overshadowed or disrespected just because of Clark’s rising fame.
“I felt like I was mentally tired in that whole whirlwind of people constantly saying, ‘A’ja, you’re only known because of Caitlin [Clark]; we’re only here because of Caitlin,’” Wilson shared in a recent interview with Marie Claire. “And that’s great, I get that, but while you’re here I’m not going to let you discredit me or the work that I’ve done, or my teammates or the people who came before have done.”
Wilson is currently experiencing an unprecedented season. The two-time MVP leads the WNBA in scoring, averaging 27.2 points per game, and also tops the league in rebounds with 12.0 per game. With the regular season only halfway through, Wilson has nearly secured her third MVP award.
Despite Wilson’s incredible performance, it’s Clark who often grabs the headlines. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green recently addressed this issue, advocating for Wilson to receive the recognition she deserves.
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“The best thing since sliced bread in the WNBA is A’Ja Wilson,” Green said. “I’m not necessarily in the mindset that it’s all Caitlin Clark. No. A’Ja Wilson is great. A’Ja Wilson to me is the American dream. Coming from a two-parent household, grew, got better, young Black girl, had everything against her, beat the odds to become what soon will be known as the greatest player to ever grace the WNBA. That’s quite honestly my opinion. I think A’Ja Wilson is as marketable as anybody in the WNBA, but you have to figure out how to market the product.”
There is undoubtedly room for both Clark and Wilson to shine in the WNBA, especially following the league’s recent signing of a significant new media rights deal. However, Wilson is determined to receive the credit she rightfully deserves for her outstanding contributions to the game.
As the WNBA continues to grow and attract more attention, the talents of both Clark and Wilson can be celebrated. Yet, Wilson’s message is clear: her hard-earned accomplishments and those of her peers must not be overshadowed.
