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WNBA 2018 Rookie Report: A’ja Wilson

By Ben Dull

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 6: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on before the game against the China National Team in a WNBA pre-season game on May 6, 2018 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 6: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on before the game against the China National Team in a WNBA pre-season game on May 6, 2018 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to the 2018 Rookie Report. This initial set of posts will give a brief outlook on members of the 2018 WNBA draft class.

We will discuss the answers these players provide to their new teams along with questions that will need to be answered for them to maximize their potential as a player. We’ll close with thoughts on what will need to happen for each player to get some playing time and offer thoughts on what you should be looking forward right away as you tune in on League Pass. (Advanced stats obtained via HerHoopStats. Read their glossary here.)

A’ja Wilson

Round 1, Pick 1 – Las Vegas Aces

Age: 21 – Height: 6’4 – Position: Forward/Center

2017-18 stats at South Carolina:

The Aces landed a foundational inside presence that will immediately be able to post, shoot, drive, rebound and block shots at the next level.

Answers she provides

  • Impressive instincts as a shot-blocker and rebounder on both ends
  • Mobile, rangy and heady defensive presence capable of splitting time at PF/C right away
  • Strong scoring presence inside capable of punishing switching defenses or small lineups
  • Ability to face up slower bigs and take them off the dribble
  • Good midrange shooting stroke
  • High-stakes collegiate experience being leaned on as a primary option

Questions looking forward

  • Finishing through and over contact at the rim against longer players
  • Keeping up with do-it-all, all-world forwards (Alyssa Thomas, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles) at the four spot
  • Extending her range beyond the three-point to maximize her potential as a driver in pick and pop situations
  • Navigating pick and rolls as the big defender in a spread floor
  • Establishing position and talling up defensively against premier post scorers
  • Continuing to block and alter shots at the highest level without fouling

Path to playing time

Minutes will not be hard to come by for this No. 1 pick, though the team does have several quality options up front.

One thing to watch right now

What happens when she takes starting fours off the bounce and runs into a center at the rim? There’s little doubt as to whether Wilson can consistently get that far. Finishing over the top of centers in the WNBA is a tall order.

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