Jewell Loyd may have played an integral role in the Las Vegas Aces' outstanding run to the championship last year. But since teaming up with Becky Hammon in 2025, the 32-year-old's offensive production has significantly decreased. Without Chennedy Carter lighting up the opposition from the bench, the Aces require more from their veteran -- or a deep postseason run might not be viable.
There is only one thing on the minds of the Aces, and that is the championship. With the legendary A'ja Wilson on the roster, nothing else signifies a successful season. Nevertheless, titles aren't won by one player; it's a team effort, and a franchise's secondary unit is now as important as the starting lineup.
Throughout the 2026 season, the Aces' bench players have struggled to make a positive impact. Even with Chennedy Carter's scoring bursts included, Las Vegas ranks 11th in the bench scoring standings, averaging 20.1 points per game.
Since Chennedy Carter departed Las Vegas, the team has struggled to maintain momentum when their stars are resting, and these are the moments in which Jewell Loyd must step up to the plate -- so far, she has failed to do so.
Las Vegas needs more from Jewell Loyd
In what could easily be perceived as the twilight of her career, Jewell Loyd should suit a sixth-player role. Impact scoring should be the star's bread and butter, but so far this year, the Notre Dame alum has failed to show the offensive sparkle the WNBA has become so accustomed to seeing.
Over 35 appearances in 2026, Loyd has averaged a career-low 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. With just three starts to her name, Becky Hammon's vision for the guard is clear: be the Aces' scoring punch from the bench. These numbers prove that Loyd is not meeting the expectations required of a championship-calibre star.
This is not a case of Las Vegas not having faith in Jewell Loyd. She is very much a valued member of this franchise. After hitting free agency in the offseason, the veteran was handed a lucrative three-year contract, reportedly worth $2.5 million, costing the Aces $800,000 in 2026.
Respect is shown in many ways, but none is more valuable than a mouth-watering contract. It couldn't be clearer that the Aces perceive Loyd as a critical piece of their championship puzzle. However, in her current form, she is not repaying the faith that the franchise has bestowed upon her.
If Jewell Loyd can't rekindle her offensive magic by the time the postseason rolls around, the Las Vegas Aces have little chance of clinching a second consecutive championship. If Loyd doesn't start scoring in bunches soon, Becky Hammon may have to reconsider her role in the rotation.
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