Former WNBA star Maya Moore was selected to be inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2025. Moore's honor recently drew a response from Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who addressed the subject as the Aces defeated the Seattle Storm 75-70 on Sunday.
"Maya, I mean, just from college... she was an electric player," Hammon said, via Landon Buford. "Her athleticism obviously jumps off the charts, but her work ethic, you know, going to Minnesota I remember playing them her rookie year. She wasn't the best player her rookie year... You just saw the potential, though. I mean, once a game she'd do something that you've never seen before."
Moore was a star at UConn in college and continued her dominance at the professional level. She played eight years in the WNBA, earning an MVP and six All-Star selections along the way. Moore also led the Lynx to four championships during her time in the league.
Although she was a superstar without question, Moore stepped away from basketball to focus on other elements of her life in 2019. Rumors about her potential return swirled over the next few years -- as she had not officially retired. In 2023, though, the former Lynx star officially announced her retirement from the WNBA.
"She leads such a life of conviction," Hammon continued. "I really admire that about her. I wish we would have gotten to see her a little bit more, but life put her in another direction. She seems really happy... I think you see somebody in Maya who is driven by a higher purpose than just basketball, a higher calling.
"I'm not surprised she's in the Hall of Fame. We knew she'd be there... A phenomenal example of living a life of service to others."
Moore's WNBA career may have ended earlier than expected, but she is more than deserving of her Hall of Fame selection. She enjoyed a remarkable basketball career to say the least. There is a reason why Becky Hammon holds so much respect for the Lynx legend.
As for the Aces, Las Vegas currently holds a 4-2 overall record. The Aces are in second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the 8-0 Lynx.
The Aces are set to play the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday afternoon. Las Vegas will look to climb the standings with a big victory on the road against the Valkyries.