5 WNBA veterans who deserve the same spotlight as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

There's a strong case to be made that A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA—and there's a weaker case that she isn't. Selected at No. 1 overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson has been a force of nature on both ends of the floor over six seasons with the Las Vegas Aces.

Well on her way to yet another MVP award, Wilson should be nationally recognized as the face of the WNBA—and for those who watch it even remotely closely, that's exactly what she is.

Wilson is a two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. She was also named Rookie of the Year in 2018, has four All-WNBA nods on her résumé, won Finals MVP in 2023, and has led the Association in blocks on three different occasions.

In 2024, Wilson is running away with yet another accolade, as her 27.0 points per game put her a massive average of 3.9 points ahead of the No. 2 player in the race for the scoring title.

Barring an unforeseen development, Wilson will likely win her third MVP award—yet another opportunity to etch her name in WNBA history. She would become the fourth player ever to win three MVP awards, joining fellow all-time greats Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, and Sheryl Swoopes.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are justifying the hype, but conversations about the best player in the WNBA should begin and end with Wilson.