Aziaha James entered the 1-on-1 tournament in a difficult position. She was the only player from the development pool to compete, and she had to go up against Jackie Young. Young is 6’0”, a two-way genius, a four-time All-Star, and a three-time WNBA champion. She is a nightmare matchup for anyone, but having her go up against a member of the development pool rather than an All-Star veteran like Brittney Sykes, Arike Ogunbowale, or Chelsea Gray seemed almost unfair.
James held her own, though. And, while doing so, she sent a strong message to the Wings and every Unrivaled team: She is a talent the Wings shouldn’t want to lose in the expansion draft, and if any Unrivaled team needs a player from the development pool, James can contribute.
Aziaha James showcased her potential against Jackie Young
James may have lost 4-11, but she put up a good fight and had some impressive plays. She battled on the boards, scoring off an offensive rebound to get on the board.
She also managed to compete well with Young’s size and strength. James got two blocks, even though one of them didn’t end the possession. Young got the ball back and scored. On another occasion, James drove to the rim, took the contact from Young, and made a layup over her.
Considering who she was going up against, James held her ground very well. If she had gone up against a less tough opponent, she may even have won.
James already suited up for the Lunar Owls this season. She recorded 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in almost 14 minutes on the court. If coaches needed any other proof that she could hang with the other players in the league, she gave it to them in the 1-on-1 tournament.
James’s future with the Wings is uncertain
The expansion draft will be a difficult time for the Wings. Teams are expected to be allowed to protect five players from the Tempo and Fire. That’s not nearly enough to protect all of the young talent on the Wings’ roster.
Paige Bueckers and Maddy Siegrist are locks for the list. Arike Ogunbowale should also make it considering some of the comments new head coach Jose Fernandez made about her. That leaves the Wings with two spots and a ton of talent: Ajša Sivka, their first-round pick from the 2025 WNBA Draft, Awak Kuier, Luisa Geiselsöder, Li Yueru, and James.
GM Curt Miller seems determined to bring Kuier back, so she is a strong candidate to make the team’s list of protected players. If James is left unprotected, the Tempo or Fire will almost certainly pick her.