Being the face of a basketball team comes with a lot of responsibility, but A'ja Wilson makes it look simple. She handles the expectations for the Las Vegas Aces so her teammates can just focus on playing the game. 

Former Aces rookie Kate Martin talked about her 2024 season on the Bird's Eye View podcast. A video from that chat was posted on X on May 30, 2026, by the account A'ja Wilson HQ. In the clip, Martin focused on her former captain's locker-room habits.

“She took the brunt of everything. For her to stomach it showed that every person in this locker room should be able to take it, too. When we’d lose, she’d say hey it’s okay, it’s a long season… everyone in that locker room knew she had your back.”

Martin explained that Wilson took full ownership of tough situations. Even with championship rings and MVP trophies to her name, Wilson did not hide from criticism. 

The Aces were trying to win a third straight title in 2024. That goal brought extra media attention and pressure every single day. Whenever the team lost or struggled, the blame used to land right on Wilson. 

Martin also pointed out how much Wilson cared about the people around her. She checked on players daily and made sure everyone felt welcome. Every person in the locker room knew the star forward supported them. 

Martin’s story gives a clear look at why Las Vegas stayed united through rough patches. The praise becomes even more meaningful when viewed alongside the results she has helped deliver in Las Vegas.

How Wilson Backs Up Her Words on the Court

Wilson keeps the team connected, but she also produces results. Even though they fell short of a championship in 2024, they still managed to reach the semifinals.

That tough mindset under the guidance of Wilson showed up in the 2024-25 playoffs. Las Vegas lost the first two games of the semifinals to New York. In Game 3, Wilson led the team to a 95-81 win. Her play and leadership kept their season alive for another night and proved they would not just quit.

She led Las Vegas to WNBA titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Along the way, she has also won Finals MVP awards, regular-season MVPs, and Defensive Player of the Year trophies. 

That standard carries right into the current 2026 season. Las Vegas is off to a solid start right now. Wilson is putting up 24.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 blocks a night.

People look at points and trophies when judging a career. But Martin's thoughts show a different side of a basketball great. 

Do you think that Wilson can still lead the Aces for a deep playoff run this season?

Read more at Her Sports Nation

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Souvik Roy