#5 The return of Liz Cambage
Liz Cambage sat out the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns, but doesn’t seem to want to do the same in 2021. Her return will not only mean a much better defense for the Las Vegas Aces, but it’ll also help contribute critical points that could be the difference between winning and losing. Whether she has any difficulties returning to form remains to be seen, but she should be absolutely on fire when she gets into her stride. She might even be the biggest factor in whether the Aces win a championship this year.
#4 The bench
Depth- the Las Vegas Aces have a lot of it, and that has to do with how good their bench players can be. Whether it’s holding a lead late in a game, digging themselves out of a hole, or even trying to squeak out a win, the bench seems to be just as good as the starters are. If nothing else, this is going to lead to a well-rested Las Vegas Aces team that can light up the scoreboard even when their best players aren’t on the court.
#3 Signing Dearica Hamby to a 1-year extension
While Dearica Hamby might not have been the leading scorer on her team, she worked on her game and averaged 13 points last season. Of course, some of this had to do with the loss of Kelsey Plum and Liz Cambage, who were both out for the season, but she fought admirably in their place. In fact, you could even argue that she was a highly critical piece in helping the Aces make it to the playoffs and eventually the Finals. Whether she repeats this performance remains to be seen, but her stats have been trending upward in several categories.
#2 The return of Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum might not seem like much of a factor on paper, but she is one of those key rotational players that can carry the load when the starters are on the bench. Again, she only averages about eight points a game and maybe a few assists, but she’s still crucial during those moments when the starters need a break. She might have even have been able to make a difference in a few of their games against the Seattle Storm if she didn’t go down with an injury during the preseason. Hopefully, she will get into the flow of things relatively early this time.
#1 Landing Chelsea Grey in free agency
The Las Vegas Aces made out like bandits during the offseason by signing longtime Los Angeles Sparks player, Chelsea Grey to a multi-year contract. Expect this to add another layer of critical depth to the Aces scoring and could even be a deciding factor in whether they win a championship or not. Think about it! With 14 points, five assists, and three rebounds per game, she will definitely be a factor every time she steps out on the court. The question, however, is whether the Aces can find a way to utilize her efficiently or not.
“This is about my process and what I wanted in the future,” Gray told ESPN. “I had amazing years in L.A. The organization became family, and we won a championship. But I felt that it was time for something new. That’s why I was full-steam ahead with this free-agency process, and I felt Vegas was the best fit for me now and in the future.”
