A’ja Wilson, having just wrapped up Team USA practice ahead of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, hurried to the Phoenix Convention Center. She was dressed in black cargo pants uniquely modified by her stylist, with one leg cut off to replicate the single leg sleeve Wilson wears during games, and wore a necklace featuring her A’One logo. Exhausted but gracious, she requested a mini fan for her chair, emphasizing her fatigue was due to her hectic schedule rather than any diva tendencies.
Given her recent accomplishments, it’s no wonder she’s tired. Wilson’s team, the Las Vegas Aces, are reigning back-to-back champions and are currently poised for a potential three-peat with a 16-8 record. In the offseason, Wilson achieved the status of a New York Times best-selling author with her book *Dear Black Girls*, and was lauded by Tom Brady in the *Time* 2024 Most Influential People list. Once the 2024 WNBA season commenced in May, Wilson demonstrated she had reached an even higher level of performance.
Wilson leads the league in points per game (27.2), rebounds per game (12), and blocks per game (2.9). As a six-time All-Star, two-time WNBA MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, she set a new WNBA record for the most consecutive 25-point regular-season games (eight) and was on a streak of six straight such games heading into the All-Star break. However, the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend was anything but a break for her.
Despite her busy schedule, Wilson made time for fans at Starry’s activation for WNBA Live in the Phoenix Convention Center and was present courtside to support her fellow players at the 2024 Starry 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge.
“Starry just hits different when it comes to wanting to uplift others and making sure that we’re seen,” the 2018 No. 1 overall pick said. “As an athlete, particularly as a woman in basketball, it’s kind of hard to be seen in some cases. But Starry invests in me, and I’m always happy that I can be there.”
Wilson’s charisma was palpable as she discussed with DIME her upcoming Nike A’One signature shoe, her *Finding Nemo* handshake with Aces rookie Kate Martin, and the possibility of leading the Aces to a three-peat during her standout season.
When asked about handling her petty impulses when people speculated about her lack of a Nike signature shoe, she laughed and admitted, “One hundred percent. Keeping my shoe a secret was the hardest. Particularly because many people thought they knew everything, and they didn’t. I wanted to tell them off every single time. But what is delayed is not denied, and I was so glad I could showcase it the way I wanted. Now everyone can see there’s a shoe coming in 2025.”
Wilson emphasized the importance of celebrating her teammates and supporting them through both good and bad times. She noted that knowing she had their backs, whether on or off the court, was crucial for maintaining team morale and performance. This supportive approach fosters a resilient team spirit that persists through both challenges and triumphs.
Discussing her favorite characteristic of the Aces this season, Wilson highlighted their resilience. “Our fight through adversity is something I hadn’t seen before. Normally, it comes in September and October, but we had to fight our way through in May. I realized we have some fight in us early.”
When given the choice between a pretty bucket or a physical one, Wilson confidently opted for a pretty bucket. She shared the amusing origin of her *Finding Nemo* handshake with Kate Martin, revealing it stemmed from a random moment of inspiration and Martin’s willingness to have fun.
Wilson recounted a favorite memory of seeing her signature one leg sleeve becoming a trend. Her agent once sent a picture of a game where nine out of ten players were wearing the sleeve, which amazed her. What started as a necessity during training camp because of a leg issue had turned into a popular fashion statement.
Reflecting on her season, Wilson credited her phone’s screensaver, featuring a quote from Kobe Bryant, “Rest at the end, not in the middle,” as a source of motivation. She revealed how the fourth-place vote for the 2023 WNBA MVP ignited a drive to prove herself. This mantra, alongside her determination to push through barriers for herself and her teammates, fueled her exceptional performance this season, which she described as incredibly fun.
Wilson’s journey and achievements, marked by her leadership on and off the court, underscore her dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. Balancing a demanding schedule, she continues to inspire fans and peers alike, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and the power of support within a team.
