The Las Vegas Aces have launched their 2025 WNBA preseason campaign with a statement, and they’re overflowing with talent. With back-to-back wins, first over the Dallas Wings (112-78) and then a nail-biting (85-84) victory against the Phoenix Mercury, the Aces have proven that even their rookies are ready for the big stage.
But while these early-season wins are sweet, they’ve also led to a pressing dilemma for head coach Becky Hammon—one she didn’t shy away from addressing.
Becky Hammon’s Dilemma Regarding the Aces Roster
After the thrilling win against Phoenix on May 6, Hammon got candid about the challenge she faces: deciding who makes the final roster. With the WNBA’s tight roster limits, Hammon’s problem isn’t a lack of talent but it’s having too much of it.
“It’s their job to make my life difficult, and they’re making me make tough choices, that’s for sure. I look at whole parts, though, how they’ve been through all the practices, the collective picture. And by the way, Deja has been very good in the collective picture,” said Hammon during the post-game interview after 2nd preseason game.
The pressure to make those decisions reached a new level after the performance of rookie guard Deja Kelly, who exploded in the final moments of the Aces’ second preseason game. The Oregon alum finished with 15 points, including a jaw-dropping six points in the final 46 seconds of play.
But Kelly wasn’t alone in shining bright. Fellow rookies Aaliyah Nye and Harmoni Turner also made their presence known. Nye contributed five points while Turner added four, each making the most of their minutes and showing a strong understanding of the Aces’ system.
“But everybody that we’ve brought in has played solid basketball. So, this is absolutely my least favorite part of the job. I don’t like it, and it’s really hard. There’s only so many spots, and it just becomes a numbers game. I’d like to keep all of them. It’s just not doable. And until they add roster spots, it is what it is,” added Hammon during the interview.
After the Deja Kelly takeover last night, I asked Becky Hammon how she approaches decision-making with so much to evaluate from the Aces’ newcomers.
“This is absolutely my least favorite part of the job… I’d like to keep all of them. It’s just not doable.” pic.twitter.com/v842VOuU4W
— Callie Fin (@CallieJLaw) May 7, 2025
As the Aces get ready next for their regular season game against the New York Liberty on May 17 the spotlight isn’t just on the scoreboard but it’s on the bench. Kelly, Nye and Turner have forced their way into the conversation.
However, did you know how Kelly got into basketball?
The Reason Kelly Fell in Love with the Sport
The incredible performances from Kelly are a clear testament to just how deeply she loves the game of basketball. Her passion radiates every time she steps on the court, whether it’s hitting a clutch shot or leading her team with poise and confidence.
But beyond the flashy highlights and stat sheets, there’s a touching reason behind her connection to the sport.
During a heartfelt moment on the “C-SUITE BALLERS” show hosted by Chiney Ogwumike, Kelly revealed that her love for basketball was born from something deeply personal—her mother.
“So, my mom, as everyone knows probably by now, she was a coach,” Kelly said. “She ran her own program, and I kind of grew up watching her. She already had a high school girls’ program, so I grew up kind of being around and watching them a little bit.”
“So, when I kind of got to the age of five, six, I was like, I want to play, mostly because I just wanted to be around friends. My cousin, who was a little bit older than me, also played. So I was like, I just want to do whatever she does and see where it goes,” said Kelly during the show.
In her final season with Oregon, she averaged 12.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, proving her consistency and growth. If she continues on this trajectory in the regular season, there’s no doubt she has the potential to help lead the Las Vegas Aces to even greater heights.