Smack dab in the middle of her prime, A'ja Wilson shouldn't necessarily have to explain herself when she makes a decision whether or not to play. The reigning MVP and WNBA Finals MVP has more than earned the benefit of the doubt. Still, any time the best player in the world skips a major tournament, like this summer's FIBA World Cup, there's going to be an understandable amount of conversation about it.
With the WNBA coming back this week, Wilson explained why she wound up skipping the tournament — that Team USA still won handily — at Las Vegas Aces practice. In short? Wilson said she didn't feel right physically and, as a result, didn't want to be a potential liability to her Team USA teammates, so she took some much-needed time to rest instead.
More from ESPN Las Vegas:
A'ja Wilson tells reporters that she did not participate in the FIBA World Cup because she did not feel 100% physically.
— ESPN 1100/100.9 FM (@ESPNLasVegas) September 15, 2026
Wilson said it had less to do with prioritizing the #Aces playoff run and more to do with her own health, a decision HC Becky Hammon supported fully.… pic.twitter.com/4qKQSFxQmY
The key distinction here is that Wilson's coach, Becky Hammon, supported her decision to sit out the tournament. If Hammon was in her corner, I would imagine Wilson's peers on Team USA understood her rationale as well. Which, to be fair, I don't see any major controversy about Wilson sitting out the tournament, and it should stay that way. She made the prudent decision for herself, the Aces, and Team USA.
When is the Las Vegas Aces' next game?
The Aces will play the Seattle Storm on the road on Thursday night at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: A'ja Wilson explained her understandable logic in skipping FIBA World Cup
