In a season where dominance seems to be the norm for A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces superstar continues to etch her name into the history books. With one of the most impressive single-season performances in WNBA history, Wilson recently added a historic achievement to her resume, setting the record for most points in a single season during a 27-point showing against the Indiana Fever. As the WNBA MVP race heats up, a new and surprising voice has joined the chorus of those supporting Wilson: NBA star Bam Adebayo.
The Miami Heat centre, fresh off an offseason where he was awarded the key to the city of Miami, took to social media to make his feelings about Wilson’s MVP case abundantly clear. In a succinct yet powerful one-word post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Adebayo stated what many have been thinking: Wilson should be the unanimous MVP. His post quickly gained traction, further amplifying the conversation around Wilson’s extraordinary season.
U’nanimous.
— 13am Adebayo (@Bam1of1) September 12, 2024
As the WNBA regular season nears its conclusion, Wilson’s performance stands out not just for her incredible scoring ability, but for the way she has consistently led the Aces to success. Averaging an astounding 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, Wilson has put together one of the most complete and dominant seasons in recent memory. Her scoring average, which set a new league record, underscores her ability to take over games, while her defensive prowess has made her one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
Beyond her stats, Wilson’s leadership has propelled the Aces to a strong position in the standings, where they currently sit fourth with a 23-13 record. The team, which has been in the playoff mix for several seasons now, has found an anchor in Wilson, whose MVP-caliber performances have elevated them into championship contenders.
Wilson’s brilliance this season isn’t confined to the WNBA either. Earlier in the summer, she played a pivotal role for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, where she took home the MVP award, further solidifying her status as one of the best basketball players in the world—male or female.
While Adebayo’s post supporting Wilson may have taken some fans by surprise, their connection goes back to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Both Adebayo and Wilson represented the United States on their respective national teams, competing on the international stage and establishing themselves as key figures in Team USA’s success.
The camaraderie forged during those Olympic Games has continued to grow off the court. Just a few weeks ago, Bam Adebayo was honoured with a key to the city of Miami in recognition of his contributions to the Miami Heat franchise. Among the attendees at the ceremony was none other than Wilson, who cheered on her friend and fellow star as he was celebrated by city officials.
Miami-Dade County official puts A’ja Wilson on the spot for being present to watch Bam Adebayo receive key to the city:
“I guess that has something to do with Bam and the Heat, huh?”
(via @WillManso, h/t @BASKETBALLonX)pic.twitter.com/EEN5QpwzeG
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 4, 2024
Wilson’s presence at such a significant event for Bam Adebayo shows the mutual respect and admiration the two athletes share. When a city official called out Wilson’s presence, it became clear that their relationship transcends mere professional courtesy; it’s a friendship built on shared experiences and mutual accomplishments at the highest levels of the sport.
This sense of solidarity, fostered during their time at the Olympics, has continued to shine through, with Adebayo publicly throwing his support behind Wilson’s MVP campaign. For a male NBA player to so vocally support a WNBA star is still somewhat rare in today’s sports culture, but it’s a testament to how Wilson’s performances have transcended gender boundaries in the basketball world. While Bam Adebayo’s endorsement of Wilson for MVP is a powerful statement, the truth is, it’s hard to argue against the merits of his claim. Wilson has simply been on another level this season, setting new records and consistently carrying the Aces on her back.
As with any MVP race, there will always be debate. However, Wilson’s combination of scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership makes her not just a standout player in the WNBA, but one of the most dominant players in basketball today, period. With her historic point total and MVP accolades already on her mantle, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else walking away with the league’s top individual honour.
However, the notion of unanimity is where things could get tricky. Despite Wilson’s clear statistical advantage, there will always be detractors and those who seek to undermine her achievements for various reasons—whether it’s personal biases or favouring other narratives. But in an ideal world, Wilson’s unprecedented success this season should be enough to secure her the unanimous vote for MVP.
A’ja Wilson’s historic season and MVP candidacy are about more than just basketball. They represent the growing recognition of female athletes as equal to their male counterparts, especially when male stars like Bam Adebayo openly endorse their success. Wilson’s accomplishments highlight the evolving landscape of professional sports, where WNBA players are increasingly receiving the attention and accolades they’ve long deserved.
Wilson isn’t just a star in her league; she’s a global basketball icon, and her success deserves to be celebrated with the same fervour as any NBA MVP. Bam Adebayo’s public support for Wilson is a refreshing reminder that great basketball transcends gender, and Wilson’s continued dominance is forcing fans, players, and analysts alike to reevaluate how they view women’s sports.
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