In a surprising turn of events, former WNBA All-Star Tiffany Hayes has decided to come out of retirement and sign with the Las Vegas Aces, as announced by the team on Friday. While the specifics of the contract remain undisclosed, it’s speculated that the seasoned guard will join the Aces for the remainder of the current season.
Tiffany Hayes, who was a second-round pick in the 2012 draft, announced her retirement in December, citing various reasons, including her desire to explore other interests and concerns about her physical well-being after playing 11 consecutive seasons without breaks.
However, the opportunity to join the Aces and pursue a championship, a feat still absent from her impressive career, persuaded Tiffany Hayes to return to the league for at least one more season. Expressing her excitement about the new chapter with the Aces, Hayes conveyed her gratitude towards the organization for accommodating her decision and expressed confidence in contributing to their success.
The unexpected move came after the Aces waived Dyaisha Fair, the third-leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history, earlier this month to create roster space. While many anticipated a subsequent signing to bolster the team, Hayes wasn’t on anyone’s radar.
Despite being at a later stage in her career, Hayes’s addition to the A’s roster is significant. With notable statistics from her previous season with the Connecticut Sun, where she averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, along with impressive shooting percentages, Hayes brings versatility and experience to the team. Her ability to create scoring opportunities, both for herself and her teammates, coupled with her defensive prowess, makes her a valuable asset for the Aces.
Head coach Becky Hammon expressed her excitement about Hayes’s arrival, highlighting her proven performance on both ends of the court and emphasizing the team’s need for additional depth, particularly in light of Chelsea Gray’s indefinite absence.
Despite Hayes’s earlier retirement announcement, the Aces seized the opportunity to add her to their roster, confident that her skills and experience would further bolster their championship aspirations.
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