No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Episode: Recapping the Aces’s Super Squad Season Release Date: October 24, 2023

Introduction and Celebration Preparations

The latest episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show delves into the victorious season of the Las Vegas Aces, celebrating their second championship in two years. Host Zena Keita welcomes guest Sabrina Merchant to discuss the team's triumph and the upcoming celebrations.

Zena opens the conversation by highlighting the excitement surrounding the Aces' parade. She humorously references the team's celebratory drinking plans, mentioning Asia Wilson's amusing suggestion to consume "eight shots" this year compared to "four shots" last year (04:57).

The Super Team Debate

A significant portion of the discussion centers around whether the Las Vegas Aces qualify as a "super team." Zena raises the question, noting that while the Aces didn't acquire their star players through high-profile free agency signings like the New York Liberty, they possess three number one draft picks. Sabrina confidently asserts, "Super. If you ask me, pretty super" (10:28), affirming the Aces' status as a formidable squad.

Season Challenges and Team Resilience

The Aces' path to the championship was not without obstacles. Sabrina recounts various challenges, including Jericho Hamby's discrimination lawsuit, Raquana Williams' arrest, and Candace Parker's injury. Despite these setbacks, the team maintained an impressive 16-2 start to the season. Sabrina emphasizes the team's internal competition and resilience, stating, "They have an Aces versus Aces mantra all year where it doesn't matter what's being put in front of us. The biggest competition we're going to face is from ourselves" (13:44).

Team Management and Salary Cap Strategies

A key factor in the Aces' success is their strategic management of the salary cap. Sabrina explains that the team has extended their star players on below-max deals, allowing them to retain flexibility in signing key free agents like Candace Parker and Alicia Clark. "Instead of Asia Wilson making her max of like $240,000, she's making $200k. And you add that up over four different players who are all making below their max, that's enough money to sign Candace Barker and Alicia Clark during the off season" (22:25). This financial strategy has positioned the Aces to maintain their roster strength while preparing for future seasons.

Offseason Outlook and Player Prospects

Looking ahead, Sabrina projects the Aces to enter the next season as the heavy favorites for a third title. She discusses potential roster moves and the stability of key players, despite some uncertainties regarding Chelsea Gray's health. Sabrina also speculates on the operations of other teams, particularly the New York Liberty, suggesting that while they are close contenders, the Aces hold a significant advantage. "The Aces are number one with a bullet. And I'm not saying that they're a guarantee to win the title next year because we never know what's going to happen" (30:44).

Memorable Moments of the Season

Sabrina shares her favorite moments from the season, highlighting the emotional post-game celebrations and personal milestones. She fondly recalls Asia Wilson's championship-winning shot despite playing with a hurt wrist, encapsulating the team's tenacity: "It was a championship-worthy moment. She is the very best player in the world" (34:35).

Future of Women's Basketball: Overtime Select

In a forward-looking segment, Ben Pickman introduces Overtime Select, a new competition designed to provide high-level opportunities for young female basketball players. This initiative aims to rival established programs like IMG Academy and G League Ignite by offering mentorship from WNBA stars and business professionals. Sabrina and Zena express enthusiasm for this development, emphasizing its potential to elevate women's basketball by providing additional platforms for talent showcase and personal brand development.

Closing Remarks

Zena concludes the episode by congratulating the Las Vegas Aces and expressing excitement for the upcoming NCAA season. She encourages listeners to continue supporting and engaging with women's basketball, promising more in-depth discussions in future episodes. Sabrina adds her appreciation for the insightful analysis provided throughout the season and looks forward to the evolving landscape of the WNBA.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Zena Keita [04:57]: "At the time that we are recording, it's Monday, which means there's only one thing on the mind of the Aces fans, that parade. And apparently how much alcohol they should be consuming in order to be prepared for said parade."

• Sabrina Merchant [10:28]: "Super. If you ask me, pretty super."

• Sabrina Merchant [13:44]: "They have an Aces versus Aces mantra all year where it doesn't matter what's being put in front of us. The biggest competition we're going to face is from ourselves."

• Sabrina Merchant [22:25]: "Instead of Asia Wilson making her max of like $240,000, she's making $200k. And you add that up over four different players who are all making below their max, that's enough money to sign Candace Barker and Alicia Clark during the off season."

• Sabrina Merchant [30:44]: "The Aces are number one with a bullet. And I'm not saying that they're a guarantee to win the title next year because we never know what's going to happen."

• Sabrina Merchant [34:35]: "It was a championship-worthy moment. She is the very best player in the world."

Transcript Timestamps Reference:

• [04:57] Zena Keita introduces the main discussion about the Aces' championship and parade plans.
• [10:28] Sabrina Merchant affirms the Aces as a "super team."
• [13:44] Sabrina discusses the team's internal competition and resilience.
• [22:25] Sabrina explains the Aces' salary cap strategy.
• [30:44] Sabrina projects the Aces' outlook for the next season.
• [34:35] Sabrina reflects on memorable moments, highlighting Asia Wilson's performance.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode, providing a thorough overview for those who haven't listened while retaining the nuanced perspectives of the hosts and guests.