The Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA title despite being dark horses early in the season. Even though A’ja Wilson was instrumental, many other players played a key role in the win. After the incredible championship run, analyst Stephen A Smith even advocated for Becky Hammon to lead an NBA side, praising her tactics and game plan.
While SAS praised the Aces coach, former NBA player John Salley praised the league as a whole and even gave some tips to the current NBA players in his recent interview.
John Salley Praises The WNBA Gameplay Over Modern NBA
The four-time NBA champion John Salley appeared on the ‘Really, No Really’ Podcast, where he discussed life after basketball and the differences between the WNBA and the NBA.
While the player loved current NBA players’ athletic abilities, the Pistons’ rookie preferred a more ‘fundamental approach’ for the games. Talking about the same, he said, “I was able to bring my daughter to watch this (WNBA) game, that is such a huge thing that you’re watching fundamentals. They’re fundamentally sound. They’re not just totally athletic. They still play a fundamental game. They still play a team game. And it’s fast, and the ladies are dribbling and shooting the three, doing everything.”
He mentioned that he saw Lisa Leslie dunking in the game, but mostly WNBA players play a team game, sharing the basketball to score a basket, which is fundamental to the game. The forward expertly explains that the WNBA is thriving because it’s showcasing the game in the right way.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Incidentally, A’ja Wilson also shares the same vision and even thrashed the ‘demands for the dunks’ in the WNBA.
A’ja Wilson Gets Real About Dunking In The WNBA
The four-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion achieved a great deal in the league. And there are hardly any plays that the 6-foot-4 forward can’t make. But the reigning finals MVP faced a question about dunking in the game; the player had a straightforward answer.
Wilson said, “Dunking is cool. It’s amazing. I’ve seen people dunk a lot. It’s cool, but maybe it’s just not part of our game, and I wish people could really understand that. I wish they could really cherish the other things that we bring to the game that maybe is just kind of flashy as dunking … I wish people could get away from that. Stop talking about lowering rims ― all that shenanigans ― and just kind of focus on the craft we have in our league right now.”
While the WNBA players also adored the NBA style, they have their own gameplay, which is equally electric and entertaining. One such example is the 2025 Rookie of the Year winner, Paige Bueckers, who named two NBA superstars she could watch on TV every day, yet she is equally effective and popular as her NBA idols.