A’ja Wilson Compared to Serena Williams As 4-Time Champion Backs Her Against NBA Players

Las Vegas Aces superstar A’Ja Wilson has built a reputation as a beast in the WNBA, amassing a record four MVP titles to her name, which simply proves she’s really out of her league. 

This sentiment has been echoed by former four-time NBA champion John Salley, who thinks Wilson could also dominate in the NBA. 

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During his appearance on the “TFU Podcast” hosted by Ad Dolphin and Alejandro Gonzalez, the former Detroit Pistons big man explained how Wilson’s physique and her knowledge to use it to her advantage would make her stand out in the men’s game. 

“Imagine if [Wilson] had to play in the NBA or against men. She’d be cooking a lot of these dudes. Destroying a lot of these guys. This ain’t like tennis. Like, you know, Serena [Williams] was like, ‘If I played against the men, they’d beat you.’ No, you playing basketball,” Salley said.

Salley’s comparison of Wilson to Williams, who dominated the tennis court over the years, points toward the Aces’ center being the best player of her generation. Apart from being a four-time WNBA MVP, Wilson boasts three WNBA championships in her cabinet and was never out of the top 10 in MVP voting over the last nine seasons. 

If all things go well in the postseason for Wilson, she could set a new record of winning five MVP titles. However, her fans would have to wait and see if she’d be able to recover in time for the playoffs, as she’s already been ruled out of Team USA’s squad that’s headed to Berlin, Germany, for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. 

“The Queen’s Gambit is the smartest play Wilson has”: Jason Whitlock predicts A’Ja Wilson skipping the World Cup could settle the MVP debate

Despite sitting out the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, A’Ja Wilson could be on course for her record fifth MVP title, according to WNBA analyst Jason Whitlock, thanks to what he sees as a smart move for the 30-year-old superstar. 

Many people were concerned for Wilson after it was announced on Monday that she’s withdrawn from Team USA’s World Cup squad for health reasons, and according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Wilson’s back issue is the main culprit, which has been keeping her from being in full health this season. 

Sep 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

However, Whitlock, through his “Fearless” podcast on Tuesday, linked it to the heated WNBA MVP race, that had her pitted against Caitlin Clark. 

“Most people are not buying the back injury,” Whitlock said. “In recent months, internet influencers have mounted a propaganda campaign that Caitlin Clark is the real MVP. On an international stage, Wilson is stepping away and daring Clark to prove it. … She might lead Team USA to the title, and completely reimagine the MVP race.”

He believes that if Clark leads Team USA to win its record fifth straight World Cup gold, many people will push the narrative that she deserves to be the MVP as well in the WNBA, which is somewhat expected of Wilson had she flown with the team to Berlin. 

Whitlock also believed that if Wilson was part of the squad alongside Clark, and they lose in the World Cup together, it would be taken more as a hit to Wilson that it is with Clark. 

That’s why he believes in taking a break from the world stage to focus on her MVP battle on home soil.

“Sitting is the only square that is not a trap. The Queen’s Gambit is the smartest play Wilson has,” Whitlock added. 

If she does recover from her back issues, Wilson could definitely end the MVP race as she’s currently averaging 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game on 52.3% shooting in 37 of Las Vegas’ 40 games so far this season. 

Meanwhile, Clark left the US for the World Cup with 22.5 points, 8.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 36 games for the Indiana Fever. 

 

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Jun 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) is defended by Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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