When reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson talks, the basketball world listens—because honestly, how could you not? The Las Vegas Aces superstar recently turned heads during her appearance on The Roommates Show, hosted by New York Knicks’ own Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Path Talent CEO Matt Hillman. The question? Which NBA team brings the most cohesive, high-energy vibe akin to Wilson’s championship-winning Aces. The answer? The Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, you read that right.
“I would say OKC,” Wilson said, with the kind of casual confidence only an MVP can pull off. “OKC seems like very nice. Like they are really like constantly always around each other. Like getting on each other’s nerves.” If that isn’t the modern-day equivalent of a sibling compliment, we don’t know what is.
The Aces Blueprint: Fun and Championships
For those unfamiliar, Wilson has essentially been the blueprint for creating a winning basketball culture since entering the WNBA in 2018. “It was completely new,” Wilson said of her early days with the Las Vegas Aces. “We had a whole new front office, so like we could kind of write our own story in a sense.” Translation: New team, who dis?
But Wilson didn’t just rewrite the Aces’ story; she penned a manifesto on balancing competitive dominance with a locker room vibe that could rival a reality TV squad—minus the attitude problems. “We don’t need anyone that’s got huge attitude problems,” Wilson explained. “We want to win but also want to have fun while doing it.” A culture queen if we’ve ever seen one.
Shaq’s “Brilliant” Idea: Lower the Rims? Not So Fast
Naturally, Wilson’s hot takes don’t stop with NBA team vibes. When Shaquille O’Neal—basketball’s larger-than-life uncle—floated the idea of lowering WNBA rims to boost popularity, Wilson wasted no time sending that suggestion into the metaphorical nosebleeds.
“What is it gonna do?” Wilson fired back, her tone dripping with the kind of “Really, Shaq?” energy we’ve all had for bad advice. “I’d much rather focus on maxing out my vertical than lowering the rim an inch. That could change all of our shots. Do y’all not understand that?” Translation: Thanks, but no thanks.
O’Neal’s argument might be rooted in his love for gravity-defying dunks, but Wilson and her WNBA peers have already solidified their reputations with elite fundamentals and athleticism. You know, the stuff basketball is actually about.
The Rise of Fundamentals and Star Power
Wilson’s remarks come as the WNBA enjoys growing popularity, thanks in part to rising stars like Caitlin Clark, who’s turning heads with her otherworldly shooting and court vision. Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver credits players like Clark for shifting the narrative. “They’re showing people why basketball is more than just a dunk contest,” said Silver, probably while checking his notes for the next Board of Governors meeting.
As for Wilson, her pick for the Thunder as the NBA’s most “vibe-y” team only adds to her mystique as a basketball oracle. Sure, OKC may not have a championship banner in their rafters just yet, but with camaraderie like theirs, maybe all they’re missing is an MVP like Wilson to take them there.
For now, we’ll take Wilson’s word for it—because when she speaks, it’s more than just basketball. It’s a vibe.
