Aces Dynasty Reloaded: Hammon Tackles ‘Internal Bleeding’ for Title Run

Aces Dynasty Reloaded: Hammon Tackles ‘Internal Bleeding’ for Title Run

The Las Vegas Aces are champions again. For the third time in four years, they’ve proven they are a WNBA dynasty. Coach Becky Hammon joined us to talk about what it takes to stay on top and how she handled challenges last season.

Hammon knows repeating as champions is tough. “Maintaining the greatness is the real challenge,” she explained. It’s the difference between good players and great ones.

Great players show up ready to play almost every single night. Hammon wants her team to be that consistent force, playing their best game ten out of ten times.

“Staying hungry” is key, according to Hammon. She believes there’s a big difference between just being hungry and being truly “starving” for success. She aims to keep her team in that “starving man mode,” playing with a strong sense of urgency.

Last year didn’t start the way they wanted. But they found their way back, even with unseen struggles behind the scenes.

“The process is always preparing you for where you’re going,” Hammon said. She reminded her players of this during tough times.

This process helps them learn how to handle and navigate future challenges. Plus, she admitted, “we got really good players.”

A’ja Wilson’s Rise to the Top

One of those “really good players” is A’ja Wilson, who recently signed a $5 million deal. Hammon feels every cent is deserved.

She remembers watching Wilson’s early career, recalling a tough loss in 2021. “Once somebody you could tell she gave it her all and felt like they fell short,” Hammon noted, “and then ever since then Asia has either every year or every other year being champ MVP.”

Hammon recalled watching film of the Aces’ 2021 loss to Phoenix, the year before she took over. “I think I can win with this group right now,” she thought, seeing Wilson’s potential.

Wilson has consistently added to her game each year. Hammon remembers working out with Wilson after taking the coaching job.

“Man, you can really shoot,” Hammon told Wilson, asking why she didn’t shoot more threes. Wilson replied, “I wasn’t allowed to. It just wasn’t our system.” Hammon quickly changed that, saying, “Well, it’s about to be.” Wilson’s ability to extend her game is a big part of her success.

What makes Wilson so great, Hammon explained, is her focus on making her teammates better. This commitment is why players like Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young want to stay. Wilson helps make the Aces a place where top talent wants to play.

The locker room runs itself, with players taking ownership and accountability. This player-led environment directly translates to success on the court.

Overcoming ‘Internal Bleeding’

Last season presented unique challenges. “We had some internal bleeding that maybe from the outside you couldn’t see,” Hammon revealed. There were personal and professional hurts that made the team feel like a “hurting unit.” Hammon focused on providing security, confidence, and love to her players during these difficult times.

This doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations. “We did have those moments of uncomfortable film and uncomfortable conversations,” Hammon admitted. However, she always made sure to reinforce those moments with care for the players.

“Happy players make better players,” she stated simply. Getting the team’s “heart and head right” was crucial before they could show the joy they had for each other.

Losing is never easy, and the Aces weren’t meeting their own high standards. Hammon reminded them of their championship pedigree. She needed to help them find their confidence again, especially when facing disappointment.

The Balance of Coach and Friend

Fans see Hammon as a “cool factor” coach, even dancing at parades. But she balances being a friend with holding players accountable.

“One thing I try to make a ton of investments in them as people,” she said. Learning about her players’ backgrounds helps her coach them better.

Having played the game and learned from Coach Gregg Popovich, Hammon is incredibly competitive. “I say the dirty word in sports which is fun,” she shared.

She believes you can be competitive and have a great time. “To me, it ain’t fun until we’re keeping score.”

She creates a competitive environment while also spending time with players off the court. Taking them to dinner and getting to know them as people is vital.

Hammon feels that the human side of athletes is often overlooked. “We disregard what really makes these athletes tick and that’s their human side.”

For Hammon, the best part of the job is connecting with her players as people. “90% of it has nothing to do with how good they run a pick and roll,” she explained.

She talks about how proud she is of them and their journey. Her number one job every day is to help them become great.

Lessons from Popovich and the Grind

The most important lesson Hammon learned from Gregg Popovich is simple: “Don’t skip steps.” She lives by his saying, “Pound the rock.” This means a relentless pursuit of hard work, and importantly, enjoying that grind.

Luckily, her players are eager to be in the gym. “I actually have to kick them out of the gym,” Hammon laughed.

They want to be there every day, which is a great problem to have. However, Hammon also stresses the importance of balance and rest for their bodies.

Bigger Paychecks, Same Responsibility

With players now earning million-dollar contracts, the question of added responsibility arises. Hammon emphasized that the team always played for the love of the game, not the money.

“The fact that we’ve added some zeros to these bank accounts, great,” she stated. She wants players to be paid as much as possible.

However, the requirements for winning remain the same. “You can’t skip those moral and ethical baselines.” Hammon believes her team understands this. They know that adding zeros to a paycheck doesn’t change the fundamental skills and dedication needed to win championships.

“There’s a skill set in winning, and there certainly is,” Hammon concluded. She has a group of players who understand what it takes to win championships as a team.

Source: Becky Hammon addresses Aces' 'internal bleeding,' A'ja Wilson's growth & more! | Women's Sports Now (YouTube)