LAS VEGAS, NV — For Chelsea Gray, the glue that keeps the Las Vegas Aces humming is simple, strategic and earned trust.
“You can’t really put it into words,” Gray told Nitecast Media regarding of the bond she shares with A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and head coach Becky Hammon. “It’s just because we’ve been together for a while, and there’s nothing that, you know, we can’t really tell each other. We’re very vulnerable. There’s a trust, and that comes with winning as well.”
That chemistry — forged in playoff battles and long seasons — is the quiet backbone of an Aces roster built to defend and compete for another championship this season.
Gray is quick to credit the people around her who sustain that standard.
“My family, of course. They pour right back into me. My parents, my wife and son, they’re great. And then people I trust in that locker room. And obviously the people that’ve been here and have been around for a long period of time, they’ve seen a lot of ebbs and flows throughout my career.” The veteran guard’s emphasis on vulnerability and mutual support speaks to a leadership style that has produced four WNBA titles and a culture of accountability in Las Vegas.
Amid those conversations about internal culture, Gray paused to celebrate one of the game’s enduring figures. On Candace Parker’s enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Gray erupted with happiness that landed a smile on her face regarding her friend and former teammate.
“I was excited for it. Somebody that transformed the game. The game looks totally different because she’s one of the people that’s made it different.” Gray also pointed to Parker’s on-court IQ, competitive fire and off-court identity — “{she’s} a great mother, a great wife, sister, daughter, all the things” — as reasons Parker’s legacy will reverberate for generations.
Even while honoring the past, Gray keeps watch on the future. She acknowledged the buzz surrounding Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles — the “baby Point Gawd” — and praised what she sees as a mature, efficient package. “Her pace is really good. Her ability to get the ball to different players in a multitude of ways, I think that makes a difference,” Gray said. “She can pass it this way, this hand, and transition off, like a bounce pass. There are many ways to get the ball to someone, but the most efficient and quickest way is possible. So her ability to do that at such a young age is really promising.”
That recognition from an established leader like Gray underscores why Miles’ rapid ascent has drawn national attention: seasoned peers are noticing her court vision, passing variety and decision-making under pressure. For Gray, the compliment is both observation and affirmation of the rookie’s readiness to impact games at the highest level.
As the Aces chase the top spot in the standings and another deep playoff run, Gray’s comments offer a snapshot of a team built on trust, family and a hunger to keep evolving.
