Is the panic button too close in Vegas?

The Las Vegas Aces, over a month into the WNBA season, are struggling with inconsistency, holding an 8-8 record after 16 games and sitting seventh in the standings. While factors like offseason roster changes and league adjustments are cited, their mediocrity raises questions about when "the learning curve" stops being an excuse. For a team with a history of dominance, an 8-8 record feels like a failure compared to expectations.

The Aces' most significant issue is their extreme lack of consistency; they alternate between double-digit wins, double-digit losses, and narrow wins followed by narrow losses. This pattern suggests their previous reign may be ending, moving beyond mere growing pains.

Facing this difficult situation, the Aces made a significant trade, sending a future first-round draft pick to the Dallas Wings in exchange for former No. 2 overall pick NaLyssa Smith. To facilitate the trade, Vegas waived Liz Kitley and Tiffany Mitchell. This move represents a shift for the Aces, indicating they believe Smith can have an immediate impact despite her recent struggles in Dallas, based on flashes of potential shown earlier in her career with Indiana.

Whether the trade can stabilize the Aces' rocky season remains uncertain. Comparing the current team to its more successful recent past highlights its current shortcomings. However, with 16 games played, the season could still improve or worsen. Despite likely not being a championship contender this year, the team possesses leadership and veteran experience, offering hope for finding a better rhythm, potentially leading to a decent postseason run and more enjoyable basketball, requiring realistic expectations.