Shannon Sharpe gives his early prediction for 2024 WNBA champions: "They are awfully difficult to beat"

The initial phase of the 2024 WNBA season has seen teams like the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx emerging as the prime contenders to stop the 2-time defending champions Las Vegas Aces from completing a 3-peat.

Becky Hammon's Las Vegas Aces have endured a topsy-turvy campaign in this year's WNBA. Yet, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Sharpe exuded confidence in Las Vegas' chances to complete a historic 3-peat.

"But I just think the Aces. A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA and it's not close," Shannon Sharpe opined on ESPN's First Take on Tuesday when quizzed about which teams among the Aces.

Shannon Sharpe reckoned that the return of Chelsea Gray would prove to be the game-changer for the Las Vegas Aces.

The renowned TV personality claimed that the quartet of A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum will ensure that the Aces complete their 3-peat.

"Now they got Chelsea Gray back to pair her with (Jackie) Young and Kelsey Plum. I just like the way they play. They are going to get their rhythm. Now that Chelsea Gray is back, they have won two consecutive games. With her (Gray) in the starting lineup, they are awfully difficult to beat. So for me, I'm just going to pick the Aces," Shannon added.

Aces are gunning to script a glorious chapter in WNBA history. Only one team has ever managed to win three consecutive WNBA titles in history. Now defunct Houston Comets team won 4-straight WNBA championships from 1997-2000.

A'ja Wilson determined to create history

A'ja Wilson is leading the Aces' charge for a historic 3-peat. The franchise boasts a record of 8-6 so far this season and it's because of Wilson's heroics that Aces are above .500 after playing 14 games.

Wilson is averaging 27.8 points and 11.6 rebounds, leading the league in both categories. The 2-time league MVP is second in blocks, averaging 2.4 block shots per game.

With veteran point guard Chelsea Gray back after missing the first 12 games of the season, Wilson and the Aces are bound to consolidate. Most importantly, the Aces are likely to make a push and climb up the Western Conference standings. Las Vegas currently occupies the third place.

With Liberty, Lynx, and Sun playing exceptional basketball, the Aces' road to winning 3rd successive title appears to be filled with challenges. But there is enough talent and experience in Las Vegas' camp to overcome the obstacles.