"Never backed down": A'ja Wilson drops honest compliment on Kate Martin after Aces exit

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson responded to a fan's question about Kate Martin on Sunday via her Thread account. When asked what it was like playing with Martin, Wilson offered a sincere compliment.

A'ja praised Kate Martin's energy and fearlessness, saying she admires the way the new Golden State Valkyries player performs against tough opposition. She wrote:

"Kate’s energy was contagious! Never backed down from anyone."

Post by @aja22wilson

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Kate Martin was taken by the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft on Dec. 6. The Las Vegas Aces originally selected her with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.

Kate Martin #20 of the Las Vegas Aces during the first half against the Chicago Sky on June 27,2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A'ja and Kate Martin forged a strong bond on and off the court, with the veteran Wilson taking Martin under her wing. The duo's pregame ritual, a distinctive handshake inspired by the movie "Finding Nemo," was a fan favorite.

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A'ja Wilson picked as face of WNBA by former NBA player

A'ja Wilson has solidified her status as a WNBA star, with her reputation soaring over the past two seasons. Former NBA player Lou Williams, appearing on FanDuel's "Run It Back" show on Dec. 12, chose the two-time WNBA champion as the face of the league over Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark.

"I still think (the face of the WNBA) belongs to A'ja Wilson. A'ja has done a tremendous job of being a champion, being an MVP, doing all of these things. And now her visibility has gone up. You're starting to see her in commercials," Lou Williams said.

"I still feel like it's A'ja, but you give Caitlin Clark credit. What she has been able to accomplish in her rookie year, and the eyes she has brought to the WNBA," he continued.

Las Vegas Aces' A'ja Wilson hugs Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark during last season's WNBA All-Star game - Source: Getty

Supporters of both A'ja and Caitlin Clark present compelling arguments. Wilson's impressive resume includes multiple WNBA MVP awards, two championships and a single-season scoring record. Clark, meanwhile, is credited with helping to fuel the league's surge in popularity and financial growth.