Stephen A. Smith picks A'ja Wilson over competition like Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier and others as 'best player in the world'

Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson stands out among other WNBA MVP contenders like Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier and others in the eyes of analyst Stephen A. Smith.

After Wilson dropped 42 points against the Dallas Wings at the College Park Center in Arlington on Tuesday, Smith said that her level of performance gives the Aces an advantage over other opponents, dubbing her the best player in the world.

"She is the best player in the world right now, better than all of them. And, as the season winds and the playoffs approach, it's just gonna intensify, 'cause she is serious about her business-- You have to show me you're going to knock her off, for me to believe," Smith said.

Smith also shut down any concerns fans might have about the Aces, saying it is normal for championship-caliber teams to lose regular-season games.

"I don't think it's a bad time. It happens. Losses happen during the regular season. The Aces are the reigning two-time WNBA champions. I gotta see it to believe that somebody is going to stop them, particularly with A'ja Wilson playing the way she plays," Smith added.

A'ja Wilson is dominating both ends of the court, averaging 27.1 points (52% shooting) and 2.7 blocks. Her case as a defensive specialist and DPOY award candidate is strong, with her averaging 9.5 defensive rebounds and 1.9 steals this season.

Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark are also having excellent seasons, averaging 21.1 and 18.0 points per game, respectively. Collier averages 7.6 defensive rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. While Clark averages 5.4 defensive rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 rebounds per game.

However, Wilson's stats are in a different league over other competitors.

Despite A'ja Wilson's big performances, the Aces are struggling

Post the Paris Olympics break, the Aces started with a loss to the New York Liberty. They only beat the LA Sparks and Chicago Sky while dropping two games against the Lynx and the most recent against the Wings. This might concern some fans, but Smith remains confident in Wilson, a strong candidate to win the MVP award this season.

The Aces will face the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury in their next two games, hoping to bounce back and start a run in the WNBA season's final games. Heating up at the right moment is crucial if they want to retain their championship and the next couple of games present a solid opportunity.