Ethan Miller/Getty Photos
The Las Vegas Aces announced that they’re parting methods with basic supervisor Natalie Williams. Las Vegas is restructuring its entrance workplace, and Williams’ contract won’t be renewed.
“It has been a pleasure and honor to function Normal Supervisor of the Las Vegas Aces,” Williams mentioned in an announcement.
“Profitable two WNBA Championships with this unimaginable group of gamers and employees has been a dream come true. I wish to thank Mark Davis and the Aces Group for the unimaginable alternative to assist lead this franchise. I like the WNBA, and it has been fantastic watching the expansion of the sport. I am wanting ahead to what lies forward.”
The Aces wished Williams farewell upon her exit.
Las Vegas Aces @LVAces
Thanks, Natalie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fuxHI3mvO5
Aces president Nikki Fargas supplied these remarks.
“We’re extremely grateful for Natalie’s invaluable efforts in serving to construct the Aces into the premier franchise within the WNBA. Her time with the group extends again to the league’s early life in Utah, and she’s going to without end be part of our historical past, having left an indelible mark as each a participant and an govt. We want one of the best for Natalie and her household.”
Williams joined the Aces in 2022, and the group received back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. This 12 months’s squad reached the semifinals earlier than falling to the eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty.
At the moment, it is unclear what the Aces’ entrance workplace restructure will appear like, or who will take over the lead basketball operations function.
However the Williams departure is one other massive transfer within the 12-team WNBA, which now has 5 head coach and three GM openings, per Meghan L. Hall of USA At this time’s For The Win.
On the floor, Williams leaving Las Vegas is stunning. The group has received the championship twice in her three years. Granted, final season ended with a troublesome semifinal loss and a fourth-place end within the standings, however the Aces have nonetheless been the league’s high group since 2022.
Las Vegas did have the championship core in place earlier than Williams arrived, as three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, Jackie Younger, Chelsea Grey and Kelsey Plum have been all on the group by then.
However the Aces did choose up key abilities in free company since then, together with Sixth Girl of the 12 months Alysha Clark in 2023 and Tiffany Hayes in 2024.
Nevertheless, Las Vegas hasn’t had one of the best draft file lately.
Hunter Cruse @HunterCruse14
Since Natalie Williams was employed as GM:
– Mya Hollingshed: 2022, No. 8 choose
– Kierstan Bell: 2022, No. 11 choose
– Khayla Pointer: 2022, No. 13 choose
– Dyaisha Truthful: 2024, No. 16 choose https://t.co/V8pgZoNyP6
Las Vegas did land former Iowa star Kate Martin within the second spherical, although, and he or she was a member of this 12 months’s rotation.
Relating to different components of Williams’ file, one fan additionally famous some points with Williams’ strikes (or lack thereof).
“Dachelle” @djvsdachelle
Sat on her palms & watched different groups get higher. Chelsea was out 12 video games, Natalie may’ve signed Odyssey Sims. They knew A’ja wanted assist in the put up. They might’ve signed Mo Billings. Did not make any trades @ the deadline both.
Williams was as soon as an outstanding participant, starring on the collegiate, skilled and worldwide ranges. She was a two-time All-American at UCLA, a four-time WNBA All-Star, a gold medal winner for Workforce USA within the 2000 Summer time Olympics and a two-time World Cup winner (1998, 2002).
Williams posted 13.1 factors and eight.3 rebounds per recreation from 1999-2005 with the Utah Starzz and Indiana Fever.
