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A'ja Wilson says she is feeling good, and she feels right where she needs to be as the WNBA season resumes this week.
Wilson made the somewhat-controversial choice to sit out the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany this month. Team USA won the gold medal without her, extending its record of 12 FIBA World Cup titles.
But speculation was rampant as to why Wilson -- who has missed only three games for the Las Vegas Aces this year -- did not represent her nation at the World Cup. Some even said that Wilson feared being in Caitlin Clark's shadow.
Wilson put an end to the speculation on Tuesday.
"It was just (about) taking care of my body, what I need to do," Wilson told reporters from Aces practice. "This ball is going to stop bouncing eventually, and I want to make sure that I at least feel good in that."
MORE: Aces' Jackie Young has completed basketball after FIBA World Cup win
Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP and one of her generation's greatest players, explained that she wasn't thinking about sitting out just to prepare for the playoffs with the Aces. Las Vegas, the reigning WNBA champion, is likely to enter the postseason as the No.3 seed and will attempt to win a fourth title in five years.
"It was moreso 'I just don't feel well,'" Wilson said. "If I can't give 100 percent then I feel like I rob not only my teammates but wearing the USA uniform."
A'ja Wilson tells reporters that she did not participate in the FIBA World Cup because she did not feel 100% physically.
Wilson said it had less to do with prioritizing the #Aces playoff run and more to do with her own health, a decision HC Becky Hammon supported fully.… pic.twitter.com/4qKQSFxQmY
Aces coach Becky Hammon reaffirmed her full support for Wilson's decision, and that it was in line with her character as a serial winner, beyond her annual MVP candidacy.
"She's a proven winner, and that doesn't just happen," Hammon said. "I know the USA decision weighed heavy on her, and I know she wanted to be over there."
Of course, Hammon had to acknowledge that a rested Wilson helps the player and her team as they gear up for the playoffs. And in two years, Wilson will be on hand to help the US win an even greater prize: Olympic gold at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
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