“Blessing in Disguise” a Vegas Heist?

NaLyssa Smith has lived more plot twists than a Netflix limited series.

Indiana’s Caitlin Clark main stage, Dallas’ “new era” with Paige Bueckers, and now Vegas’ Narcos ring-chasing cartel.

Somehow NaLyssa Smith is calmer than all of us.

“It’s a blessing in disguise. Trades aren’t always a negative… it came at a good time for me.”

Blessing?

Respectfully sister, that’s the basketball witness protection program.

New city, new number, same agenda: go hoop and, get jewelry.

“Give Me Minutes” to “Give Me a Parade float!”

Indiana in 2024 had Smith looking like a TSA carry-on: handled, scanned, and put in overhead storage.

10.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG and then nine minutes in a playoff opener. Nine. That’s “try the appetizers and leave” energy.

Then the move to the Dallas Wings was the reset for Smith’s career.

Instead, the Wings started 1–11, and NaLyssa’s line read 6.7 & 4.9 in 19 minutes. But the film showed activity—boards, contests, short-roll reads—which is coach-speak for “the box score is lying but my eyes aren’t.

Then the door kicked in.

Vegas Calls: “We Heard You Hate Free Time”

The Aces traded a 2027 first like it was a Starbucks gift card and told her to pack.

Risky? Sure.

But Becky Hammon basically slapped an “Immediate Use” sticker on her:

“She’s a baller… a hooper… another tough big body. We’re putting her in spots to take load off A’ja” said becky hammon.

A’ja co-signed the cram course:

“NaLyssa’s a very fast learner. We threw her in the fire… she’s asking questions, wanting to learn.”

Result: 8.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 56% FG in 22.7 MPG with Vegas, plus an 18 on 7-of-9 heater vs. Indy. That’s not empty stats—that’s “do the dirty work and steal a quarter” basketball.

Short-Roll Adulting: Screen, slip, one decision. Floater, dunker finish, or “find the open shooter because gravity exists.” No dribble TED Talks.

Glass Goblin: Not every rebound is hers, but half of them are her fault (in a good way). Tips, wedges, chaos → second chances.

A’ja Insurance: Clean verticality keeps Wilson out of meaningless fouls. That’s two extra A’ja minutes per half. That’s the math.

The Role, Simplified: 15 Winning Plays > 15 Shots

The ring-chaser version of NaLyssa doesn’t need 15 attempts. She needs:

3 hard rolls that pull the low man,

4 second-chance taps,

2 clean rim contests,

1 “oh no” sprint that flips a matchup,

5 quiet possessions where nothing bad happens.

That’s Hammon’s “she can get stuff done” thesis.

The Aces didn’t need a soloist; they needed a drummer who can also hit a mean tom fill.

This version of Smith is playing alongside one of her favorite players of all time. She’s in an environment that’s conducive to her growth and development. Smith is playing in a system that appeals to her strengths on the court. All of this is happening while Las Vegas is getting ready to reap the benefits of Smith entering into the prime of her career soon.

For both parties, Smith and Las Vegas, this has been a win-win situation.

Everybody’s Saying the Same Thing (That’s Good). Why This Isn’t Just Vibes! 

Hammon: “Tough big body… great touch and feel.”

Wilson: “Fast learner… wants to learn more.”

Smith: “Positive change… right time.”

When coach, MVP, and player are reading off the same teleprompter, that’s not PR. That’s a fit.

Best Indy year (’23): 15.5 & 9.2 in 28.5 MPG

Dallas blip (’25): 6.7 & 4.9 in 19.1 MPG

Vegas stretch (’25): 8.2 & 5.3 on .556 FG in 22.7 MPG

One playoff pop: 18 pts (7-9 FG) in 30 min vs. Indy

That’s fewer calories, higher protein.

Lean, mean, championship cuisine.

Three more games and Smith will have a championship.